Closed Leg Band Size Calculator
The right closed-band ID and the safe apply-age window for every common species — finches, small and large parrots, gamebirds, pigeons. Searchable, no signup.
Closed Leg Band Size Finder
Find the right closed-band ID and the safe age window to apply it for any common avicultural species.
| Species | Band ID | Apply at age | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canary | 2.5 mm | 5–8 days | finch |
| Zebra Finch | 2.5 mm | 6–9 days | finch |
| Gouldian Finch | 2.5 mm | 7–10 days | finch |
| Society Finch | 2.5 mm | 6–9 days | finch |
| Java Sparrow | 3.0 mm | 7–10 days | finch |
| Budgerigar / Parakeet | 4.0 mm | 7–10 days | small parrot |
| Parrotlet (Pacific) | 4.0 mm | 10–14 days | small parrot |
| Lovebird (Fischer's / Masked) | 4.0 mm | 10–14 days | small parrot |
| Lovebird (Peach-faced) | 4.5 mm | 10–14 days | small parrot |
| Cockatiel | 5.0 mm | 9–13 days | medium parrot |
| Conure (Green-cheek) | 5.0 mm | 12–16 days | medium parrot |
| Conure (Sun / Jenday) | 6.5 mm | 14–18 days | medium parrot |
| Indian Ringneck | 6.0 mm | 14–18 days | medium parrot |
| Quaker / Monk | 6.0 mm | 12–16 days | medium parrot |
| Senegal | 8.0 mm | 16–21 days | medium parrot |
| Galah / Rose-breasted Cockatoo | 9.5 mm | 18–24 days | medium parrot |
| African Grey (Congo) | 11.0 mm | 21–28 days | large parrot |
| Amazon (Blue-front, Yellow-naped) | 11.0 mm | 21–28 days | large parrot |
| Cockatoo (Umbrella, Moluccan) | 11.0 mm | 21–28 days | large parrot |
| Eclectus | 11.0 mm | 21–28 days | large parrot |
| Mini Macaw (Hahn's, Severe) | 9.0 mm | 18–24 days | large parrot |
| Macaw (Blue-and-Gold, Scarlet) | 14.0 mm | 25–35 days | large parrot |
| Macaw (Hyacinth) | 16.0 mm | 28–38 days | large parrot |
| Pigeon / Dove | 8.0 mm | 6–9 days | pigeon |
| Coturnix Quail | 6.0 mm | 10–14 days | gamebird |
Sizes are starting points based on common breeder-association recommendations. Always test fit on the chick's tarsus before banding — band should slide on with mild resistance and not move past the ankle joint once applied.
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Why band size matters
Closed bands are how serious breeders prove provenance. A closed band can only be slipped over the foot during a tight window — once the joint enlarges, the band cannot come on or off. That permanence is exactly why a club-issued, year-coded closed band is treated as proof of captive breeding worldwide.
Get the size wrong by even half a millimetre and you cause real harm. Bands that are too tight cut circulation and can cost the chick a foot. Bands that are too loose slip off and you lose the identity. The species sizes above are starting points used by most breeder associations — always check fit on the individual chick before committing.
Apply a closed band by gently folding the chick's longest two toes forward and the shortest two backward, slide the band over the closed bundle past the ankle joint, then let the toes return to position. The whole motion takes seconds — practise on an older chick that already has its band before working on a fresh hatch.
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