Split plastic legbands are sold in sticks or strings of 10 bands. They come in a wide variety of colors and are used to identify family groups, hatch year, pairs and the sex of birds. They are inexensive and easy to use. 

The bands are split so that they can be opend to place on the bird's leg. The bands come with an applicator tool. This is a stamped flat piece of aluminum that forms a trough that is tapered at each end. One end is used for large canary and budgie bands, the other, smaller end works for finch and canary bands.

With the spilt facing upward, slide the band onto the appropriate tapered trough. Continue sliding the band onto the widening taper until the band is opened wide enough for the bird's leg to be placed inside.

Gently place the bird's leg down in the trough. (A tooth pick represents the leg in this photo and the one below.) Hold the band between thumb and forefinger and withdraw the applicator. The band will close and encompass the leg as shown in the photo below.

Orchid Tree Exotics Swanton, OH 43558-9068	Phone: (419) 825-2839 Fax: (419) 825-2939 Toll Free: (866) 412-5275