Handling Birds : Section 4

LEG BAND REMOVAL FROM BIRDS

Advice for other vets. Before removing a leg band any details on the leg band such as breederÕs code or year of birth should be recorded. Always get permission to remove a leg band before doing so! A highly prized breeding bird could be rendered almost valueless if its leg band is removed unless some other proof of identification such as microchip has been used and witnessed etc in advance of removal of the band, and always with owner's consent.

This having been said, and whereas some closed leg bands aid identification of the bird and may suggest that the bird was captive bred, they constitute a health hazard to the individual companion bird.

Leg bands often get caught on objects in the cage. Sometimes leg bands become fixed in position on the leg such that a constrictive ring of keratin (dead skin) accumulates between the ring and the bone leading to pain, impaired circulation, risk of fracture, necrosis and gangrene. (Usually this is associated with malnutritional pressure hyperkeratosis and/or Cnemidocoptes mite infestation).

Keratin rings are most commonly found collecting under flat leg bands.

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