standardization of records keeping in indian zoos - Central Zoo ...

standing in the water or walking through high grass. The sex of the bird, if known,
should be indicate by the common practice of banding females on the left and males
on the right. Very close attention must also be given to the way a band fits; it must
ride freely over the leg bone. It is wise to shape the band slightly for various species
of diving birds whose leg bones are flattened. The plastic bands can be shaped if heat
is applied.
Once ringed a constant watch must be kept for the slightest infection or
swelling in the area of the band. If infection is detected it must be treated
immediately.
2
1 tarsometatarsus
2 tibiotarsus
Fig.1: Diagram of a bird leg showing areas for ringing
How to remove a leg band?
Get a pair of band clippers which are specifically designed to remove a leg band.
Hold the bird still, with one leg extended. Use the bird band clippers to carefully
clip the leg band and remove it
Save the clipped band for future use.
Examine your bird‟s foot afterwards for any lesions, spots and scaly areas.
Know that to help your bird heal from leg band irritation you should increase its
intake of vitamins and nutrients as well as sunlight.
5.2 PATAGIAL TAGGING
Patagial tagging refers to the fitting of a plastic tag to the “patagium” or frontal
flap of skin to the wing of a bird and has been used worldwide with great success on a
wide range of bird species including vultures and condors, swans and eagles.
Patagial Markers are shapes of vinyl (often circles) or cattle ear tags (square with
codes) attached over the leading edge (or patagium) of the wing. These markers are
very visible both in flight and on perched birds, although part of the marker may be
obscured by feathers on a perched bird. Homemade markers may be any shape and
may include multiple colors. Codes of letters and numbers are usually painted or sewn
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