toe punching

[JamesA]

I have raised hundreds of chicks and heard the phrase toe punching used several times.Can someone explain this to me?

 

[Chipper]

James,
Toe punching is referring to punching out a tiny piece of the web between the chicks toes for later identification.Since there are 2 feet, for a total of 4 webs on each chick you can use many different combinations of punch marks to identify a large number of chicks.

 

[JamesA]

Well that now makes since.Thanks Chipper

 

[SunshineSilkies]

I know alot of people that do it...I haven't yet but am considering it..

 

[joletabey]

OUCH!!??? What do you do it with?

 

[speckledhen]

They actually make a punching tool for it, Beth, similar to a paper punch.