closed rung

Bertman · Snr Member Joined: Dec 29, 2006 Posts: 94

Hi guys, what is meant by "closed rung"?
Has anyone ever bought fertilised eggs? I see a lot of ads on the net and the prices aere pretty good. I would love to get some more birds and thought this might be an interesting and affordable option. Good idea or maybe not?

Kaka-riki · Site Admin Joined: May 30, 2005 Posts: 363

Bertman,

"Closed rung" is the term used to describe a bird that has a "closed" leg ring fitted. This type of ring is slipped over the toes of the bird whilst it is still very young and as the leg grows the ring can no longer be removed. The other type of leg ring is an open type that is placed around the leg and squeezed closed using special pliers.

Some people believe the use of "closed" rings is an insurance policy against misleading information being supplied with birds offered for sale. Split rings can obviously be fitted at any time and therefore some believe the information could be doctored ie "the age of the bird etc".

I use "split" rings as they are easier to remove in the event of the bird getting the ring caught on someting or if I want to remove the rings once I have paired birds with unrelated stock.

In regard to buying fertilised eggs I am not sure whether you are reffering to Kakariki eggs but if you are be very CAREFUL. Hand raising Kakariki from the egg can be very difficult and the success rate is very low. As for placing "bought" eggs under existing pairs I see little point as that removes a lot of enjoyment from the keeping and caring of birds and you have no idea what it is you are actually paying for.

Steptoe · Site Admin Joined: Oct 06, 2004 Posts: 4550

As Kakariki says above

[b]Some people believe the use of "closed" rings is an insurance policy against misleading information being supplied with birds offered for sale..... [/b]
There is a thread in the market place re breeders...unfortunatly there are far too many who simply have $$$$ for eye balls...ringed or unringed
You will find many very reputable breeders do not use rings at all, espec on their top breeding stock..these are very valuable birds...not money but genetically
Many of use in early yrs have lost such a bird in a flight...getting caught up on sticks.
BVuying Fertised eggs? its like a lucky dip
I will give u an real example...
We do not have the time to hand feed....We have a pair of kings that have had trouble breeding for 3 seasons, this season , eggs and more eggs, so we sent them to a highly experianced friend, all under idea circumstamces, most where fertile, out of 7 of those, we have 2 chicks....
We also placed a few under surrogate parents, with even less success.
"Good idea" ? I wouldnt buy, just something breeders may do every so often because they have access eggs or something similar..then if any resaults, agreements also tend to be 'gentlemen's agreement'
Maybe some breeders see this as a way to increase income...something for nothing...again $$$$s