Banding is by Appointment Only, Instructions Below.

Please book a bird grooming so we can be ready for your arrival. You must call ahead to ensure we have people here who are able to band birds. We can be reached at (519) 699-5656.  

Logistics are similar to grooming. Your bird(s) must arrive in appropriate carrier(s). Proper measures must be taken on cold and hot days to ensure the comfort and wellbeing of your bird. You must show up within five minutes of your appointment time's start. If you are going to be late, please call us immediately and we will do our best to accommodate you. If you arrive outside your appointment time without letting us know ahead, we may not be able to band your bird(s).

To book a grooming appointment, click here

At Exotic Wings we can band bird sizes from Lineolated Parakeets to Macaws.

The fee is $10.00 per band. Our bands are made from quality stainless steel.

Unlike aluminum, stainless steel does not oxidize and will remain legible even after decades. Stainless steel is highly preferable for larger and longer lived birds as it is a harder metal. Aluminum bands wear thin over time, and many birds are able to squeeze them too tight. 

Why Should Your Bird be Banded?

There are a number of reasons why identification of a bird is important. These include proof of ownership, identification of lost or stolen birds, government requirements if travelling, and tracking of birds for breeding purposes.

The most widely used and accepted means of identification of birds today is the leg band. Microchipping and DNA fingerprinting are alternative methods which are gaining in popularity, however these methods have got some flaws and are more invasive procedures than banding a bird.

Open bands are used for a variety of reasons; a bird was unable to close banded as a baby, the breeder of the bird chooses not to close band, an aluminum band had to be removed over medical concerns, etc. An open band is a piece of metal which has been bent into the form of a circle using a special pair of pliers. The ends of the band do not meet completely. After placement, the ends are then pinched together until they meet. At Exotic Wings we will only be able to band your bird with a stainless steel open band.

The information on these bands is not customizable

LOST OR STOLEN BIRDS

Bands are one method of identifying a lost or stolen bird. No matter how careful bird owners and breeders are, the unthinkable sometimes happens and a bird flies away. It may be found by a conscientious person who would like to return the bird to its owner. If the bird is wearing a band, the task becomes much easier. Many bands are traceable and a finder (with help from a pet store, veterinarian or breeder) may be able to trace the bird and return it to its owner. If a finder advertises that a bird has been found, the true owner can prove their ownership of this particular bird if they have the band number.

There are plenty of cases where a missing bird is reunited with their owner months, years, and even decades later. 

BREEDING BIRDS

Those who are breeding birds need a reliable method of identifying them. Keeping the gene pools diverse by pairing unrelated birds, breeding for traits or mutations, etc are ongoing, important issues. Banding a bird ties a specific number to that individual, allowing breeders to identify and keep records on their birds. Breeders buying older birds can often trace the origins of the birds to ensure that potential pairings are unrelated or to identify certain traits. Banding is also a relatively inexpensive means of identification for breeders who have several pairs.

BAND REMOVAL...

It is a rare occurrence that a bird needs a stainless steel band removed. However, there are occasions where it may be necessary. Please contact us before deciding your bird needs their band removed. We are capable of doing this, but want to ensure it is the best course of action for the situation.

Aluminum bands need to be removed quite commonly on birds like conures, ringnecks, and other medium to large sized parrots. We are able to remove aluminum bands and replace with stainless steel. You must call ahead to ensure we have people here who are able to remove a band. We can be reached at (519) 699-5656 during store open hours.

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