The Importance Of Removing Leg Bands On Birds

The Importance Of Removing Leg Bands On Birds Jeannine Miesle M.A., M.Ed. April, 2022 Abstract: Removal of leg bands on pet birds is critically important in order to avoid the tragedy of having the bird suffer or even die from damage to the leg and foot. Bands can catch on toys or cage parts, cut into the bird’s leg and foot, cause the bird to selfmutilate or even chew off his own leg to be rid of the band. Today, there are alternatives to keeping the band on after purchase or adoption; one of them is microchipping. It is done by an avian veterinarian. Others are discussed in the paper. l. Why Is It So Important To Have My Bird’s Band Removed? These statements are excuses that owners make when it is suggested that they remove the band.          It’s not causing any trouble; there’s no need to remove it. It’s not too tight; in fact, it’s loose. He’s never bothered it. I’m going to let it alone. I have to have it on in case he gets away so he can be found and returned to me. There’s nothing in the cage that the band can get caught on. I don’t have the time to take him in to have it done. I can’t afford to take him in. I can remove it myself or have a groomer do it. I’ve had my bird for 30 years and he’s been fine with it. 1.1 Replies:  It’s not causing any trouble now, and he’s not bothering it. What about tomorrow? Next week? Next year?  Too loose is just as much a problem since these bands get caught on things.  Have the bird microchipped so you can remove the band, and  Flight-proof the house. Keep windows and doors closed. Put up curtains between the rooms so you can keep the birds in one area when people come into the house. I have purchased pre-quilted black fabric, put binding on the edges, and hung them between the entrance hall and living room and between the dining room and kitchen. If you don’t sew, find someone who does and is willing to put the binding and sleeve on to hang it with. Fabric stores might know people who do that.  Form rules. Make sure anyone that comes in the house knows the rules.  Put birds in their cages when people come into the house.  Make time to have it done. And find the money. It’s not that expensive.Having birds is a financial responsibility. If you can buy the bird, you can afford to get the band removed. As for removing it yourself, birds’ legs have been broken by people who don’t know what they’re doing.  You never know when a band will begin to bother a bird, when he’ll decide he’s had enough of it, or when it will get caught on something. Five years or 30 or 50. It doesn’t make any difference.  Bands are no guarantee you will get your bird back should he get out. They usually only tell the date of hatching and sometimes the state. There is no information on them to tell people the the name of the breeder or that the bird is yours. 1.2. Alternatives to microchipping and keeping the band on: If you don’t want to microchip the birds, there are alternatives: Create barriers between the rooms and the doors. Keep unscreened windows closed. Warn visitors; better still, keep the birds in their cages when visitors are there. BE CAREFUL! Curtains made from pre-quilted fabric available at fabric stores can block off entrance hall/living room and kitchen/dining room areas. In the above pictures, the one for the kitchen/dining room does not separate in the middle; the hallway one does. If they are long enough, they will drag on the floor and the bird will have to push them aside. Small birds usually do not bother. The bottoms of the fabric can be rolled on a large, heavy dowel to keep them from moving should a bird try to get through. It may be required for breeders to band them, but they should be very careful to get the size right—not too large or too small. And once they are sold, there’s no reason for owners to keep them on. They can keep the bands in an envelope with a picture of the bird, proof of purchase/adoption, and necessary information. They can get a document from their avian veterinarian stating that that band was on that bird and he was the person who removed it. Pictures of the procedure will help. Owners can also get their birds microchipped which will be the identification needed in case the bird is lost. Alicia Manolas send a good alternative to keeping the band on: “When you do get you bands removed, all you need to do is get a simple, written statement from the vet to certify that he removed the leg band of your bird and inserted a microchip It will give the date, clinic name, and his signature. Now you havea legal documentation proving your bird was not stolen from the wild, should you ever be asked.” I would think this would work even if the bird were not microchipped, but it’s safer to have him chipped if you are concerned about escape or theft. JM But pictures speak louder than words. To everyone who thinks it’s not necessary or important to get the bands removed, please look at ALL the pictures. Then reconsider your position. Image 1. Band damage to skin (image courtesy Jenny Fuller; used with permission) Image 2. Tight band on a chick (image courtesy Rina Dev; used with permission). Image 3. Band damage and necrotic tissue (image courtesy Avian Underdogs Rescue Association) Image 4. Necrotic skin (image