Leg bands

[Thechicksdigme]

How young can I put leg bands on my chickens? They are 4 weeks old.

 

[FlocksOfFluff]

They can have leg bands from day 1, you just have to make sure to replace them as they grow.

 

[Punkybrewster]

I use the tiny colored rubber bands you buy at the drug store in the hair aisle at hatch when i need to mark mine.
If i run out of colors for the amount of chicks i have, i just give them 2 different colors on their leg.

When they begin to outgrow these (around 4 weeks for mine), i use numbered zip ties and wing bands. Monitor the legbands. Chicks grow quickly and they will need to be changed out often.

I apply the wing bands at 4 weeks because when done at hatch, ive noticed they have a higher rate of falling out. Their wings are just so little.

 

[Etorb1]

I just put zip tie leg bands on my chickens yesterday. They are about 18 weeks. Do you think they will need to be replaced later? I did leave room, but I am not sure how much they will grow after this.

 

[Punkybrewster]

It really depends.
I notice my cockerels outgrow theirs faster than my pullets. Just monitor once a week how tight they are.

At 18 weeks, they will most likely need to be changed out at least one more time.

 

[Etorb1]

It really depends.
I notice my cockerels outgrow theirs faster than my pullets. Just monitor once a week how tight they are.

At 18 weeks, they will most likely need to be changed out at least one more time.

Thanks!