Silkies / leg bands

[Miss Red]

These are all really good ideas. I'm writing all of them down so when my permanent flock gets here, I can mark them. I had problems with people stealing my game birds, so I got a new Rooster. If I hear someone screaming for help I know the little guy is doing his job guarding.

So, wing bands or leg bands both have their flaws correct? Nail polish or zip ties on younger birds for marking them, spray paint as a LAST resort... I don't think I could bring myself to spray painting one.

Tattoos! I tattoo my rabbits, in their ears. First number is sire, second is dam, third/fourth are year of birth. I think on chickens this would be a good idea, too, but what age would you do them and where?

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

I am pretty sure that seamless metal bands are available. If properly sized, they should be difficult to remove. I do think that tatooing in the wingpit is the best location, but I know almost nothing about how it is done on animals. Also, if it possible to use a white or light coloured ink and have it show on dark skin? I guess a question would be whether a tatoo can show up on a black skinned person? If they make inks that work for that, they should work for a silkie or other black skinned breed.

 

[Smokin Silkies]

Where do you find the ABA bands? I found the site with the order form for $.33 each but it shows no pics or anything??? Just an order form. Any info?

 

[Bat Cave Silkies]

browneyebuttafly~~I've tried, without success to obtain additional info from the ABA regarding their legbands....I've sent them several emails (without reply). The ABA newsletter did advertise the legband, and provide an order form---but again, no picture or additional infor about them. I gave up on the ABA legbands and ordered some of the plastic bandettes~~pretty satisfied with them too

 

[Smokin Silkies]

Thanks BCSilkies. I'm having no luck either...oh well

I have the plastic spiral ones right now and maybe I'm doing them wrong but I think they are sometimes difficult to get on and off??? Probably me. I want to try the numbered ones for my older birds and something easy for the newly hatched chicks and the growing ones. Not sure what to do yet?

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

The bandettes are easier if you have someone hold the bird while the second person puts the band on. That way you can stretch it out to the full length of the band wrap it without gouging their leg.

 

[Freckle Face Farm]

Quote:
http://gator541.hostgator.com/~bant...se&category_id=3&Itemid=18&vmcchk=1&Itemid=18

 

[Smokin Silkies]

Great, I'll have my daughter or hubby help me when my chicks hatch

Thanks!

 

[Smokin Silkies]

Hi, thanks alot

Quote:
http://gator541.hostgator.com/~bant...se&category_id=3&Itemid=18&vmcchk=1&Itemid=18

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
I put bands on the chicks last year, and so far the writing is still on them. If it does start to come off, you can just rewrite it on with permanent marker. I havent had a problem though. The number is written on the band twice, so I make sure one number is on the outside of the band, and the other number is in the middle with the rest of the band covering it, incase the outside one starts to wear off. The other chicks dont pick at it, maybe once or twice and then there done.

I think the permanent marker stripe down the back was what was meant