my litter are 10 days old and i have invested in some of the pup id collars that are available off ebay not the paper ones (i didnt like them they felt to rough) proper material collars with little flowers and circles on em in pinks and blues sooooo cute lol anyhoo i was just wondering are they safe to use as i am so scared of putting them on incase they choke or something as a couple off pups have been booked and they have a twin that looks exactly alike so need to tell wich is wich would of been easier if they were different sexes but there not (sigh) and as they get bigger im finding it harder to tell a few of them apart thank you and if anyone would like the details of the collars send me a message and i will send you the item number ect

I personally wouldn't use those collars as think they may be a little too strong if they could caught up.  Having said that I know the ones that you mean and the sellers do say they are safe for new borns, perhaps someone else on Champdogs may have used them and be able to reassure you.  I used the paper ones on my last litter and was very impressed with them.  I cut them in half so they weren't too wide and had no problens at all.  I changed them around 4-5 times over the whole period depending on the puppies individual growth rate.  Will definately use them again.

i agree with hillbilly i personally use the coloured paper ones myself, they can be cut in half or third, easy to use and you can also write on them.sandy

Spot of varnish on one nail and keep a register of which pup has which nail decorated, may have to repeat when you cut the nails.

I agree that nail varnish is a good idea. We had blobs on different parts of the pups, such as the tip of the tail, the base of the tail, left hind leg, right hind leg etc. Just remmeber to top it up each day as it will come off otherwise.

I am using the paper tyvek bands, they have cut into 3 and are working fine, will be replacing them soon but as I bought 100 of them it shouldn't be a problem.  I got pink and blue so I could identify the girls and boys straight away.  I think the others look a bit harsh for newborns.

i had a problem with nail varnish, the mum licked and licked and licked until it all came off!!!!!!!!!!1 gave it up as a bad job in the end

Could you use the cat safety collars that release if they get caught. Didn't have this problem with my litter as they were all diff colours.
Angela

I use RicRac ribbon, you can buy it from hobbycraft and most other fabric/craft shops. Also off of ebay (see here so you know what i mean http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/5-METRES-OF-RIC-RAC-TRIM-PALE-PINK_W0QQitemZ290232468544QQihZ019QQcategoryZ86820QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem )

It comes in various colours, is sturdy and the zigzag wavyness of it makes sure that when you knot it it stays put. So no more slipped ribbon or worry of strangulation.

If it gets grubby or when it gets outgrown, just cut a new piece, its cheap enough!