How to Band a Baby

        Take a band and notice it has a sharp top edge to it and a smooth round edge to it.  The smooth round edge is what goes down, so when the bird is standing this smooth edge is what is resting on the foot.  Also notice this will put the band numbers up side down when the bird is standing.  But, when you hold the bird in your hand and hold it's leg to read the numbers they will be correctly oriented for reading. 

    Most people band on the right leg of the bird.  Most babies are ready to band around six or seven days.  The band should slip over the toes snuggly and then not want to come off once banded.  If the baby is banded to early the band might come off and get lost or some parents will try and remove the bands from their babies.  If the baby has got a little to old and the band is to tight use a little cooking oil to pre lube the foot and band.  I like to lay the baby on it's back. Slide the sharp edge of the band over the three toes.  Then with the fourth toe laid back against the leg slide the band up the leg over the toe as far as you can.

Then using the pick on your "Bander Buddy" or a tooth pick, pick the fourth toe out of the band.  Give the band a slight "test tug" to make sure it won't slip off easily.  That's all there is to it.

This is a neat little item called a "Bander Buddy".  Most of the pigeon supply stores carry them.  It comes with two wires for storing bands, a pick for picking the fourth toe, and a elastic strap to go around your wrist.  I have found this to be very useful and worth the price.  PS, I like to sharpen the end of the pick just a little, it works better that way.

"Bander Buddy"

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