Can you band an unbanded bird?

[motherwright]

Hi,

I was wondering if I could, or should, or even if I am able....to have my unbanded bird banded.

I adopted a Jenday Conure (Mango)3 months ago. When I adopted her, she was not banded. I believe she was at one time and the previous owners took it off. I asked them about the band when I picked her up, the husband told me she had one, and then was suprised to see it wasnt on her leg. That is why I think she had one. The people I adopted her from, rescued Mango from a friend of theirs that wasnt taking care of her. The initial owner purchased my Mango from Petco in August of 05, so Mango should have had band. I know the date as the people I adopted her from have the receipt for her.

So I was wondering if there was any way I could get her banded. I know a few breeders and thought to ask them if they could band her for me. I know it wouldnt match the exact breeder and her date of birth, but I thought incase she got loose, and someone found her, it might help in me getting her back. Is it a good idea and are breeders allowed to do this?

Thank you for all your time. I live in NY, dont know if that matters.

Colleen

[Lisa B]

HI Colleen. You cant have a closed band put on her as that is done when they are little babies. The Open band they clamp around the birds was used on birds that were imported prior to Dec 1991. Because they dont import anymore, I dont think that open bands are available. Bands also cause their own set of problems. Alot of people have them taken off for various reasons.
You can look into microchipping him if you are set on having id. I chose not to have microchips at this time till we know the long term effects of them on such small beings. Mine all do have bands.
Where in NY are you as I have two wonderful vets that you can look into in the NY area for microchipping if you wish.
One is in the Buffalo area, the other in Westchester(nyc)area.

[birdlady49]

I think if you contact your state health department, then can tell you what needs to be done to purchase a band from them. But you need to offer up a lot of proof.

[wildirish]

You can buy open band at L&M Some places will still use open bands if they acquire an older bird at a store, breeders etc, in order to prove ownership.

[Lisa B]

I had NO idea open bands are still available!
see......ya learn sumthin new everyday!

[wildirish]

LOL! THat is true! I found out when someone "thought" they had a young bird (2 I think) and yet had an open band and everyone started saying no that was an import band, so I nosed around a bit and found out that they are still used on older birds since there is no way to get a solid band on them LOL!

[4HAND]

As the owner of a bird with an open band I worry alot about my bird snagging it on rope toys and perches.I would have it removed in a heartbeat,but my vet won't do it without anesthesia.
Tena

[motherwright]

Thank you everyone, very very much. I didnt know about open bands and dont like the idea of my Mango possibly snaging it on something.

As for the microchipping.....my Avain vet will do it, but not without out anesthesia....I will have to think more on that, and again not knowing more on the long term effects on such little guys.

Mango is not a flight risk right now...her wings are clipped and she doesnt go near the door as it is tooo cold......I will just have to be super vigiliant. You just hear so many stories, I dont want my Mango to be a story.

Thank you again, everyone.

Colleen

[ROYJOY]

dont do it!! i took the huge band off my p'let and its like the world was lifted from his shoulders. he has gone from a bird that just sat and stared at the wall, like a prisoner, to a very enegetic little guy that plays and climbs all over, and after this brutal clip job grows out he'll be even happier. visit my thread "blue baby" in the parrotlet forum, for more info. about his band.

[LyndaM]

I read somewhere too that the bands can contribute to metal poisoning -- anyone know anything about this?