How to Apply a Closed Band to a Baby Parrot

A closed band is a small, flat ring worn on the leg of a bird. Bands for parrots and parrot-like birds are almost always made of metal, usually aluminum. Birds with unusually strong beaks require stainless steel so that they do not pinch the band and injure their leg. Closed bands are usually imprinted with a series of codes, identifying the aviary the bird was bred at, the hatch year, the state, and the bird's personal identification number. The codes can be used in case of loss or theft. In addition, since closed bands can only be placed on very young baby birds, these bands demonstrate that the bird was domestically bred and not illegally imported.

Things You'll Need

  • Closed band of the appropriate size and material for the species being banded
  • Petroleum jelly
  • Blunted toothpick
  • Baby parrot that is 10 to 15 days old
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make sure the baby parrot's crop is empty, since manipulating a baby bird with food in its crop could cause aspiration.

    • 2

      Gently pick up the baby parrot and hold it in one hand, making sure the feet are accessible. Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the bird's foot.

    • 3

      Hold the front two toes and longer back toe of one foot closely together and extended, using the same hand that is holding the parrot. Use your other hand to slip the band over the three toes you are holding in place.

    • 4

      Push the shorter back toe of the bird against its leg, then slide the band over the toe and onto the leg. Often the toenail of the short back toe will catch on the band. If this happens, you can gently work it free using a blunted toothpick.

    • 5

      Check to be sure the band is on the bird's leg and the toes are free and uninjured. It should appear that the bird is wearing an ankle bracelet.