courtesy Sofia Sangushko; used with permission) Image 5. Band constriction in a parakeet (image courtesy Sofia Sangushko; used with permission) Images 6,7. Necrotic tissue (image courtesy Sofia Sangushko; used with permission) Image 8. Skin Damage (image courtesy Sofia Sangushko; used with permission). Image 9. Necrosis due to tight band on parakeet (image courtesy Sofia Sangushko; used with permission). Image 10. Damage on a parakeet (image courtesy Sofia Sangushko; used with permission). Image 11. Skin damage to foot and leg (image courtesy Sofia Sangushko; used with permission). Image 12. Damage to the leg and tarsometatarsus (image courtesy Julie Burge; used with permission). Image 13. Severe damage to the tarsometatarsus and leg (image courtesy Bird Vet Melbourne; used with permission) Image 14. Severe damage to the tarsometatarsus and leg (image courtesy Bird Vet Melbourne; used with permission) Image 15. Tight band on caique (Image courtesy Bird Vet Melbourne; used with permission) Image 16. Preparing to remove band (image courtesy Bird Vet Melbourne; used with permission) Image 17. Extending the leg (image courtesy Bird Vet Melbourne; used with permission). Image 18. Preparing to remove the band (image courtesy Bird Vet Melbourne; used with permission). Image 19. Band removed and leg bandaged (image courtesy Bird Vet Melbourne; used with permission) Image 20. Post-op. Band removed and leg bandaged. (image courtesy Bird Vet Melbourne; used with permission) Image 21. Too large a band, damage from moving it up and down the leg (image courtesy Mrl Celikdemir; used with permission). Images 22, 23. Band that bird had broken to get off (images courtesy Tamara Lowes; used with permission). Images 24, 25. Cockatiel leg amputation after biting off foot to remove band and leg after it healed (images courtesy Melinda El Khazendar: used with permission). Image 26. Leg on a cockatiel had to be removed from band being stuck (image courtesy Laura Villanueva; used with permission). Image 27. Band with fibrous material that it got caught on in cage. Fibrous materials often cause this problem (image courtesy Currumbin Valley Birds and Exotic Pets; used with permission). Image 28. A leg band has been accumulating hyperkeratotic debris from malnourished skin , and the resultant constriction acts like a tourniquet, requiring band removal to save the leg (image and text courtesy Jan Hooimeijer In: Clinical Avian Medicine, 2006, p. 878, Fig. 37.35). Image 29. A leg constricted by a band due to accumulation of exfoliated skin under the band (image and text courtesy Harrison: Clinical Avian Medicine, Ch. 1, p. 29, Fig 1.34a). Image 30. | Malnutrition creates a proliferation of the scales that can accumulate under a band. Over time, a depression in the leg’s structure is formed by the proliferating skin mounding between the band and the leg. Pressure from this accumulation under the band causes constriction of the leg vessels. The foot can be lost due to necrosis. The custom-made needle holder band remover usually works best on this problem if the band is aluminum (image and text courtesy Harrison: Clinical Avian Medicine, Ch. 1, p. 29, Fig. 1.34b). Image 31. | A metal snip also can be used to cut aluminum bands constricting the leg (image and text courtesy Harrison: Clinical Avian Medicine, Ch. 1, p. 29, Fig 1.34c). Image 32. | Pressure necrosis caused by tissue proliferation makes a deep groove that severely compromises circulation (image and text courtesy Harrison: Clinical Avian Medicine, Ch. 1, p. 29, Fig 1.34d). BAND-REMOVAL INSTRUMENTS Oversized bands can be slipped off the foot. The band is slipped proximally over the tibiotarsaltarsometatarsal joint (hock) as high as possible (Fig 1.31a-e). Digit 1 is retracted along the joint as shown and the nail is placed under the band. If needed, a lubricant can be applied. With light pressure the band slips off. It can be replaced later if need be. Band cutters work well for removing most small, closed bands. (Figs 1.32a-g) Bands that are too small (Fig 1.33) or build up layers of keratin under them from nutritional disorders can cause constriction (Figs 1.34a-d). The larger steel bands are too strong to be cut with most band cutters and must be twisted off using vise grips or split with heavy metal (bolt) cutters (large red-handled device in Fig 1.32e) (Harrison, Clinical Avian Medicine, Chapter 1, p. 30). Leg Bands On Birds Peter Wilson, Currumbin Valley Vet ServicesJuly, 2010 Used with permission http://www.currumbinvetservices.com.au/leg-bands-birds-parrots/# Many pet birds are commonly sold with a band on one of their legs. Banding or ringing used to be thetraditional way of identifying pet birds. Leg bands are often applied by the breeder to help identify andkeep track of their birds. Band numbers are used to identify and keep records on breeding birds. For example leg ring numbers are used to pair unrelated birds in order to keep the gene pool diverse andbreed for certain traits and mutations. Breeders usually apply closed leg rings on young chicks when their small feet will fit through the hole.As the birds grow the leg bands cannot be removed unless cut off. Open bands may be put on mature birds after surgical or DNA sex determination. Sexing bands are put on the right