Rings for pigeons: why are they needed and what are they, how to mark birds correctly

Each pigeon breeder sooner or later asks the question - is it necessary to ring pigeons? The answer to it depends on many factors - the number of birds, the purpose of breeding, species, age. Ringing helps to avoid confusion and to find a winged fugitive in case of loss. But not all lovers of these birds know how to choose the right rings for different types of pigeons and how to carry out the procedure itself.

Why mark pigeons?

The marking procedure is not mandatory, but it gives undeniable advantages in some situations. Marking elements for birds are individual or provided by the association of pigeon breeders.There is such an organization in every major city. Ringed birds are easy to identify, because on the paw there is information about the date of birth, place and breed. Union-issued rings also bear a unique personal code and country of origin.

Only pigeons with identification marks of the second type are allowed at exhibitions. For breeding and resale, those that the owner himself put will be enough. In European countries, breeders mark birds on both legs at once.

One has information about the owner. On the other - about the bird itself. When buying or selling, marking helps to avoid deception about the age and breed of birds by dishonest breeders.

What other goals are achieved by ringing pigeons:

1. The difference between females and males.
2. Tagging individuals with features.
3. Belonging of a bird to a particular farm.
4. Contacts of the owner.

Recently, the rings also add data on what infectious diseases the pigeon suffered, his sporting achievements, merits in the postal service.

Which rings to choose?

Pigeon "devices" are removable and non-removable. Competitive birds are allowed only with the second type.

This excludes cases when a strange bird enters the exhibition or the numbers of different participants coincide.

Removable rings - cambric are also suitable for ordinary households. They are removed as needed or replaced. The disadvantage of such a ring is that pigeons often lose them in flight. Rings are made from three materials: metal-plastic, plastic and aluminum. Show pigeons wear rings of the first type. The material must be moisture and frost resistant, as well as durable, so that the flyer does not take it off himself.

Markers differ in color. Each means the year of the bird's birth:

1. White - 2009.
2. Black - 2010.
3. Yellow - 2011.
4. Blue - 2012.
5. Green - 2013.
6. Grey - 2014.

The rings are repeated every 6 years. In addition, males are marked in purple, females - in pink, orange - individuals up to a year old, brown - ill birds. Pigeons with high exhibition performance or sports merit are marked with nominal rings.

Markers vary in size. It is necessary to choose it correctly so that the item does not interfere with the bird in flight and does not cause inconvenience when worn.

Diameter To Small species less than 30 cm long Sports subspecies Small birds with feathered legs 48-9 mm

	1	7 mm
	2	7, 8 mm
	3	8 mm
		Large breeds with a body length of more than 40 cm without feathering on the legs
5	10-12mm	For large leg feathered species

Rules for banding

Pigeons ring in the period of 7-10 days. Removable markers are easy to put on: open the lock, place a pigeon shin in the ring and close it with a click. Be sure to check if it falls off. The size is chosen taking into account the adult bird.

The metal solid ring is put on differently. The front phalanges are folded together in the right hand, the fourth phalanx of the paws is pulled back. Fix the position. The front fingers are threaded through the marker, raised along the lower leg, the fourth finger is pulled through it, and released. The marker should fit snugly, but not squeeze the foot. It is better to put on metal rings 1-2 days after hatching, because then the joints will lose their elasticity.

Recommended