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Telling babies apart

Birds 63

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Robin
I have five Quaker babies. I want to get dna tested but cannot tell them apart. To old too old to put bands on. What can I use to tell them apart? Someone told me to use food dye on a feather on their head. Would this be OK?
 

April

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I have five Quaker babies. I want to get dna tested but cannot tell them apart. To old too old to put bands on. What can I use to tell them apart? Someone told me to use food dye on a feather on their head. Would this be OK?
I've heard of breeders doing that as well. But let me tag a few folks on here who may know for sure. @BrianB @Mockinbirdiva @Zara @Macawnutz @Irishj9
 

BrianB

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I've heard of breeders doing that as well. But let me tag a few folks on here who may know for sure. @BrianB @Mockinbirdiva @Zara @Macawnutz @Irishj9
I use small plastic leg bands made for chickens. You can get them in different colors. When the bird is sold they are easy to remove.

You can also use non-toxic crayons markers under the wings. You have to reapply it as the bird gets wet so keep that in mind.
 

Irishj9

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I always use foot and beak colour for my caiques. Its highly individual. Ive only had one quakler so I cant advise if the same method works
 
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