| SHORT SHARP REMINDERS - No 5: APPLYING SPLIT RINGS Article published June 2004
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Identifying canaries is made easier for busy fanciers, by the simple practice of ringing. Split rings are used by many breeders in preference to closed rings, as they are easy to apply, readily available and relatively inexpensive.
Ring when birds still youngRinging is best carried out when the young birds are weaned, immediately they are removed from their parents. Ring manufacturers supply a special aluminium tool, which stretches a ring open, for applying to the young birds leg.By holding the bird in one hand, the chosen leg can easily be laid into the furrow of the ringing tool, and the open ring simply slid down the tool onto the leg, in a matter of seconds. A gentle squeeze of the sides of the ring will ensure it has closed successfully, and the job is done! One advantage of using a split ring as opposed to a closed ring is that the ring can easily be removed, should the need arise. The ring applicator is then placed alongside the leg, and the ring slid up and off the leg, in |