Marking Pullets

[jeffdubya]

So, I am raising just over 50 pullets for the learning experience, and to make a few extra dollars. This project started because I decided to replace *my* entire flock, and because I know that lots of people want young layers, but don't necessarily want to raise chicks.

I'm getting to the point where I am starting to sell, and I want to mark the chickens I intend to keep , so that when people are picking their pullets, that there is an easily discernible mark and it doesn't seem like I am being arbitrary. It would also be nice to be able to mark chickens that a buyer has reserved but not picked up.

My thought was colored zip ties around a leg, but I am concerned that using zip ties could injure them in some way. Obviously, I would place them loosely, not so much so that they become a hazard for snagging on something, but to allow room for growth, as they really are maturing quickly.

Has anyone used this method for marking hens, or is there another method that would work equally well?

Your thoughts and experiences are appreciated.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

They sell little leg bands:
http://www.eggcartons.com/Poultry-Leg-Bands-s/1886.htm

 

[jeffdubya]

Looks like something I should probably purchase if I intend to keep doing this. In the meantime, I have buyers coming out NOW...

 

[ShockValue]

I would go with different color and gemstone chicken tiaras myself:


I'm kidding of course. Just here to subscribe to the thread. I'm thinking of zip ties as well, but only long enough for me to figure out who is who (I assume they'll grow up with distinguishing marks.) I have a few that I can't keep track of.

 

[jeffdubya]

Placed an order for leg bands.

 

[Lyrika]

I use zipties on mine and just replace them as necessary. I found they grow out of legbands too quickly, so I bought a bulk packet of multicoloured zipties, works out cheaper. (Plus, zipties are useful)

 

[jeffdubya]

So, my leg bands came, and I must say I am not thrilled with them. Plus I might have made a mistake ordering RED ones. All the other chickens seem to want to peck at them! Seems like you really have to stretch them out to maximum size and let the plastic's "memory" contract. Also not happy with the sharpness of the points on the ends. I may go out and try the blue ones I bought but I was hoping for some words of experience before I do...

 

[Celizwalsh]

I have been using them on my chicks this year and haven't had any problems. However I noticed they do grow out of them quickly and at 3 weeks old I have already had to switch them out for a larger size (so you may need to keep a close eye on them). And I do agree that they can be a bit sharp at the ends. I used green/blue and after acouple initial pecks they never bothered with them again so maybe red just isnt a good color choice. I also thought about using zip ties but decided against it after hearing a horror story about a chicken who's tie tightened and cut off its leg.

 

[Blooie]

Okay, this might sound stupid, but what about a dab of nail polish on the legs? It comes in tons of colors, some have quick dry formulas, and each bottle would last forever. If a mark started to fade or come off, a quick replenishing dab would fix that. You could do the upper leg in blue for those you want to keep, for instance, and an orange (yes, it does come in all colors!) for those reserved. Just a thought.

 

[annelions]

Those things look just like little bitty hair ties! I'm pretty sure I've seen chick-ish sized hair bands before, in the hair care section. If I'm not mistaken, they're used for cornrows and other very tiny braids. I honestly have no idea if they'd work or not, but they MIGHT be easier to use/remove than those leg bands. Maybe?