Thoughts on toe punching

[kuchchicks]

I had been using legbabds but no matter what type I use the fall off when chicks are young. I need a better way to ID them. Have had several people suggest toe punching. But I'm nervous. I'm an RN and firefighter so I'm not squeamish. I have stuck people with needles, put tubes in people's throughts, put needles into bones... but I'm having a hard time psyching myself up to do this toe punch. Anyone else do it? Tell me it's not that bad. Tell me the chicks don't flinch.

 

[LLranch]

I haven't done any toe punching yet but I will be provided the eggs in the incubator hatch here's a YouTube video of what to expect https://www.youtube.com/shared?ci=cBkvHdJqDx0

 

[kuchchicks]

I'm struggling with the thought of inflicting pain on these little creatures. But I need a better identification system. I tried leg bands but as chicks they are either falling off or too tight. Also tried marking with colored markers but the color comes off as feathers come in. Husband wants the toe punch as a permanent solution for breeding purposes. Am I over thinking this? Husband tells me to think of it like ear piercing.

 

[LLranch]

The idea of toe punching bothered me for a minute. Then it crossed my mind that I was circumcised as a newborn and I don't really remember that now the idea of to punching doesn't bother me in the least bit

 

[Jiffyrocks]

What about those small rubber bands? They come on different colors and stretch with growth.
Can they get infected from toe punching? Not sure what that is-sounds painful though

 

[Jiffyrocks]

That video- yikes. Good luck!