leg to indicate males and the left leg to indicate females. Some pet bird owners have leg rings applied to their pets with identifying information of phone numbers and address engraved on the surface of the band. Leg rings can be manufactured from stainless steel or aluminum. All leg rings on pet birds require periodic checking to make sure that there are no problems or discomfort relating to the fit of the band or the ring. As an avian veterinarian, I am often presented with birds suffering great pain and discomfort from ill-fitting, tight or misshapen bands that have actedas a tourniquet on their legs. Budgies and canaries commonly suffer from scaly mites that burrow into the bare skin of the legs andfeet and cause a thickening and flaking of the skin in these areas. As a result the leg bands become tight and “ring-bark” the legs. Often owners have not noticed any problem as the feathers tend to hide the legs. Birds with larger beaks, such as sun conures and Indian Ringnecks, can bite at aluminum, open bands and squash them out of shape. This action can also cause the ring to act as a tourniquet andcause swelling and constriction of the leg. Just recently I had to operate on a sun conure to remove a constricting leg ring that was encased inskin and tissue. The bird’s skin had actually grown over the problem band. Leg rings can also get caught in cages and toys which can lead to breaks, cuts, dislocations and sprains. If seeds or twigs get caught under a leg ring, subsequent irritation can cause swelling and constriction of the foot andleg. In the worst case scenario, amputation of the affected foot is necessary. Because of all of the injuries and problems that I’ve treated as a result of constricting leg rings, I usually recommend the removal of leg bands from pet birds. Removal of most bands is a simple procedure and will prevent any potential injuries occurring. Owners should never attempt to remove aleg ring themselves. Always consult your avian veterinarian, who will safely remove the band and prevent injury to the bird. Microchips are a much safer and more convenient way of identifying your pet bird. Microchips are about the size of a grain of rice and can be quickly and safely implanted into the breast muscle of thebird. Each microchip contains a unique number which is recorded and registered to the owner through a microchip company. It is common practice for veterinarians and animal shelter workers toscan any lost birds for microchip identification which link the lost bird directly to their owner. If anyone finds a stray or lost bird, he should always take it into their local veterinarian and have it scanned in case the bird has a microchip. The microchip is the safest way to identify your pet bird and to ensure that it is returned to you in case it gets lost. Peter Wilson; used with permission Images 33-46 (the following 13 images courtesy© Peter Wilson July, 2010; used with permission.) 1. Leg bands are often applied by the breeder to help identify and keep track of their birds. However,we recommend removal of leg bands as they can cause serious problems for birds. 2. Leg bands in birds can result in constrictive injuries. This is an extreme example of a foot almostamputated by a leg band that had cut off the blood supply. 3. A gruesome reminder that constrictive injuries caused by leg bands can be life-threatening. 4.The foot had to be completely removed under a general anesthetic. 5.The foot was amputated at the ankle joint. It will be dressed to enable healing to occur. 6. Usually no anesthetic is needed to remove a leg band. 7. Removal of a leg band is a minor procedure when performed by an experienced avian vet. 8. Split rings can be chewed by the birds and compress onto the leg. This little Green Cheek Conurehad a double problem. Not only was his leg compressed by a leg band, but his left foot was almost amputated by a hair tourniquet. 9. Hair has been removed. Next we need to remove the leg band. 10. Another example of the ring causing problems. Skin cells are being shed and replaced continually; however, with a leg band, the shed skin builds up and acts like a tourniquet. A clearexample of the shed skin that had built up under the leg ring. 11. Microchips are a safe and more convenient way to identify your bird. In avian species, they areimplanted into the breast muscle. 12. Microchips available now are about the size of a grain of rice. 13. Even though the chips are small, the bird still needs to be anesthetized for the procedure. -------------------------------------------------------------------The Unusual Pet Vets 𝗣𝗮𝘂𝗹𝗶𝗲’𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗟𝗲𝗴 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗲 ฀ Paulie is a friendly green cheek conure who presented to our Sunshine Coast clinic with a constricted leg band. Paulie’s owners noticed that she was starting to limp on her left leg and then developed a swollen left foot. On closer inspection they found that Paulie’s leg band had become constricted. Paulie already had a history of feather-plucking behaviour, but the leg band constriction caused her to pluck a large number of feathers in a very short period of time. Dr Pat conducted a physical exam and found that Paulie had an aluminium split leg band