Identification - All companion and breeding birds should be individually
identified to assist in recovery if lost and assist in maintenance of medical
and genealogical records. Many breeders apply closed legs bands when
chicks are young. While they present a slight risk of entrapment closed
bands are preferable to no identification, especially for breeding birds.
Microchips, which can be implanted into the muscle or under the skin, are a
reliable means of identification but require electronic readers to verify
identification. Tattoos may be used but often fade or become illegible with
time. Foot prints may have some application in identification.