What's the best way to tag chicks?

[cochin44]

How do you tag or band newly hatched chicks to tell which mother they came from?
Do they make bands that small, or is there a better way?

 

[mstricer]

Yes they do, I bought some and never used them. I only got one chick so it didn't mater. The problem is if you take them out of the bator to band them when they hatch you lose your humidity. and that is all bad.

 

[emys]

You can use food coloring for a short while (they get new feathers fast). Red on left wing for one group, blue on right wing for another group and so on.

 

[mstricer]

Thats a good idea.

 

[cochin44]

Yeah, that is a good idea!
Will it work on black birds though?

 

[cochin44]

Do you put a drop of food color, or do you have to dilute it with water?

 

[chickenzoo]

I use the Neon cattle Crayons from TSC . I wipe some on my finger to warm it so it spreads easy and mark the chicks on their back or wings. It lasts a long time and is easy to apply, comes in a few colors.....

 

[cochin44]

Quote:
Thanks! I was planning on going there tomorrow anyway!

 

[they'reHISchickens]

WHEN do you tag them? I'm afraid I won't know which are from which eggs as they hatch in the bator. I'm sure they will be mixed up by the time I allow lockdown to end.