Band constricting the leg in canaries and finches

Cause: A band of small size, or a swollen leg, or dirt under the band · Type: Husbandry

Other names: The band is cutting off the leg

Symptoms

• Swelling of the leg under the band
• Blue discoloration or coldness of the toes
• Limping

How it spreads

Not contagious.

Diagnosis

Examination.

Treatment

Remove the band immediately at the vet (with a special cutting tool) before the leg dies. (All under veterinary supervision.)

Prevention

Use the right size for each species (see the band size table), and check the bands regularly.

Season

Year-round

Treatment and doses are decided by an avian vet after an exam; Zajel does not publish doses.

Other diseases

• Egg binding
• Chronic egg laying
• Egg yolk peritonitis
• Cloacal prolapse
• Feather plucking
• Overgrown claws and beak
• Heatstroke / heat stress
• Cold stress in adult birds and chicks

Sources

• KB (not web-verified this session): widely repeated aviculture/breeder consensus; treat with stated confidence
• merckvetmanual.com