"Absolutely the MOST important thing to the quality and future of Diamond Doves is Banding and Record Keeping!" (Follow This To The Banding Page.) "With my collection of birds, I use a few very simple forms to track my initial Band Orders (Band Chart) and the Daily activity of individuals and pairs (Cage Cards). I then transfer this information to and use a very complex, but easy to use, software program that allows me to track and report on anything I have ever wanted to know about my birds and my hobby." Here you will find examples of methods and charts as well as descriptions of software programs that can help you with your Record Keeping. Many of these I have used personally and will note as such. I have nothing to do with the software companies and receive nothing from them for reviewing their products. This is simply for your information and you are free to download, copy or modify any of the charts that I provide. The Basic Records to Keep "As a minimum, you should record and track the following." 1) Band Numbers with Bird Descriptions and Histories. 2) Pairing Information as Cage Cards and/or Notebook form. 1) Band Numbers:
"I keep Split Bands on hand all the time to Band birds that I receive that are not Banded and to catch birds that were not Banded as young. I also order Seamless Bands each year to Band my young produced within that year. As my bands arrive, I list all the numbers in groups of styles and sizes on my Band Chart. As I use the Bands, I go back and fill in the rest of the information (Leg Banded, Bird Type, Parent Pair, Date Hatched and/or Cost)on the chart. Additional information such as Sex, Date Sold and Other Notes are filled in as known."
[Aviary / Breeder Name] Year: [Current Year] Received Bands: [I list Styles and Number Groupings of Bands] Band [Color / #] Leg Bird Type Sex Parent Pair Hatched Cost Sold Price Description / Notes Download Band Chart Layout (MS Excel Format) 2) Pairing Information
"I keep Cage Cards in plastic sleeves on each of my breeding and holding cages. I keep Sheets for each of the outdoor flights on a clip board. If the cage or flight is for holding unpaired individuals or young birds recently fledged, I will list the band numbers and any notes pertaining to the individuals. If the cage or flight is for breeders, I will have a Cage Card or Sheet for each breeding pair. Keep a pencil with you on in the room and you can easily slip the card out and record anything you observe."
[The plastic sleeves can be found at or ordered from most large Office Supply stores such as, Office Max, Office Depot, Staples, etc. The item identification from the manufaturer is: "This plastic envelope a product of Joshua Meier Corp., North Bergen, N.J., #PA-4, Insert Size 4x6]
