Toe punching or leg rings for identification

debbieo4914 · **Posted:** Sat Oct 06, 2007 4:19 pm

Hello,

Yet another question! Our first baby pekins are due in about 10 days, and I would like to be able to identify them as they grow because we have a real mixed bag of colours/breedings, and some of them may be recessive lavender.

Does anyone use leg rings on poultry, and if so, are they easy to put on?

I have heard vague references to toe punching, but don't really understand the method or how you identify a lot of different birds with this method.

Thanks.

Deb :-D

Jeff Trescott · **Posted:** Sun Oct 07, 2007 3:27 pm

Deb, I use the plastic clip ones, very easy to put on & you can take them off. My son inlaw got them for me off ebay, you type in poultry leg rings in the search part. Don't know about toe punching sounds a little painful?

Jeff

debbieo4914 · **Posted:** Sun Oct 07, 2007 3:41 pm

Thanks Jeff. They sound like they might suit - I'll check ebay out!

Deb
:-D

debbieo4914 · **Posted:** Wed Oct 10, 2007 8:35 am

Jeff, at what age do you put the leg rings on? Any idea what size would be right for pekin chicks?

Thanks.
Deb :-D

Peacocks Australia · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2002 9:14 am **Posts:** 310755

Hi Deb, Size 1 (5.5mm) Day olds & Size 7 (12mm) for adults. You will know when to change the ring from Size 1 to Size 7 when the ring cannot be moved easily. If you don't want to ring day olds, then wait until they are around 10-14 weeks they should stay on.

Thanks
Peacocks Australia :lol:

debbieo4914 · **Posted:** Wed Oct 10, 2007 4:21 pm

Thank you PA. So much to learn! I might have a look at some rings first - I think our local produce store might carry them - and then decide whether to do them straight away or wait. I can see it is going to get confusing, even with our few chicks...... :-?

I have my third broody hen as of last night, so I'll have to chase up a few more eggs. I think I'm going to need to wrap her up to move her, as I tried to check what eggs were under her last night and she nearly took my hand off!!! She's a feisty little thing!

Thanks again!
Deb

Jeff Trescott · **Posted:** Wed Oct 10, 2007 8:58 pm

Deb I put them on when they are about 4 months old somtimes a little younger, we don't breed a lot of babies so we know were he or she comes from. i had a Pekin cross hen and she was savage, even when I put my hand in the box to feed her she would rush out & attack me, but she was a great mum.

Jeff

debbieo4914 · **Posted:** Wed Jan 09, 2008 6:39 am

Jeff,

My babies are now about 4 months old, so I really need to ring them. The plastic leg rings you buy - do you know the company that makes them so that I can look them up?

The only ones I seem to be able to find here are the plastic "roll-up" type that just roll on around the leg, and I don't really like them as they seem to fit too closely.

I've cancelled my ebay account as I started getting scammed - I miss it (ebay, not the scamming!).

Are there any issues with showing birds (especially feather-legged birds like silkies & pekins) that wear leg rings? I'm really not sure if I'll ever have time to show, but maybe one day....

Jeff Trescott · **Posted:** Fri Jan 11, 2008 1:59 pm

I use plastic clip rings I believe you can get them from 'bellsouth' they come in many colours and also numbered.You can take them off before the show if they have a problem. I have seen rings on poultry at some shows but I think it depends on the club.

Jeff

debbieo4914 · **Posted:** Fri Jan 11, 2008 2:03 pm

Thanks Jeff - I'll chase those up. That's good if they can be taken off without too much trouble.

Regards,
Deb

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