Leg Ring Etiquette

[Boma]

Are there conventional rules around which leg the different sexes should be banded? For example Males are right leg and Hens are left leg? I just bought some finches that were banded that way.

[finchbreeder]

Nope you ring them how you like. Just that some people do it that way for quick identification and some people do alternative batches on opposite legs.
LML

[arthur]

If the birds are dimorphic (visually sexible) it doesn't really matter

If they are monomorphic (not v.s.) and you have had them DNA'd prior to ringing, it would probably be better to have a consistent approach for your own convenience

The 'right for males' convention is used by many; but if you are close-banding unsexed birds in the nest, before DNA, it is a lucky-dip situation anyway




Some aviculturists of the female persuasion believe that males should never be 'right'




Present company excepted, of course

[Red]

Any leg is fine on unsexed birds. One rule when using club rings with the year stamped on them is: Do not use leftover rings in subsequent years