Bird Rings

[Pete Sara]

rings.jpg

Are these the rings you guys are on about.(1 + 2) mine come in 2 sizes on for smaller finches and the other for larger obviously. With 3 being a normal plastic split ring.
They are made over in the east, but I buy them here and only my adult birds are leg ringed , or if I have 2 or more blood lines in the holding avairy... Pete

[Tiaris]

Yes 1 & 2 are the ones I Just received. Made by Bill Kidd & sold for the princely sum of $1 for a packet of 12 rings. Available in small (OB, Ruddy, Cordon) or large (Gouldian, Cutthroat, Nun) sizes.

[Tony]

Hey Tiaris, would you have the contact details for your ring supplier? I am need of some and although dislike the way the split metal ones are fitted, do find they fit much better than most plastic ones. I use a ground down set of wire cutters to fit them. Is there a specific tool for fitting this type? Thanks
Tony

[Pete Sara]

same here pls...I just use my fingers, but give me afew more years and poorer eyesight and I may have to use pliers...pete

[Tiaris]

PMs sent.

[Diane]

Now they look interesting, is there a variety of colours available? For my system I would need at least 12 colours but could be done with pale blue, dark blue, pale green, light green, that sort of thing.

I like the coloured system as it means I can identify a bird from outside the aviary without having to catch it to check the number out.

[Netsurfer]

But how do you apply a closed metal band to anything other than a chick still in the nest?

The purpose of closed rings is to prove that you have bred the bird and or that it hatched the year is says on the ring, and nothing else. I can't think of anything else.

Therefore, how do you ring plumheads, stars, cordons, double bars or any other species that don't tolerate nest inspections?

Many years ago when I first started with finches I was told not to touch those birds, they often dessert the nest and or the young. Lucky in Australia it is not required by law to ring finches, in some countries where Aviculture is still in it's infancy those applying the laws have no idea what is acceptable and what not for various species. To mark the birds all you need is various colored plastic rings, again they are available from internet and are very cheap. Is there a need for metal rings?

As with all things, you need the right tool for the job.

OK, but most people don't have any tools so what do you do when things really go wrong. I use closed aluminium rings "for finches I ring", I buy them of "Chapmans Rings" and to cut them off all you need is a pair of small Scissors.

So far all my birds allow nest inspection including my softbills but I still don't see the reason to closed band the natives, Parrot Finches and Waxbills. To mark them with colored plastic rings yes.

Anyhow, that's how I see it! Does anyone know where can I get smaller than 2 mm closed rings, Chapman don't have them.

[spanna]

My apologies Netsurfer, I was assuming that you opposed all bands other than closed metal bands. I do see the usefulness of closed metal bands, don't get me wrong, as they are an almost foolproof way of proving ownership, age and breeding. I just thought you were opposing all other plastic rings as well, which would make things very difficult! I obviously didn't read your first post very thoroughly...

I feel that the split metal (squeeze together type with the tabs) are useful as they can be applied to birds at any age, are durable, have a better fit, last forever in storage (unlike some split plastic ones I have that shatter when put on the applicator) and are not as large/cumbersome/garish as the plastic types.


Here is a link that may be useful to you in your search for small closed rings:
http://www.achughes.com/pricealu.html
I am unsure of the measurements of the smallest (A size) metal bands, but I'm sure they can be contacted via email.

[iaos]

http://www.achughes.com/pricealu.html

At the last finch meeting up here a member was singing the praises of this company esp in regards to their smallest size for use on orange breast etc.

[spanna]

I was thinking of getting some also, though haven't used them before. E Orix is a fan of these ones I know already (see original post). They look very well made and professional to me. Good to hear the small sizes are good for the smallest of birds available.