ID Bracelet from breeder

[Dettelyn]

When I adopted my lovebird it had a purple ID tag on his right foot. The tag is not hurting him but... he has this odd behavior that I cannot explain. Baby (male) sits on top of his "Happy Hut"/perches and regurgitates, then consumes it. His hut has to be washed about every other day. The problem is that he gets the matter under his bracelet and he keeps picking at it and I don't want him to get an infection under there so I keep washing his feet. Any suggestions?? :very_sad: I took him to the Vet and he said he did not have the right implement to remove the bracelet, what should I do?

[linda040899]

What you are seeing is very typical male self-satisfaction behavior. Hens will lay eggs and many males will engage in this type of behavior.

If you want the band removed for sanitary purposes, that's a valid reason but you will have to find an avian vet to do it. There is a special instrument that is used and, keep in mind, the procedure can break the leg as the band is removed. I've had this done before with no problems and I don't think it happens very often, but keep in mind that it can happen.

[Dettelyn]

Thank you, I was very worried about a leg injury. I won't bother removing it, but I will keep cleaning it even though he hates me to put his leg into running water. He LOVES taking a bath but won't get into the bath with his feet.