How to Remove the Wing Band on a Baby Chick

Some hatcheries use wing bands on baby chicks to identify them. The hatcheries can then keep chicks from multiple parents in the same lodgings and separate them later by the identifiers on the wing bands. Wing bands also provide a record of each chick's age. Once you bring your chicks home, you can remove these wing bands.

Things You'll Need

  • Two pairs of needle-nose pliers or wing-band pliers
  • Antibiotic salve
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Instructions

    • 1

      Locate the point where the wing band inserts into the web of the wing at the elbow joint. Handle the bird's wing and joint gently but firmly to avoid injury.

    • 2

      Separate the ends of the wing band using the pliers to pry the notch of one end of the band up and away from the other end. Depending on the attachment mechanism, your fingers or one pair of pliers will suffice. Some types of attachments will require two pairs of pliers to remove the band successfully.

    • 3

      Examine the web of the wing where the band was inserted. If puncture marks are evident, apply antibiotic salve directly to the puncture site with your finger.