Let’s talk leg bands!

[BluebirdHomestead]

Curious what everyone has used that works well for them. I have the little colored rubber bands to use for day olds, but need bands that’ll work as they grow that I can change out.

 

[Poultrybonkers]

most use zipties if i use them im using yellow for this years birds

 

[BluebirdHomestead]

most use zipties if i use them im using yellow for this years birds

Do you find it is sharp where you trim the zip tie?

 

[Poultrybonkers]

Do you find it is sharp where you trim the zip tie?

if you snip right off where its closed shouldnt have a sharp edge

 

[pibb]

Do you find it is sharp where you trim the zip tie?

Yes. In the mechanic world, zipties are often refered to as "hand slicers".

 

[BluebirdHomestead]

Yes. In the mechanic world, zipties are often refered to as "hand slicers".

Hahaha this is exactly why I’m shying away from zip ties.

 

[Gray Farms]

Zip ties. I use one on the right leg to indicate year born. And one or two on the left leg to indicate bloodline.

 

[Folly's place]

I was using the plastic numbered 'bandettes', a different color for each year, left leg for Marek's vaccinated, right leg for unvaccinated. They pulled off, and I had a couple of roosters who's band slipped up on the leg and caused wounds. Then I tried the plastic colored clickrings, and they popped off too.
Now I use colored numbered zip ties, and they have worked much better!
Whatever you use, make sure they are loose enough to not cause injury, and tight enough to not slip over the hock, or down to the foot. I don't put any on until winter, when the spring chicks are nearly grown, and check them often to make sure nothing is too snug, or where it shouldn't be.
I like the colored leg bands, because they are visible at a distance.
I've never used the permanent wing bands, because I don't want to put them on the chicks, and they aren't visible from afar.
Mary

 

[BluebirdHomestead]

Thank you all. I’m going to give the colored, numbered zip ties a try once the time comes.

 

[aart]

I've always used zipties, neither I nor the birds have ever been sliced.
Use good tools, good technique, good management.....and good sense.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/leg-banding-with-zipties.68075/