Why do bird keepers fit split rings to their birds?

In addition to closed rings many bird keepers use split rings for various reasons:

1. For a quick visual indicator - Java Sparrow's are monomorphic in appearence, in other words, both sexes look the same. When I have a young Java's in my flight cage I find it easier to single out a young cock bird I hear singing for the first time by logging the colour of his split ring.

2. To identify bloodlines - Many breeders will use specific coloured split rings that correspond with their various bloodlines.

3. Alternative to closed ringing - There are many breeders who choose not to close ring their birds (they may find it difficult or they may not agree with close ringing). Split rings are available with letters and numbers, however, these rings cannot be trusted to guarantee the age of a bird due to the ease of changing them.

Before you catch the bird that you want to fit the split ring to, prepare the applicator by loading up the first ring.

As you can see in this photo I have slipped the ring over the end of the applicator and pulled it up the shaft to open the ring.

Obviously make sure the spilt is uppermost and has opened enough to allow the bird's leg to pass through the gap.

When I have caught the chosen bird for ringing I find it so much easier to hold the bird "upside down" in my hand (see photo).

All of my birds have split rings fitted to their left legs as I find this the easiest. If you are right handed (like me) I'm quite confident in saying that you will fit your split rings to the left leg.

Most birds will initially struggle and try to escape but after a few seconds they tend to calm down.

When you are confident the ring is in place, gently apply pressure to the back of the split ring whilst it is stiil on the applicator.

At the same time slowly pull away the applicator from the bird's leg.

The pressure you are applying to the split ring will keep the ring in place and allow the applicator to be removed.

Simple wasn't it??

If you have never fitted split rings before, I hope you have found this page useful. As I said at the very start, these are so much easier than fitting closed rings and once you have fitted one, you'll be an expert "split ringer" by the second!