SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/bird-closed-leg-band
Most pet birds today wear a closed leg band. When is it put on?
As a chick, to identify the bird.
- When it is fully grown
- When the bird is a chick ✔
- At import quarantine after purchase
Why: Merck says most birds are now banded with closed bands as chicks for ID. Decades ago, imported wild parrots got open steel bands at quarantine.
Huh, didn't know that: Merck says microchips are replacing or adding to leg bands for identifying birds.
What's a bird's favorite cookie? Chocolate chirp.
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References
Answer: When the bird is a chick. Merck says most birds are now banded with closed bands as chicks for ID. Decades ago, imported wild parrots got open steel bands at quarantine.
- Merck Vet Manual (professional): Management of Pet Birds www.merckvetmanual.com/exotic-and-laboratory-animals/pet-birds/management-of-pet-birds
Now most birds are leg banded (using closed bands) as chicks for individual identification.
Checked 2026-10-11.
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