that had become compressed and constricted around the tarsometatarsal (similar to an ankle) region of the left leg. The left foot was swollen, but the blood supply was still intact, and Paulie still had sensation in the toes. Paulie was anaesthetised, and Dr Pat and Nurse Rhiannan cut the leg band, taking great care to avoid damaging the severely swollen tissue on either side of it. Paulie’s leg was thoroughly cleaned and dried, and a small bandage was placed. Paulie was sent home with pain relief, antibiotics, and medication to improve the blood supply to the foot. A week later, Paulie returned for a revisit, and Dr Pat found that the constricted site was healing well. After bandaging for another week, the wound had completely healed! Bird breeders often place leg bands to identify the bird for their own purposes. There is no national database for leg band numbers which means that once the bird goes to its new home, the information on the leg band is usually of little value. Leg bands can be made from stainless steel or aluminium. Aluminium leg bends are more prone to becoming compressed because the metal is softer, but both types can cause a constriction of the leg. Leg bands can cause constriction for several reasons. Sometimes the band becomes compressed after the bird bites it. Sometimes the band can get caught on the cage furniture without the owner’s knowledge; the bird may free themselves, but swelling under the leg band can start a constriction that only becomes apparent a few days later. Constricted leg bands are a serious problem and require urgent attention once they are identified. The longer a constricted leg band stays in place, the more swollen the tissue becomes, and the more compromised the blood supply to the foot becomes. The foot can very quickly become necrotic (die) and require amputation. Even once the offending leg band is removed, the foot could still be lost. Once the leg band is removed, there will be a region on the leg where the skin has died off. The bone beneath the leg band may even be exposed. The skin edges on either side of the deficit will often constrict around the bone, rather than crossing the deficit and allowing the wound to heal. For this reason, sometimes surgery or multiple surgeries are required to prevent loss of the foot. Removal of a leg band (constricted or not) should never be attempted at home. If the proper equipment and technique are not used, consequences can be disastrous. It is advised that if a constricted leg band is identified, the bird should be taken to an avian veterinarian as soon as possible. Avian veterinarians can also remove non-constricted leg bands to eliminate the risk of constriction. Depending on the type of leg band, this can sometimes be performed in a conscious patient, but a short routine anaesthetic is often required. A better alternative to leg bands as a form of identification is microchipping. We use very small microchips that are generally placed in the pectoral muscle of the bird. This is the best way to ensure that if your bird ever goes missing, they have the best chance of being reunited with you. Microchipping is included in our FlyStart package. More information can be found on our website: https://www.unusualpetvets.com.au/flystart-package-for.../ Clinic: Sunshine Coast Image 47. The leg band constricted over the tarsometatarsis. Image 48. The constriction over the site is visible. Image 49. The constriction over the region is significant. Image 50. Paulie is anaesthetised and Dr Pat and Nurse Rhiannan carefully remove the constricted leg band. Image 51. A high-speed Dremel saw is used to cut the leg band. Nurse Rhiannon drops water over the leg band while the Dremel is cutting to prevent the band from overheating and burning Paulie's leg. A blunt needle is inserted under the leg band to provide some space between the band and the tissue underneath. A Doppler probe is placed on the underside of the wing to measure the heart rate and rhythm while Paulie is anaesthetised. Image 52. The leg band has been removed and the damage was revealed. In Paulie's case, a bridge of skin was formed because the leg band separated it from the tissue underneath. Image 53. After 7 days of bandaging the wound is starting to epithelialise, which means the skin is growing in and covering the exposed tissue. Image 54. We were very pleased with how Paulie's leg was healing on day 7. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Conclusion. There are many owners who choose to keep the birds’ bands on. That is their choice, but the risk they take is significant. Every owner who has had his bird’s foot or leg amputated because of the damage done by the band, or has had a bird chew its own leg off to get rid of the band, states he wishes he had had it removed before this happened. Many birds will go through their lifetimes with no trouble from the band; however, we must consider the ones that have had serious injuries, bled out and even died from getting the band caught on things or chewing the leg or band off to get relief from their pain. Please consider having your bird’s band removed by an avian veterinarian. You will be relieved that you have spared your bird intense suffering from it. Please, do the right thing to protect your birds.