Record keeping for rotating flock

[mamahen16]

I have 6 laying hens right now and 6 chicks running around. I'm trying to keep detailed records of the flock as I go along but I'm wondering how to keep track of which hens are how old. They slow egg production after a couple years right? And since I really dont know who is laying what most the time, how do I know which ones are older or younger? Should I leg band them a certain color for each years new chicks? Or is there a better way to keep track of who is who and how old?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Most serious breeders use wing bands. I use numbered and colored leg bands. They can come off. Until they are full grown I use a combination of colored zip ties to keep track of them.

 

[Mahlzeit]

I use leg bands myself also

 

[Michael Apple]

I always used Bandettes. They are numbered and come in a variety of colors.

 

[aart]

I use skinny zip ties, they work for chicks thru adult with a few change outs as they grow.
Side cutters for trimming the extra length of the tie when putting them on, end cutters for cutting thru the lock to remove them.