Leg bands?

[lmterp]

Hi all,
My husband and I got 10 baby Orpington Buffs 6 weeks ago today. I love them dearly. I didn't think it would matter, but it turns out I would really like to be able to identify who is who for a variety of reasons! My question is whether people recommend leg bands or if they create problems. Also, if recommended, what size? They are probably only 6 1/2 weeks old, but they've gotten quite large.
Thanks for any input,
Lee

 

[TheChicken-nator]

I don't use leg bands I use the patterns and color differences to tell them apart but you can't really do that with buffs. I have heard of people using zip ties but only when they were full grown and wouldn't grow out of them. I'm sorry if that doesn't help but that's all I know

 

[aart]

You can use zipties @lmterp ,
you just have to be careful and keep them changed out as the chicks grow.
Any leg bands can be dangerous if not monitored closely.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/leg-banding-with-zipties.68075/

 

[cmom]

Be careful when using zip ties as the chicks grow fast. I do use leg bands. I use the plastic spiral bands.
https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Poultry...words=poultry+leg+bands&qid=1587566553&sr=8-8

 

[Ridgerunner]

I've used both the plastic spiral bands and zip ties. Both need to be monitored closely. Neither one stretches as the leg grows. If they get too tight either one can cut off a chicken's foot or cause other serious injury. Take this as a serious warning for either one.

I prefer the zip ties. You can adjust them when you put them on to get the right size. You cannot loosen them later, to change them you need to cut them off and replace them. That's not hard to do.

My problems with the spiral bands are that you need different sizes for different chickens. You have to match the age, breed, and sex of the chicken to the correct sized band. That's a bit complicated for me. Also, with my arthritis it's easier to put the zip ties on and cut them off than to manage those plastic spiral bands.

Both can work, there is some personal preference involved. My preference is for the zip ties.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I forgot to mention another possibility is to use colors. Food dye comes to mind, it won't hurt them. I've never tried it myself but it should work. It may fade with time but probably not that much, but you may need to touch it up. When they molt those feathers will fall out so you have to watch that time. More monitoring. But using different colors on different body parts could make for a quick identification. A different color on the head, left wing, right wing, both wings, left leg, well you get the idea.