The most common method of identifying young birds is by the use of plastic numbered leg bands. These bands can be placed on the birds at hatching and will be useful for several weeks. Larger bands are available for juvenile and adult birds that can be adjusted to the size of the lag as the birds grow. Many producers use microchip identification as a method of identifying birds. This method is useful in both identifying birds on the ranch and also for locating and identifying lost or stolen birds.
Many insurance companies require microchip identification.
Microchip birds at one month of age. Locations for implanting the microchip include the hip muscle, the muscle on the back just above the tail and the area between the wings. Several companies produce both microchips and readers. Unfortunately, different products are not totally compatible. Consequently, different readers are required for different chips.