Leg Rings?
- Thread starter Wyrd
- Start date
I use coloured plastic 'split' rings for ID purposes, I find them easier to take on and off a bird than the spiral rings. They also come in sizes to fit the tiniest bantam chicks up to the biggest Large fowl breeds. Coloured cable ties can also be used as useful temporary rings for birds. These are are more easily sourced than purpose made plastic leg rings. If you are ringing chicks, a close watch will need to be kept that rings don't become to tight as the birds grow, and larger replacements fitted as and when necessary. I also tend to avoid using red coloured ties or rings, as birds instinctively peck at anything red, so especially with feather legged breeds where new blood feathers develop down the shanks and toes, further encouragement to peck at these areas is best avoided!!. . . .
chrismahon
Well-known member
Apart from metal ones there are three types Wyrd. The spirals are difficult to feed on and there is no room to write anything so we haven't used them. There are then two flat ones. One is just a ring with a slot feature on one end and a ball feature on the other so they snap together -they come undone we found, although I don't know how they manage it! They have no room for leg growth and can be near impossible to remove when tight. The other is a curled strip -they loosen if they get caught on anything and can get wrapped around the back toe. Had one today I had to catch and refit. They have some 'give', so if they get too tight they expand without coming off. So there are pro's and con's of the last two -we use the curled ones until fully grown, making sure they are always quite tight, then fit the snap together type.
I had the impression from your post about coops and runs etc that you were just getting a few hens to start with? You won't need to ring them for identification, as they will very soon make their individual personalities clear, apart from the fact that, even if they're all the same breed, there will be individual differences in appearance.
chrismahon
Well-known member
You are quite right Marigold, if you have a few. You can usually tell the subtle differences. But our Blue laced Wyandottes and now the TNN identical sisters -no chance. It's only the rings and I thought I recognised them from those until I realised two BLW's had the same rings on -how did that happen?
At a guess I would say the 12mm would be the smallest you could go. In fact as no=one seems to be sure what size to use, get hold of the flat bands that curl around the legs rather than the clip ones, then they will size themselves to suit the leg. They are not expensive and come in various colours The spiral ones can come off all by themselves sometimes.
