Help with leg rings for Gouldians

[elferoz777]

Hi guys

I have gotten to the point with my goulds that I am struggling to identify particular birds due to the sheer number and type.

I have never rung my birds before and would like some advice on the best rings and best methods for putting them on??

In my new aviaries I intent to separate birds by mutation and plan to have a bank of normal black heads (my favourite), blues splits, yellow backs and a test lab flight.

I will have larger flights and prefer colony breeding (4-5 pairs per flight with spare hens) to cabinets of single pairs.

Just trying to improve my husbandry and also ensure those who buy my birds know what they are getting.

Thanks

Steve

[E Orix]

Contact Allan Tully
He imports the Hughes brand of leg rings which are the best quality ring by a long way.
His price is quite competitive and you will get good service.
Phone 03 93386082 or email [email protected]
E Orix

[Diane]

...and once you have the rings you may like to consider a record keeping tool. http://www.finchbreederdatabase.com/phpBB3/
It was created by a member of the AFF who is very proactive and approachable. Many of our members already use it. You will know who they are, they have the little bird icons in their signature.

Ive been using it since Feb 2010, brilliant site, easy to navigate, great bird icons, many extra places to add information apart from the template field , you can view your birds by species, or by sex, or by aviary, you have the ability to add pics, cages, aviaries, logbooks, and you can print out multi generational pedigrees, it even has a genetic forecaster.

Best of all, its FREE!

[elferoz777]

SOLD!

thanks for that heads up

[Finchy]

Steve, I know it's hasn't been long since you posted this question, but have you tried the ACHughes rings yet? I am on the lookout for nice, easy to apply leg rings too, to replace my current ones.

I looked at the ACHughes' UK web site (prompted by E Orix) but it's the same almighty mess it was years ago - details of sizing/species, colours, pricing, photos and ordering are all on separate pages in different formats, with no way to cross-reference between them . A nightmare. So a local seller could make all the difference. Did you try them? What do you think of the rings?

Have you found any other suppliers/brands that you like the look of??? I have some very nice rings left over that I bought locally years ago - thin, smooth, flexible - but can't recall where I got them in order to buy more.

In the interim I've been using very simple, light-weight, soft plastic rings that are dead easy to apply, colour code, and remove if necessary. However they are thick-walled, which poses a slight catching risk. I'm looking for an alternative, thinner ring - preferably one that is also light-weight/soft/easy to apply and close.

[E Orix]

I seem to be in Allan Tully's employment but I am not!!
I keep mentioning him as he supplies me with my rings and I am very happy with his service.
He imports the Hughes rings and there is no hassle.
You can phone him on (03) 93386082
or email [email protected]
He supplies my plastic leg rings and just sent me some very small possibly AA size which are exactly
the right size for O'Breasted, Ruddies and Strawbery's.
From memory the normal finch size is A but Allen will let you know.
If you wish to keep track of you birds on a permanent basis he can supply split metal rings which can be numbered
and your initials on them These are fitted on with small pliers which make it quite easy to fit and the rings close perfectly round.
The other big plus is you can see if the ring has been removed from your bird or tampered with.

Finchy
You mentioned you have trouble fitting the thin rings on. Do you have an aluminium applicator. If you have you shouldn't have a problem.
Lay the bird on it's back, head facing away from your body in your non preferred hand. A leg can be held gently between your fingers.
This should give you access to the leg. The ring should already be fitted to the applicator, push it up far enough so the split is just
wide enough to allow the ring to go over the leg. Once over the leg just push the ring off the applicator and gently hold the ring to close the gap.
MAKE SURE the ring is clear of the leg and can be moved up and down easily. Job done.
The reason you do not open the ring too far is it may damage the back of it but it closes far better and is easier to control.
Once you have done it a few times it is very easy.
E Orix

[SamDavis]

Finchy - if the thick ones are the el-cheapos from eBay then you'd be well advised to stop using them. I've got some sometime ago and they're way too big even for gouldians. Most finch clubs sell plastic split rings at very reasonable prices.

[branchez]

Here is something I came up with if you find it a bit hard to hold the applicator,it is screwed to a piece of which folds
down the side of the bench when not in use.You put the ring on first then that gives you 2 hands free,just place the birds
leg along the applicator and slip it on.Works for me.

[captain]

HI GUYS
I got onto some supplier on the net an im very happy what he could give me
Check them out at[ birdbands.com] and they can supply any size you like
Cost/size/and delivery was excellent
CAPTAIN [imo]

[vettepilot_6]

HI GUYS
I got onto some supplier on the net an im very happy what he could give me
Check them out at[ birdbands.com] and they can supply any size you like
Cost/size/and delivery was excellent
CAPTAIN [imo]

Tried the site...must be a new one it doesn't do anything...just keeps scrolling through what they sell...click on what your interested and it doesn't change...