FINCHforum

Omigosh, I really need a drink!! This is the first time I have ever closed banded, I've always just used the split plastic bands. The NFSS says if you can't band the birds early in the nest, then you can band them the day they fledge, using the next size up.

So I assembled all my supplies and got started. Whew, it took me forever! Trying to slip all three front toes thru that little tiny ring--I'd get two toes thru, then in trying to get the third toe in, the second one would slip out. I dropped bands, it was hot in the room, my glasses kept fogging up from the sweat I was working up so I couldn't see what I was doing, and there is KY gel all over everything! The poor baby birds look like they could star in 'Grease"!

Once I got the ring over the three front toes, it was a real job to slip it on back over the back toe. Maybe I should have gone up two sizes! The next time I do this, I will band them as soon as they emerge from the nest. I waited all day to do it, and I swear they grew during the day. But they are now official--#1233, 1234, and 1237 (I said I dropped some bands, who knows where they rolled to?). As soon as I sober up, I will try to figure out how to post photos!

Sally....you sure gave me my laugh for the day! I can just picture - not only those POOR little Finches, but I can just see you covered with KY and sweat rolling down your face! Glad it all worked out for you. Just think, you can do it again real soon to the next batch!

I posted some photos under the Breeding section, so you can see how 'greasy' I got those poor little ones. Guess I'd better make sure they have a bathtub real soon. These little ones never uttered a single peep while in the nest, but boy did they ever squawk when I was catching them!

Lol. i was thinking about close banding my birds but i just did the split one instead, but omg it was hard for me. i had them in a big cage and catching took about an hour and a half then banding them took another hour and a hlf i kept dropping the bands or the finches would slip out of my hands and i had to catch them. it really is a pain in the but. but now i know to do the banding before they start flying.

Sally you sure are good with words! What a visual you gave. I don't know that I ever want to breed mine and have to go through that!

I agree it is nerve wracking the first time I close-banded my chicks on Dec 31/07. The second time I did it a week ago, I thought I would be much more relaxed - it was just as nerve wracking!!

I banded the first chicks when they were 8 days old. The seond time I did it when they were 7 days old. No bands came off. I found it helps to lay a towel on the table so if I did drop any bands - they wouldn't roll away. I used a polysporin type of gel as it is an antibiotic just in case there were any scrapes - none yet (touch wood).

I have pics of my banding process on my website - feel free to browse - it's down the right side in the Lady Gouldian section, then click on Pictures of Chicks, and then Banding Photos. I'm sure it must be easier when they are around a week old and hardly move at all. Of course the bands are quite a bit smaller too.

Glad to hear you were able to get the banding done Sally!! I've been looking for your pics - but can't find them...

You should only close ring your birds with the recommended sized ring/band it can be dangerous to use others in later life of the birds.Too tight is obvious and too loose can get them caught up on wire etc.
I used to use a matchstick to guide the rear toe through but don't close ring now as my old hands aren't nimble enough.
Paul.

Liz - the photos are posted under Breeding - the thread I started about Red-cheeked Cordon Bleu Fledglings. They aren't real clear, I'm still learning how to use this camera, plus I'd never used photobucket before, so the whole thing is a learning experience.

Poohbear, I was just kidding about going up two sizes. I did go up one size, which is what is recommended by the NFSS when banding birds after fledging, but it was still a tight fit over those ankle joints, plus my fingers are not only getting older, but fatter too! I used a toothpick to guide that back toe out of the ring, but between the sweat and the KY, everything was pretty slippery!

I've got more babies coming in other nests, I do believe, so I will be doing this again soon--better get to the liquor store now and be prepared!!

Sally wrote:I've got more babies coming in other nests, I do believe, so I will be doing this again soon--better get to the liquor store now and be prepared!!

I'm with you on that Sally! I've got 6 eggs due to hatch within another day or two and then 6 additional eggs due next week! Wooo hooo! Shhhh - don't disturb them!!

I closed banded the 3 Star babies this morning, and it went so much better! Thanks for the hint about the towel, Liz--I didn't drop any more bands, but it kept them from rolling all over the place. These babies were quieter, those RCCBs were like trying to hold onto little wiggley worms!

Great going Sally! It's a good feeling to get them successfully and safely banded!

Glad to hear you made it through....now go have that drink!

In time you'll get much better at close banding. One trick we use is vegetable oil or saliva to lube the bands up and let them slip on easier.