This picture shows two chicks at nine days old, about to be ringed. The rings used are described as 'closed' (not split) aluminium and are engraved by the ring suppliers, A C Hughes (1 High Street Hampton Hill Middlesex TW12 1NA tel 0208 979 1366), using membership coded details as follows.

Numerical numbering; the Society identifation mark (including the breeder's membership number); the ring size (in this case 'P' for Cockatiels) and the year of manufacture (03). The ring colour also identifies the age of the bird without having to catch it. The rings in this picture are coloured yellow, denoting the year 2000.

The items on display are petroleum jelly and a couple of pared matchsticks: the former lubricate the ring interior and the bird's toes and leg, using cotton bud; and the latter to assist with toe manoevring through the ring.

The following photos are available:

Title	File Size	Download Time (avg)
Ringing stage 1 preperation	17 Kb	4 secs