Naming and recognising chicks

[Rather_u_thanMe]

Hi all, newbie here from the UK

I was just wondering which ways everyone identifys their chicks. The lady we brought them from said you can put a coloured dot on their heads in felt tip to help you identify which ones which.

Are there any other ways people use??

My chicks are 4 days old and doing well I think

 

[416bigbore]

Hello and welcome to BYC, You found an Awesome poultry Forum to be a part of with many great knowledgeable members who are more then willing to jump in and help you with any questions you may have.

I have used small multi color plastic zip ties on their legs before. Need to keep an eye on them to make sure they stay lose enough as the bird grows. Best of luck.

 

[N F C]

Hello, I've heard of people using a bit of food dye on their heads or finger nail polish on their nails. There are also leg bands for chicks such as these: ref=sr_1_10

Maybe by the time they are larger, you'll be able to tell them apart based on personality or other characteristics.

 

[abpatchy]

I use elastic bands for poultry that I purchased in Belgium. They are called "rings for wings". You do have to change the size when they grow. But they are really nice. But it all depends how many chicks you are raising. It probably wouldn't be worth it for just a handful.
I am sure you can buy other colored rings online for poultry.

 

[Rather_u_thanMe]

Wow thankyou all for your quick reply. I'm so pleased to be part of this community everyone is so helpful.
Already been noting a few of their little traits and personalities. One of them is pretty loud at times (not because of heat/hunger) so I think that one could possibly be top of the pecking order

 

[Rather_u_thanMe]

Hello, I've heard of people using a bit of food dye on their heads or finger nail polish on their nails. There are also leg bands for chicks such as these: ref=sr_1_10

Maybe by the time they are larger, you'll be able to tell them apart based on personality or other characteristics.

Also do you think look bands would work the same as the bands you've mentioned?? (have some of them lying around)

 

[N F C]

Also do you think look bands would work the same as the bands you've mentioned?? (have some of them lying around)

I don't know what "look bands" are but maybe one of the other greeters that will come along will know.

 

[Rather_u_thanMe]

I don't know what "look bands" are but maybe one of the other greeters that will come along will know.

They are little rubber bands that look quite similar to the ones you mentioned, I'll look forward to some more answers from you lovely people x thankyou

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. This search may yield some useful info - https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/best-leg-bands.1186040/. I ha used this company in the past and found their service excellent - https://www.flytesofancy.co.uk/chickenhouses/Leg-Rings-Poultry.html

Here are some additional links:

• Great go-to resource - Articles
• Space requirements
• “How to...” guides
• Find other BYC members nearby using the links in my signature, below (turn your phone to landscape to see them).

Best wishes

Pork Pie

 

[abpatchy]

I would not recommend those bands... They are not the correct size. They need to be lose enough to not cut into the leg... yet tight enough so the chick does not lose them. I start with 4.5 mm go to 6mm. On to 8mm and 12... after that they have their numbered adult rings.