ID leg rings - what age?

[laythegrey]

Hi all, I'm looking for some advice. I am part of a regeneration programme in the UK for grey partridge. I have hatched 30 and they are doing really well! Part of the programme is to add ID rings to their legs so they can be tracked once released.

They are sealed rings and I was just wondering what age I should put them on the chicks?

Thanks in advance

Matty

 

[Tony K T]

I would do it just before release.You really don't want to handle birds that are going to be released.Plus I don't think it is a good idea to release them as chicks as they will be easy pickens for predators.As juveniles that should have some survival sensors.When I raised chukars I would flush them so they know to fly when they see a human.The guy that bought them said it worked for him.He had bought 6 birds and only got 2 back.
In N.H.,Tony.

 

[laythegrey]

Thanks for the advice, my worry is if I wait till release the ring won't fit over the foot and hurt the bird when I put it on as they are sealed rings. Once on they will be left