What do you use to tell your chickens apart?

[Silexian]

I use numbered zip tie leg bands. I use a different color every year. I can tell at a glance how old a chicken is. I use the numbers to keep track of which hens that I have with which rooster. Also to keep track of their offspring. Mine peck at them when they are first put on also. They usually lose interest in a few days.

 

[Lunah452]

I use different colored zip ties if I need to keep track of who someone is. I have it written down what color means what, because the next year I know I won't remember what the blue zip tie on the black Ameraucana hen signifies.

I don't like putting zip ties on newly hatched chicks. Even the smallest ones seem huge on their little legs. I use a drop of food coloring on the head, if they have dark fuzz a dot of acrylic paint will work too. After they get a bit older I'll put zip ties on.
It is a pain to have to keep catching them to change out the ties as they grow.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I just don't have any 2 who look alike!

 

[Lemon-Drop]

I don't have really any tips that would help you, unfortunately. All my hens look different (they are either different varieties or breeds)

 

[Lunah452]

I just don't have any 2 who look alike!

My original flock of girls I know them all just by sight. Got a whole lot more chickens and with the newer ones, can't tell one Delaware from another and the black Ameraucana looks really close to that black EE pullet. It's definitely a side effect of chicken math.

 

[MysteryChicken]

I know my birds apart just fine. I only us leg bands for marking keepers, & breeders.

 

[Banana01]

My neighbors put a piece of colored thread through their chickens head as a baby. They grow up and always have a colored thread on top of their head. It's kind of cute, i will try to get a picture tomorrow so you can see it.

 

[Missys Chicken Ranch]

I have not use leg bands but I am sure they will get used to them, remember to ensure they don't out grow the band's.

My chickens all have different colours so it easy for me, but if u have all white hens I bet it's hard!

Would like be to see pictures of your chickies

I have nine and some are easy to tell apart and others not so much. Here are some pics. There is one with quite a personality she is the one in my lap.

 

[Missys Chicken Ranch]

I use numbered zip tie leg bands. I use a different color every year. I can tell at a glance how old a chicken is. I use the numbers to keep track of which hens that I have with which rooster. Also to keep track of their offspring. Mine peck at them when they are first put on also. They usually lose interest in a few days.

Okay thank you. That is good to know

 

[Missys Chicken Ranch]

I use these, they are easy to snap on and they STAY on. I tried the spiral ones and the girls pulled them right off.

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Awesome thanks! They don't peck at each others legs?