Bird leg bands and microchipping for proper ID

Your driver's license or birth certificate can prove who you are, but did you know that your bird should have positive identification, too? Luckily, most birds "carry" their ID all the time. The small band attached to the lower part of your companion avian's leg contains important pet care information about him.

Personalized bird leg bands are good ID tags

Most domestically bred birds have closed metal bands, which are generally applied by the breeder when the animals are two to three weeks old. These bands come in various colors and sizes, and are usually made of plastic, stainless steel or aluminum. As the bird gets older, his feet will grow too large for the band to fall off. Open leg bands—in which the ends do not meet – are placed on imported birds in compliance with international regulations.

So what good is your bird's band? Many federal and state governmental agencies require a permit for interstate travel with your bird, and some states even require a permit to own an exotic bird. To get such a permit, you will need to provide your bird's band number. And if a pet bird has been found by an individual or a shelter, the information on the band may be used to trace the bird back to his or her owner.

Is there a problem with your bird's leg band?

Because this band is often the only form of identification you have for your bird, it is not recommended that you have it removed. However, bands that are too large can catch on cages or parts of toys and cause breaks, dislocations and sprains of the leg. Too-small bands can constrict the leg. If you think your bird's band may be causing or complicating an injury, don't try to take it off yourself. You'll need to bring your pet to the veterinarian for removal – just be sure to save the band or copy down the information on it for future reference.

Microchipping is another identification option

But not all bands are easily traceable. That's one reason why a growing number of bird owners, particularly those who have rare or expensive species, are opting to microchip their pets. An electronic chip, about the size of a grain of rice and carrying a unique code, is implanted into the bird's breast muscle. Performed by a veterinarian, this procedure commonly done on dogs and cats is quick, safe and painless. Best of all, this form of pet care identification is permanent.

If a lost bird is brought to a shelter or veterinary office equipped with a scanner, the facility can check the animal for a microchip. When the scanner, much like the hand-held scanners used in grocery stores, is held over the animal, the chip's unique code will be displayed. The shelter or veterinarian then calls in the code to one of the national databases of pets with identifying microchips, and the lost bird's owner will be contacted immediately. To help ensure a pet's speedy return, owners must keep the registry informed of any change in address or telephone number.

Although most government agencies commonly require leg bands as proof of identification, more and more are beginning to accept microchips. And while a band can be removed if a bird is stolen, a microchip cannot, thus acting as a deterrent to potential thieves and smugglers in the illegal bird trade. This tiny chip can go a long way to crack down on avian identity theft! Remember, if you have additional questions about microchipping or leg bands, be sure to ask your pet's vet.