It is the only way to identify the youngsters and be able to keep the bloodlines separate and pure. As each chick is banded, it is entered on my computer. A spiral notebook or three ring binder with index tabs can be just as effective.
Some breeders choose to use a card file with index cards.
The system used is nowhere as important as the information that is maintained. A comment field is left for other information such as the name of the person the bird is sold to or if the chick will be kept for future breeding. This system has worked very well for myself and other breeders using it. Banding is a relatively simple procedure. The chick should have an empty crop as the manipulation could cause it to aspirate if the crop is full.