Tagging turkeys

[Unclebean]

What method do you guys use for tagging your breeding turkeys? I want a way to identify what poults come from different breeding pairs, who was bred with who, etc. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

We use numbered wing bands and colored zip ties. The zip ties show the year it was hatched. You have to run the bird down to read the wing band and knowing what year you are looking for saves a couple or three steps.

Steve

 

[Unclebean]

Quote:
Thanks Steve! Are the numbered spiral leg bandettes any good? I was considering the bandettes since they would be very visible but I like how permanent the wing bands are. Decisions decisions.

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

Quote:
Thanks Steve! Are the numbered spiral leg bandettes any good? I was considering the bandettes since they would be very visible but I like how permanent the wing bands are. Decisions decisions.

Once at a poultry auction I saw one of those leg bandettes had grown into a chickens leg, that was enough for me. With the zip ties you have to be very careful to put them on loose and keep an eye on them so they don't get tight - I like to wait until they are almost a year old before putting on the last one.

Steve

 

[Unclebean]

Quote:
Thanks Steve! Are the numbered spiral leg bandettes any good? I was considering the bandettes since they would be very visible but I like how permanent the wing bands are. Decisions decisions.

Once at a poultry auction I saw one of those leg bandettes had grown into a chickens leg, that was enough for me. With the zip ties you have to be very careful to put them on loose and keep an eye on them so they don't get tight - I like to wait until they are almost a year old before putting on the last one.

Steve

That probably happens a lot

With the wing bands do you have any issues with the feathers growing over the tag?

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

The feathers cover the tag so you do have to catch them to see what number they are. If you just have a couple birds it's no big deal but with a bunch that's where the zip ties come in to narrow down the one you want to get.

Steve