Single Hatch, different breeds

[ddroland]

I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions for marking chicks when hatching different breeds. I am hatching out about 4-5 different types of Americans, which as chicks can be difficult to distinguish. I have marked the eggs but we all know how that works, you look into the incubator in the morning and it's full of chicks. I don't want to wing band as I usually wait until they are 5-6 months are so before doing that. They free range and many don't make it to maturity. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[demerson]

maybe separate the incubator tray into quarters , and put each kind of egg in its own quadrant so when they hatch they stay in their own little space ???? I guess it would depend on the kind of incubator you have though

 

[cmom]

I use colored magic markers and mark under the chicks chin. It will mark them but eventually they will loose the colors when they loose their fluff and get their feathers in by that time you could put leg bands or zip ties on them. Just make sure the zip ties are tight as they grow so fast.

 

[ddroland]

Thanks guys, good suggestions.