Do your Featherlegs need banding?

[mountaintopsilkies]

Do your Featherleg breeds need to be Banded in order to show?

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

Yes, most shows require banding of some sort. I use the plastic bandettes that you can remove easily and do not cause too much feather breakage.

Some shows don't state what type of banding, but most that I've entered into require leg banding.

 

[mountaintopsilkies]

I've heard that some shows require it and other shows don't. Which Band do you recomend?

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

It depends on the breed. I use these for my birds:
http://www.cutlersupply.com/cart/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=6_89

Here's a sizing chart to help:
http://www.cutlersupply.com/cart/index.php?main_page=page&id=5&zenid=ca1lbh7mgofsebg8e35bi02bq7

Be warned. I will NEVER purchase the spiral leg bands. Many have good luck with them, but some forget to take the leg bands off or to check for rubbing. These bands grow into the leg if left unattended and unchecked. The spiral band is much more pliable.

 

[mountaintopsilkies]

Quote:
Thanks so much for the website. I like those bands to. I'll never use the spiral they can become imbeded in the leg. This site even has the wing bands! Thanks again!

 

[PamB]

Are you all referring to the bands for testing? Sorry, if that is a silly question...we (my dd and I) are new to showing. Mine have the metal bands from the state testers. How do you get to use different ones?

 

[silkieluver_07]

Quote:
It all depends on your state regulations. I'm not required to have the metal state bands on my birds, just the paperwork that shows they've been bloodtested. They do require a band of some sort for shows' so I use the plastic bandettes for my birds

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

I never use those bands. They can rust, deform easily and pinch the birds I'd left on too long. I ask then to not put bands on my birds. All you need to do to get different ones are order them from a supplier.

 

[PamB]

Ok, but how can I change the bands once they are put on? Doesn't that make it so it is unofficial? How do they know that you put the correct band on the correct bird? Sorry for all the questions....I'm learning.

 

[robin416]

One thing about the bandettes and the feather legs, I moved up a size from what they suggested. With all the feathers on the leg it was a major pain trying to hold the bird, move the feathers and twist the band to see the number. One size larger makes it much easier.

PamB, unless your state requires banding after testing all your really need are the bandettes or some other type of banding that works for you.

The original question about using bands with feather legs, not only is it required by some shows it also helps you identify the the breeding groups if you have more than two or three breeding pens.