"Each year I order Seamless Bands from the A.D.A. 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. 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 glycerine or saliva may proove helpful. Be patient and gentle to avoid injury. Please be sure to select the correct size band for the birds you are banding!

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[Click on the picture to see a LARGER version.]

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 thru the lubricated band. Fold the back toe along the leg. Work the band along the forward 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 if the nail is still under the band 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, sometimes the point of a pencil between the toe and leg will help.

Once the back toe is free, be sure to work the band back down below the upper joint in between it and the foot.

Keep your eye on the band for at least a week. Sometimes it works above the upper joint and needs to be lowered again. If it binds the 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.

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