leg bands

[haydn92]

hey all i was surfing the web for grasses and zebra finch mutations an i came across this site (http://www.efinch.com)i clicked on breeding tab an it came up with a list of options to click an i saw applyin split an closed bands, which one is better an how do i read them

for example i have a princes parrot with a leg band number P161,ow would i read it

[venetta]

I guess the numbers on the bands would be for the breeders own reference, and might not actually 'mean' anything...

[haydn92]

ok thanks

[djb78]

Haydn there isn't a better band between split and closed ring with finches as both work but problem is banding young with a closed ring can lead to abandonment. Most parrots will be banded with closed rings. As for numbers and letters on rings they all have different meanings and some only the previous owner may know.

[haydn92]

do u band for finches

[djb78]

In most cases yes I do but get a bit lazy trying to catch them all. Most times I band my breeders which I keep and band certain babies to remember who they belong to. I choose plastic split rings as they are easy to place on once young have fledged.