NFSS banding

[SeaChelle]

So, I was hoping to pair up two owls that I felt would make a good pair because of their size and conformation and didn't think it was going to work because they weren't showing any interest in each other. Well, I guess he was at least a little interested because she has five eggs and they are hatching now. She's raising them alone (and doing a fine job... go momma!) while he pays her no mind (bad dad!). Well, I hadn't really planned to have a clutch so soon and I'm completely unprepared for banding. I really think these might be birds I would like to show. Is it too late to order bands on Monday? They just started hatching yesterday. And if I am able to get them quick enough, does anyone want to come by and show me how it's done? Kidding... Sorta. I am a little nervous since this would be the first time I attempted banding. My other clutches were just going to be pet birds. Thoughts?

[Colt]

It took a while for me to get my NFSS bands. You might see if you can pay more on the shipping to have them expedited. I'm not sure if that's an option though.

Congratulations on the little ones! I wish mine would go to nest. I can't seem to get any of my Owl pairs to do anything right now...lol Well that's not entirely true. One pair likes to lay eggs, they just don't want to consistently incubate them.

The banding really isn't that terrible. I banded some Gouldians for the first time two weeks ago-ish. The hardest part for me is getting that back toe back out of the band. I just kept envisioning me accidentally ripping it off or something. But I didn't and it all went well. I probably got the two doves and the four Gouldians done in less than 10 minutes. They definitely don't make is easy for you though.

[Sally]

You don't have to wait to order the bands, you can order online any time. I think there is a place to put comments, so you could tell Paula that you have an unexpected clutch that just hatched, so maybe she could get them out to you quicker. If there isn't a comment section on the order page, you could always send her an email, her address is on the order page.

I wish I could help you with banding, but I'm tied up right now with a family medical emergency. There are instructions on the NFSS website, and it really isn't that hard, just nerve-wracking the first time! There is also a full pictortial with instructions here:

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

[SeaChelle]

Sally Sorry to hear about the family emergency. Hope everything is okay.

I was able to get the bands, but I can't get them on. I guess they are too old now? The owls hatched on the 20th and 21st and I have size B, but it won't seem to go over the joint. Bummer.

[KarenB]

I used Cs on my owl babies at day 8, I think it was.

[SeaChelle]

Ah. And here I thought I was doing well by ordering one size up from what the size chart recommended. Good to know though.

[Sally]

SeaChelle Did you have any C's to try? I haven't even ordered any bands yet this year, but I wonder if Cheryl would have any C's she could sell you--we have our bird club meeting this coming Sunday.

[Sally]

These new laser bands are running smaller, I think Paula may have to revise some of the metal band sizing guidelines.

[Sally]

SeaChelle I forgot to add, the family emergency is not quite as serious any longer. One of my brothers nearly died (actually, he did die twice, but was revived), but now after a month in the hospital, he is about ready for the rehab center. I probably need to do an update post.

[SeaChelle]

Sally I don't have C's. I didn't know to go up two sizes. The owls were abandoned on day 2 (she was feeding and we were watching from a distance... and then she just never went back in the night after they hatched... new mom) and I've been hand feeding them since. So far, all of the five are doing great, albeit a little annoyed with me after our attempted banding episode earlier. I kinda assumed they were behind on development because of the hand feeding, but I guess not. I'll make a post with pics and progress on my first timers experience.

I would definitely purchase some from Cheryl or anyone in the area if that was a possibility. I can contact her to see. Good suggestion.

How long do you think I have before it's too late to use the C size? Their feathers are just starting to barely show from the quills.

[SeaChelle]

Sally Oh, I'm glad is good to hear that he is doing better, but I'm sorry you and your family are going through that. I can't imagine.

[Sally]

Sally
I would definitely purchase some from Cheryl or anyone in the area if that was a possibility. I can contact her to see. Good suggestion.

How long do you think I have before it's too late to use the C size? Their feathers are just starting to barely show from the quills.

I'm thinking you might be OK up to day of fledge with Cs, though KarenB used Cs on day 8 on hers.

[SeaChelle]

I was able to get some C size bands this afternoon from Helen and successfully banded all five chicks! Thank you for the help! I love the little DFW finch community and the finch forum! Such kind and helpful people.

[Sally]

Talked to Helen today, and she said you had picked up the bands. Glad it worked out for you. This is one reason I always tell members that one of the most important things you can do is develop a network of other hobbyists in your area, if possible. Bird clubs are a great way to network as well.