Open band...

[Freedomoflight]

OK, so I think my Paco bird has an open band. I was reading up on them, and one article said the ends of the band can be squeezed together until they meet. Pacos band is very thin, and at one point in the band, discolored, a copper color as opposed to the silver coloring of the rest of the band. It has some lettering/numbers on it, but seems to have worn away a bit. I am wondering, if it is possible if he is wearing an open band, since his band looks different then other closed bands I have seen.
I cannot seem to find a picture of an actual "open" band though, to compare Paco's to. Does anyone have one? The net keeps throwing BAND/singers at me.. yeesh.

[MadCatter]

I'm not sure if this is of any use to you or not -

http://members.aol.com/pacificASC/artpg932.htm

Try using words like "Bird identification codes" or don't put too much emphasis on 'band'.

[Lisa B]

an open band is round in matter, where as the breeder bands are flat.....

[Freedomoflight]

Yeah, Pacos band is definatly round, all the way, and thin, whereas Mercy is flat, and bigger then his is. Seems to fit her better too, and doesnt have that "inconstistancy" ( odd coloration, that I am assuming is the break) that his does. Maybe I can get a pic of it.

[The Outlaw]

Sounds like a wild caught band that was added during quarantine.

[Alyce Johnson]

Arent you supposed to remove open bands? I thought I heard that somewhere?
I had the vet take off the open band on one of my birds, because I'd heard it was safer (but that the vet should do it). Was that the right thing to do?

I put ID chips in the birds who were large enough, instead. He didnt think he could do the ID in the green cheek conures, though, because they were too tiny? Are their different sized chips? The ones I can feel under my cats' skin seem really small...How important is the band, for their safety, do you think?

[Lisa B]

nope..that that I am aware of. It also proves the date of importation.
A band is important. Most people will not scan for a chip if the bird lost.
A band is the only way of proof(with paperwork) of correct ownership.
chips are all the same size....
i deal with alot of lost and found. Its best to keep them on, unless your vet finds it should be removed.

[Willow]

I had the bands removed from my birds, except for the cubans. They are all microchipped. I do not like the risk of a band - too much potential for injury. I did choose to leave the Cubans on because of their trade status, I wanted to be sure it was clear they were legal! But they are also microchipped, to prove identity, since a band can be removed.