Silkie thread!

[SundownWaterfowl]

Quote:
I use wing bands for chicks. I either use a sharpie to mark them when they hatch or toe punch them. Once they get 1-2 weeks I wing band them. They're very easy to use. Once they get bigger I give them leg bands. I just started using Atlas Seal 305 bands. I also have use plastic numbered bandettes size 9. Some males could use a size 10.

 

[stoopid]

YAY!! If I knew how to link. Will learn someday, Stoopid.
Yes, 15mm is inside dimension on a solid band.
And, why don't we just make it simple, and join the ABA? Members can buy any amount of any size bands, mix and match, they are 35 cents each, with $5.00 S/H.
And, in my opinion, it looks more professional! They change colors every year, so everybody is on the same page.

 

[TwinMapleRanch]

Quote:
I use wing bands for chicks. I either use a sharpie to mark them when they hatch or toe punch them. Once they get 1-2 weeks I wing band them. They're very easy to use. Once they get bigger I give them leg bands. I just started using Atlas Seal 305 bands. I also have use plastic numbered bandettes size 9. Some males could use a size 10.

I looked at the wing bands... but I don't think I've got the stomach for it! Don't you have to pierce through the wing to use them? May I ask why you switch to leg bands if they are already wing banded? Do they outgrow them? Or is it just for ease of identifying them quickly? So many options, it's hard to choose!

 

[TwinMapleRanch]

Quote:
Posting a link is easy! Just get on the page you want to share, and up in your address bar, highlight and copy all the text, then just paste it into the body of your post. There is a fancier way to do it where you can make a word or two be the link with the actual address not visible, but it's not necessary. Going to look at the ABA site now! Thanks for the tip!

 

[stoopid]

I might screw it up again, but will try... THANK YOU!
And, I am pretty sure, the ABA will buy back all the bands you don't use. Don't hold me to it, but it seems like a no-brainer to buy from them.

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

Quote:
I use wing bands for chicks. I either use a sharpie to mark them when they hatch or toe punch them. Once they get 1-2 weeks I wing band them. They're very easy to use. Once they get bigger I give them leg bands. I just started using Atlas Seal 305 bands. I also have use plastic numbered bandettes size 9. Some males could use a size 10.

I looked at the wing bands... but I don't think I've got the stomach for it! Don't you have to pierce through the wing to use them? May I ask why you switch to leg bands if they are already wing banded? Do they outgrow them? Or is it just for ease of identifying them quickly? So many options, it's hard to choose!

Yes, they have a thin skin web that you pierce through. They don't mind at all. The only part they seem to not like is when I hold their wing out. It's over in a second. I like to have 2 forms of ID on each bird incase one falls off, etc. Wing bands are permanent unless you cut them off.

 

[TwinMapleRanch]

Quote:
I looked at the wing bands... but I don't think I've got the stomach for it! Don't you have to pierce through the wing to use them? May I ask why you switch to leg bands if they are already wing banded? Do they outgrow them? Or is it just for ease of identifying them quickly? So many options, it's hard to choose!

Yes, they have a thin skin web that you pierce through. They don't mind at all. The only part they seem to not like is when I hold their wing out. It's over in a second. I like to have 2 forms of ID on each bird incase one falls off, etc. Wing bands are permanent unless you cut them off.

Thanks for the info! A couple more questions.... Have you ever tried wing banding them when they're older? Most of mine are around 2 months. I have a few that are younger. Is it too late to wing band them? Do I need a special tool?

 

[CupOJoe42]

Quote:
The chart I have says size 9 for Silkies.

 

[CarolinaChickenKeeper]

I agree, Size 9 is perfect for the average silkie, unless it's a chick

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

Quote:
Yes, they have a thin skin web that you pierce through. They don't mind at all. The only part they seem to not like is when I hold their wing out. It's over in a second. I like to have 2 forms of ID on each bird incase one falls off, etc. Wing bands are permanent unless you cut them off.

Thanks for the info! A couple more questions.... Have you ever tried wing banding them when they're older? Most of mine are around 2 months. I have a few that are younger. Is it too late to wing band them? Do I need a special tool?

You need the applicator to close the wing band. I use the jiffy wing bands. http://www.randallburkey.com/100-Brass-Jiffy-Wing-Bands/productinfo/21010/ and the jiffy applicator http://www.randallburkey.com/Jiffy-Wing-Band-Plier/productinfo/21030/

I've wing banded adults before, to do it you may just need to pluck a couple feathers so you can see the skin, then push it through and then put the applicator over it and squeeze. They don't mind it either. The first time I wing banded I was very nervous expecting them to scream or something, but they were totally fine.