Should I get Pepper banded?

[Pookamama]

She's always been unbanded. Is it possible to get an older bird banded for security purposes? She's four. and how would I do it if I wanted to?
Thanks!

 

[Spiritbird]

Rosie had her band removed a few years ago because it was coming off. Also irritated her leg. Had no problem since removing. Vet told me there can be some problems with them every once in a while. I would say micro chip instead.

 

[MaraWentz]

Banding or micro chipping either way choice one. I would contact your state Fish and Wildlife as they could direct you better. And it is possible, but being your bird isnt a baby-baby it would be an open band.

 

[Pookamama]

I will call around and see if there is somebody who will do microchipping it without her going under. I don't want her to go under unless there is an actual risk to her life.

 

[Rio Mom]

I would go with microchipping if you want it for security purposes. If somebody were to find your bird and want to be deceitful, they could just remove a band.

 

[Molcan2]

I would go with micro chipping instead. At four the bird would probably not accept a band easily, it would be as if you had never wore shoes and one day someone put a pair of them on you - you would probably focus a lot of your attention on removing it. A band doesn't typically have information on it that would track the bird back to you, a micro chip does. Congrats on your new fid by the way

 

[DebsFlock]

The other thing is that banding an adult bird means an open band, which is more likely to get caught up on something. OTOH, I've heard that microchipping can in some cases cause enough irritation to trigger plucking.

Scotty is unbanded, which is apparently more and more common these days and particularly common with Capes because they chew through anything other than stainless steel.... we've chosen not to microchip either although I've thought about it.

Does anyone know the actual statistics on the return rate of of lost/stolen birds with and without ID?