Oh no

[cluckmecoop7]

Hi all,

I really want to know how I will tell my chicks apart when I get them...they are all going to be the same breed, how will I tell??

Thanks.

 

[Kiki]

Put different color leg bands on them.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Put different color leg bands on them.

Ok, but what should I use for leg bands?? Do I have to buy them somewhere??

 

[Dillychick]

Ok, but what should I use for leg bands?? Do I have to buy them somewhere??

cluckmecoop, do an online search for where to buy them. Good luck. As they mature they may have unique identifying characteristics.

 

[aart]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/leg-banding-with-zipties.68075/

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

All of my birds are the same breed. I have leg bands but i really dont need them. You will find that each bird has a different personality. It helps to name them based on this because you can tell them apart better. One of ours was called "No Name" for a while because she didnt exhibit anything prominent. Finally we began to notice that she was REALLY annoying! She would peck at our pants...insist on getting on the porch...and when you tried to redirect her she would just keep coming back. She earned her name: Persistence.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Thanks everyone!

 

[Ridgerunner]

I use colored zip ties when they get older but nothing when they are really young. That's not important to me but it is to some people. My issue with using zip ties when they are really young is that they grow really fast. You have to keep up with checking them and replacing the zip tie before it gets too tight. You can do it but you need to work at it. Same thing is true if yo get the rings.

I don't know how many chicks you are talking about or what colors, but you can die the down to identify individuals. Use a different colored permanent marker or even the same color and mark the down in different areas. Many hatcheries will use food coloring to mark the foreheads of chicks of different breeds but the same down color if you ask them to. Obviously don't use black on a black chick or yellow on a yellow chick, but you can work up a code based on where you mark or what color you use. A mark on the head, chest, right wing, left wing, small of the back, right rear side, etc. Marks on the chest plus right wing would be a different bird than chest and left wing. You get the idea. Different colors give you other options.

This also requires maintenance. Chicks pretty rapidly shed and grow new feathers or the marks might wear off. You have to keep up with it but it might work better than zip ties or rings on those tiny feet and legs.

I've hear of people using fingernail polish on the claws, different colors or on different claws, but I'm no sure how fast those wear off. I think anything will require maintenance when they are young and growing.

 

[Ribh]

As ninjasquirrel says, you will soon know them by their personalities. This is one way the pecking order evolves. Some birds will be more dominant, some compliant, some silly, some super sweet. Plus you will begin to notice slight differences in plumage or carriage or beak colouring that will also help. Being observant helps otherwise they will always look the same to you.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Thank you @Ribh! That helped me a lot!