Will I always know them?

[tdkmom]

We have 26 RIR. There are 4 that we named and although we hold them all when we can, these four have become our favorites. My question is, Will I always be able to tell them apart? I look at pictures on here and I wonder how you know which is which when they are hens. Right now they each have something to distinguish them in addition to the fact that they come right to us when we walk in the coop.

 

[chickenbottom]

well you could always put a colored band one each of them and remember which legband color is which

 

[tampitt]

I'm going to use plastic rings on the legs of our buffs to tell them apart. I wasn't going to on the easter eggers, but 2 of them are starting to look very much alike, otherwise I won't be able to tell them apart.

 

[tdkmom]

I was going to do that but DS was worried that the other chicks would peck at their legs so I have been putting it off. Right now there's no doubt who is who. My chick (Maybelline) comes right over to the door and I can hardly get in the coop. As soon as I sit on the bucket she steps on my foot so I'll pick her up. She then settles in for a nap. Do you think pecking would be a problem?

 

[embkm]

I don't think pecking will be a problem. But you should still be able to pick out those 4 when they are grown. Maybe not from across the yard, but up close. They will all still have something to set them apart, even if it's small.

 

[cochinbantam-lover]

Where do you get the plastic bands and when do you place them on the chicks?

Thanks!

 

[tdkmom]

I found them online after doing a search. Haven't ordered any yet though. I was also worried about their legs getting bigger and getting the band off again. I'm a scaredy cat, I know.

 

[tampitt]

Quote:
i found ours at the feedstore were we got the chicks...don't know when i'm suppose to put them on. I'm going to check today to see if their legs are big enough.

 

[lleighmay]

I use colored wire ties to band mine, especially where I have more than one of the same breed. If nothing else it helps with record keeping (like ear tags on cattle). I bought a bag of 100 at TSC for cheap. I don't put them on until the birds are closer to full size and then I put them on loosely so they have room to grow. Once the birds are grown I still check them periodically to be sure they're not too tight or causing a problem. So far so good- the oldest birds have been wearing them for a year. Oh, BTW, I avoid using the pink ones just in case.

 

[consdrs]

I only have 3 RIR. their names are red, red, and red. If I sit and stare at them I could perhaps distinguish between them but other wise its red...

Connie