Marking Chicks

[ChickenCrazy93]

How does everyone mark or tag their chicks? I would like to identify chicks in some way so I can pick traits I like and so on. What methods work best?

 

[sassysarah]

I paint their nails different colors....

 

[ChickenCrazy93]

I paint their nails different colors....

Oh my gosh! I love that idea

 

[sassysarah]

Oh my gosh! I love that idea

Hah! Thank you! I probably copied it from members on this site. lol

 

[dalasgalas]

Awwww that tiny chick is adorable.

 

[ChickenCrazy93]

Awwww that tiny chick is adorable.

Thanks, he/she is part of my experiment. I have German Bielefelders that lay very dark eggs, I’m hoping the Roo I got from that group carries that dark egg gene also. Sooo, I am going to see if I can make some darker Olive/Blue eggs crossing him with my blue layer and if the auto sex of the bielefelder comes through also. I am currently splitting up into what I think should be male and female.. ohh the joys! We will see!

 

[Mosey2003]

Wing tags are permanent and numbered, but some don't like the idea of them (they punch through the thin wing skin).

Along the same line, you can toe punch, I think there are 16 different variations you can do.

And of course, there are leg bands. The problem with leg bands is you have to have a few different sizes for newly hatched and then older. And they're a titch pricy when you're buying a lot of three different sizes, all with the same number and color schemes.

I'm planning on using some colored dental bands (like for braces) on the new hatches, in various combinations. I do have a toe punch, but I'm still on the fence about it. When they're bigger, I'll use adult leg bands.

 

[ChickenCrazy93]

Wing tags are permanent and numbered, but some don't like the idea of them (they punch through the thin wing skin).

Along the same line, you can toe punch, I think there are 16 different variations you can do.

And of course, there are leg bands. The problem with leg bands is you have to have a few different sizes for newly hatched and then older. And they're a titch pricy when you're buying a lot of three different sizes, all with the same number and color schemes.

I'm planning on using some colored dental bands (like for braces) on the new hatches, in various combinations. I do have a toe punch, but I'm still on the fence about it. When they're bigger, I'll use adult leg bands.

The dental bands are a good idea! Then move the the leg bands. All these things I never think of!

 

[Mosey2003]

The dental bands are a good idea! Then move the the leg bands. All these things I never think of!

I can't remember where I read it, but they come in variety packs on Amazon. Get the bigger size, maybe it's 1/4"? Can't remember. I like them alright, though they can't wear them for too very long.

And there's always colored zip ties, but try to buy a good brand of them and keep a close eye, I've had them tighten seemingly on their own. I don't think the ribbing on them was deep enough. I just don't want to be trying to cut them off of tiny chicks, so I wait on those.

 

[Spartan22]

I paint their nails different colors....

Does it work? How long does it last? I need to borrow my wife’s polish.