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| Question about Pets:Birds and Banding? |
Bands can be purchased from retailers, like L & M Bird Leg Bands (CA, US) online at: http://home.earthlink.net/~lmbird/...
or Red Bird http://www.redbirdproducts.com/legbands....
Or through bird groups and organizations, like the National Cockatiel Society, online at
http://www.cockatiels.org/bands/bandorde...
Like margecutter, I have been unable to find any specific law regarding banding. Laws vary by state, if they exist at all. Some pertain to smuggling of illegally captured/imported species, and the prevention of avian disease.
Other states don't allow certain species without a permit, because they are dangerous to the environment In order to get a permit, the bird must have a band or microchip.
These animals are restricted because they adapt easily in the wild, creating feral populations which are disruptive, if not destructive to native wildlife as well as humans.
I imagine that avian vets can attach regular bands. I know they band birds after they are surgically sexed. These are more like a ring, than a band. They identify the vet and the sex of the bird.
Anyone can purchase and attach leg bands. Closed bands can be slipped over the foot of a chick between the ages of 10 and 14 days. After that, only an open band can be used.
Either method comes with risks. Banding can be dangerous to the bird, both during and after the banding.
The numbers depend on the source of the bands. There's very little room for engraving. I believe that hatch year, country/state/province and some kind of breeder id are most important. There doesn't seem to be any standard.
You should band your birds if required by your local or state law. Most expensive birds are banded by breeders - however, it does not prevent theft, as the bands can be removed and replaced.
Another option is microchipping, though you can't get info without scanning the bird. It is permanent, and can be traced to you, if the bird was lost, found and scanned. Just like dogs, cats and other animals, it is becoming more of a standard.
I found a great article, The ABC's of Leg Bands:
http://www.starescue.org/htm/learn-about...
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