Tricks or Tools to Identify Broodmates

[JekkaLynn]

I have 4 Colombian Rocks and can only tell 2 apart, the other two are identical in every way including temperament. How do you tell your birds apart? Are there removable leg bands I would get? I just want to be able to tell then apart quickly incase of illness and so I can be sure they are both getting socialized.

 

[Farmer Viola]

I bought these colored rubber bands here on BYC. I think they are from kid's braces (teeth) but they work great for chicks!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/781800/100-asst-colors-chick-leg-bands-easy-to-use-free-shipping

 

[Farmer Viola]

some people also use colored cable ties (zip ties) tightened around the leg & trimmed off

 

[JekkaLynn]

some people also use colored cable ties (zip ties) tightened around the leg & trimmed off

Wont those need to be removed using powerful snippers? I used zipties to put up wire they are hard to cut. I wouldn't want to cut a chicks leg.

 

[Farmer Viola]

that's what I can't figure out, either. I haven;t used them before, but I've seen them on chick's legs in photos. the rubber bands are nice because you can stretch them out over the foot to remove them. they also fall off eventually, so not quite as secure... but they work great for me!