Removing leg bands

[morpheus]

I recently acquired two (male/female) IRN's and they're settling in fairly well. I do have a couple of questions though. Firstly, the male seems to spend a lot of time picking at his leg band. If it's not already an OCD problem, and really whether it is or not, is there any good reason for not cutting the ring band off. I sort of think he might be happier.
Secondly, these two spend a little time fussing and lunging at one another, the male usually be the aggressor but not always, sometime it seems to be her. Normal behavior?
Okay, thanks for your replies....Tom

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff520/morpheus266/IRN005.jpg

 

[thekarens]

IMO there's no reason not to remove the leg band. None of my birds have bands and if they did I would have had the vet remove them.

Hopefully someone else with IRN experience will come along with more help about your birds.

 

[SilverSage]

There are reasons on both sides. Is it a closed or open band? If it is an open band then by all means have it removed. However, if it is closed take a second to consider before you move forward. First, IRNs are not large enough to be microchipped with the current technology. Are you 100% beyond a shadow of a doubt with not even a hint of a possibility sure that you will NEVER EVER EVER EVER move overseas? If you ever do leave the country it is quite the ordeal to bring your bird back with you, and it is my understanding that this can only be accomplished with PROOF that a bird is captive bred - I.E. a closed leg band. This kind of thing is on my mind a lot just because my husband is in the Army, so I and all my friends have the possibility of moving overseas - I have several friends in Germany and a couple in Okinawa right now, and one friend who may more to Germany soon. We also have acquaintances in Italy. Fortunately none of them own birds, however. So if you can say with certainty that you will never leave the country, then go ahead and take it off. Just realize that by doing so you may be choosing to say goodbye to that bird if for some reason you ever do move elsewhere.

Sorry that sounds so dramatic, I realize that most people stay living in their home country