Band Application
Please be sure to select the correct size band for the birds you are banding!
On an adult bird of the species to be banded, measure the widest point of the leg between the foot and the knee joints and add a little to allow the closed band to move freely.Keep a close eye on any new band for at least a week. Sometimes it works above the upper joint and needs to be lowered again. If it binds the toes or foot, it needs to be raised into proper position. The chicks and parents will pick at the band as something new and foreign. This should pass after a day. Always be aware of objects in the cage or flight that leg bands can get caught on. A snagged bird will move frantically and often cause injury. Split Band Application "I keep Split Bands on hand at all times to band birds that I receive that are not banded and to band birds that were not banded as young." Split bands are usually plastic or metal bands that are split so they may be spread open and then allowed to close or be closed around the leg. The band is placed between the foot and knee joint. In banding unsexed young, most people band on the right leg. If banding older birds where the sex is known. People often band males on the right leg and females on the left leg.
With metal split bands, they can often be opened and closed with your fingers. If not, a small pair of needle-nose pliers will be helpful. Close the bands slowly to be sure the ends meet flush and do not pinch the flesh.
With plastic split bands, the bands will often come with a metal spreading tool. Be sure to ask for a tool when ordering. Slip the band up the pointed end of the tool with the band seam away from the tool. The band will open wider as it moves along the tool. Lay the tool and band along the leg of the bird, allowing the leg to slip through the split of the band and rest against the tool. The band should be positioned between the foot and the knee joint of the leg. Holding the leg firmly and the band in place, gently slip the tool out from inside of the band, allowing the band to close around the leg.
Watch the band for a few days to see it remains in the correct position. Whenever observing your birds try to take note of the bands. Too tight and the band can hinder circulation or cut into the leg. Too loose and the band can slip down and bind the toes or ride up above the leg joint and cause problems. Always be aware of objects in the cage or flight that leg bands can get caught on. A snagged bird will move frantically and often cause injury.
Seamless Band Application "Each year I order Seamless Bands from the A.D.A. for my Diamonds, Ringnecks and other birds that their bands will fit. Any other sizes I might need, I order from Red Bird Products." I try to band all young Diamond doves and Ringnecks with a seamless band of the year they were hatched. Exotics are banded as well as long as banding will not threaten or disturb the young or parents. In banding with seamless bands, it is very important to band early enough before the foot and leg are too large. For my Diamond doves and Ringnecks this is often done at 4 to 5 days after catching. It is also important to keep an eye on the new band for a week or so to be sure it stays in the proper position.
Seamless bands are solid tubes that require manipulation of the foot and toes for application. A firm grip on the bird is needed. Lubrication in the form of glycerin or saliva may prove helpful. Be patient and gentle to avoid injury. Please be sure to select the correct size band for the birds you are banding!
If you are right handed, with the bird in the palm of your left hand, be sure you have a firm, but comfortable grip on the bird with the wings folded back and the leg to be banded outstretched. The bird's foot has three toes forward and one toe pointing back. You want to gather the three forward toes together and point them through the lubricated band. Fold the back toe along the leg. Work the band along the forward three toes and work it over the joint of the foot. Continue to work the band along the back toe and leg. If you can, work the band along the leg until the back toe is free to bend forward again. Sometimes the nail and/or part of the toe is still under the band and it is necessary to pry the back toe free. The young toe is rather flexible and will bend freely to be freed. Often only your fingers are needed to accomplish this, by gently gripping the middle of the toe between the foot joint and the band and gently pulling up and away from the leg. Sometimes the point of a pencil or a round toothpick placed between the toe and the leg will help in prying the toe free. Once the back toe is free, be sure to work the band back down below the upper knee joint and above the foot.
Watch the band for a few days to see it remains in the correct position. Whenever observing your birds try to take note of the bands. Too tight and the band can hinder circulation or cut into the leg. Too loose and the band can slip down and bind the toes or ride up above the leg joint and cause problems. Always be aware of objects in the cage or flight that leg bands can get caught on. A snagged bird will move frantically and often cause injury.
Click to go to my Seamless Banding Page and my Split Banding Page with examples, photographs and links.