A BIRD suffered horror injuries after having a metal tag clamped to its leg.

The poor animal needed surgery after the wound seriously hurt the bird.

MBM Vets Mauchline released graphic pictures after one of its surgeons, Laura Sim, operated on the bird to remove the tag.

The vets shared the pictures “to raise awareness of the problems caused by rings used on the legs of pet and aviary birds”.

Bird ringing or banding is the attachment of a small, individually numbered metal or plastic tag to the leg for identification. 

Bird ringing or banding is the attachment of a small, individually numbered metal or plastic tag to the leg for identification. 

Cumnock Chronicle:

MBM Vets have not warned against the use of identity rings but are urging bird owners to keep an eye on tags daily for any signs of inflammation or infection around them.

A spokesperson for MBM Vets Mauchline said: “We often see swelling, infection and deep skin wounds associated with both metal and plastic leg rings.

“Our vet Laura had to remove this poor bird’s ring under general anaesthesia. Metal rings in particular are extremely difficult to cut and remove. Prolonged treatment will be needed.

“In the worst cases, when the leg swells up, pressure caused by the ring can cut off the circulation and the leg must be amputated.

Cumnock Chronicle:

“If your pet bird has a ring, we recommend that you check closely every day for any signs of inflammation or infection in the leg (redness, swelling or discharge).

“Contact us immediately if you find even minor problems, as these can escalate very quickly. Removing rings is not an easy task. We do not recommend that you try to do this yourself because of the risk of further injury to the bird.

“If you are worried about your pet bird and would like advice about ring removal, please give us a call on 01290 550452.”