Marking Cot chicks? What's safe at hatch?

[SilkieRose]

I'm hatching 2 different bloodlines... Well..more than that, I think. Anyway. I've heard nail polish on bottom of feet or beak. What does everybody do??

 

[veggiecanner]

I would love to know, we divided brooder in half and have 7 others in a 10 gallon fish tank from uor hatch that finished today.

 

[Julbrod]

How about leg bands?

 

[freeflyin]

I haven't used them yet, but I've bought a variety of different colored 4" zip ties that I've heard can be used as leg bands. I guess you would just have to be sure to cut it off really close after you put it on so it can't get caught on anything and get tighter. Also be sure to leave it loose at first because they will grow. That's my advice, but again, I haven't actually done it yet.

 

[veggiecanner]

The zip ties work well at 5 weeks or older but not at hatch.

 

[freeflyin]

good to know. =] Do you have any suggestions for at hatch? Maybe just keep them separated? In the incubator then in the brooder until you can put a zip tie on them.

 

[Brookliner]

I have marked them at a few days old but used the very small colored zip ties and left them loose. remember to cut them off and replace them as they grow.

 

[veggiecanner]

I just put a zip tie on a 3 day old. wasn't easy but it can be done.