Leg Bands to I.D chickens

[bellachicks]

Hello. I have lots of leg band questions!
How do you know what size band a bird needs?
At what age can I band them?
Are there any "nice" bands? My dog has Red Dingo Enamel Tags http://www.reddingo.com/products/tags/
What sorts of options are there for chicken bands?
coloured aluminum?
personalized?

I would like to find 6 difference colours

Thank you

 

[SilkiesForEver]

There are lots of different bands to choose from. Personally, I like the bandettes. They are plastic with numbers on them, and they normally don't hurt the bird (unless you get the wrong size, etc). Bands come in lots of sizes from hatchling size to sizes that will fit geese.

Here are some plastic kinds,
http://www.strombergschickens.com/prod_detail_list/numbered-plastic-bands

http://www.cutlersupply.com/cart/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=6_89

Here are some metal,
http://www.strombergschickens.com/prod_detail_list/metal-bands

http://www.randallburkey.com/Metal-Leg-Bands/products/34/

 

[humphrey farms]

There are lots of different bands to choose from. Personally, I like the bandettes. They are plastic with numbers on them, and they normally don't hurt the bird (unless you get the wrong size, etc). Bands come in lots of sizes from hatchling size to sizes that will fit geese.

Here are some plastic kinds,
http://www.strombergschickens.com/prod_detail_list/numbered-plastic-bands

http://www.cutlersupply.com/cart/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=6_89

Here are some metal,
http://www.strombergschickens.com/prod_detail_list/metal-bands

http://www.randallburkey.com/Metal-Leg-Bands/products/34/

If you're not sure which size to use I have found that at McMurry Hatchery the customer salesperson quite helpful. They asked the breed & age of my flock and recommended the correct sizes. I, too, use the plastic bandettes.