Rings on Quail

[Maiahr]

What size rings do I need to buy for Japanese Quail? What is the official standard? I watched the Ozzy guy said 7mm and the European Paultry something something says 6mm. Also, at what age should I put the rings? I know for other birds (pigeons, etc.) the rings are put on certain day after hatching when the bones are still soft but just before they harden.

 

[blackoaktammy]

The size I can't help with (my buttons take 4 mm bands but they are way smaller than coturnix), but as far as banding, you can band at any age. The bands open up and you use an applicator to close the band around the leg.

 

[ColtHandorf]

The bands open up and you use an applicator to close the band around the leg.

That statement is only appropriate if you are discussing open leg bands. Those have a seam and work like stated above. Closed leg bands are a solid piece of metal and must be placed on the bird at an age when the band can be slipped up the front toes with the back toe/s against the leg. The band is slid up the leg until the back toes are freed and the band rests on the ankle.