FINCHforum

This is a pre-cautionary post. My 4 Gouldians, banded 11/11, fledged, 11/18, weaned 12/9......I was looking at them today & noticed one had his back toe stuck in his band, toe facing backwards, so he could only use his front 3. I was aghast
Whether it had slipped into the band, or whether I had done that when I banded him I don't know. Caught him up & fixed the situation. It's been 37 days since his toe was backwards caught in the band, but it looks no worse for the wear. I trust his muscles will strengthen in that toe & be alright; it looks fine actually.
Just a note to maybe sit & watch your birds carefully to make sure nothing is amiss.

ugh, I had that happen to one of societies when they were chicks. he was the runt, none if the others had that problem. I think I should have waited a few extra days to band him. turned out fine, though.

Hw do you get those? my birds arent little babies any more but i heard there is a plastic type one you can put on them at any age? i heard they are expensive though how do i get them with out them being so much i need to get 5 ? i dont know much about them

FairieDust87
I use "Pearler Beads" available at craft stores. I cut them in half with a pill cutter & then slice them open w/a knife. I do use a banding tool to put them on. Good luck.
These aren't expensive at all; you can even find them at a thrift store.

Our moderator Martie sells the pearler-bead type bands, check her signature. These are good for the larger finches, but if you have tiny waxbills, then these will be too big. Here is an article on how to apply them, along with a list of some sources.

http://www.finchinfo.com/breeding/leg_b ... eeping.php