Bandanas?

[SamanthaPlease]

Hi, so I really want to get a bandana for each of my chickens. More for identification purposes than anything. I can tell three of them apart, but the other three are dang near identical (in behavior as well). I have tried researching the safety aspect, but all I can find is information on why you shouldn’t put a sweater on your chicken.

Is it safe for chickens to have bandanas on?

*They would be worn as a collar rather than around their heads.

 

[LaFleche]

No, I consider it not safe.
There are a lot of safe ways, i.e. coloured rings: https://www.stengel-fussring.com/sh...e/offene_ringe_kennz/sortimente_kenn_kuecken/

 

[SamanthaPlease]

Thank you!

 

[LaFleche]

You're welcome.

You will also find these ID bands at your local TSC https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/c...s?cm_sp=Fly_-_-SubCategory-_-Poultry_ID_Bands

 

[Mrs. K]

They won't keep the bandanas on.

 

[aart]

I use zipties.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/leg-banding-with-zipties.68075/

 

[Ridgerunner]

Personally I'd be nervous using a bandanna. You'd have to make it pretty tight so it would stay on. Their neck can thicken as they age so you'd need to check it regularly so it doesn't get too tight. But my larger concern would be with them getting the bandanna caught on something where it would strangle them or they'd break their neck as they panic trying to get loose.

Some people use aprons on their hens when they become barebacked to stop a rooster from damaging them. I haven't seen any reports of chickens being injured because of those so maybe they would work for you. If you have hot summers I might worry about them overheating.

I use zip ties around their legs to identify them. I tried those hard plastic rings and did not like them. You have to have the right size and that is not always apparent. There may be a technique or tool I don't know about but with arthritis they were a pain to put on and take off. Whether you use zip ties or those rings you have to check regularly to make sure they don't get too tight.

You can get wing bands. I've never used them so don't know details but a lot of people that show birds use them.

You can use food dye. It will not hurt them. You can use different colors or even the same color on different body parts. Not sure how long it lasts, you'll probably have to do some maintenance with that. When they molt for sure.