As shown in the photo to the left, an open ring has a gap (the ends are separated to allow the leg to pass through and then closed to secure the leg within the ring). On these rings, you will find the same inscriptions as on closed rings (see below). This type of ring can be affixed at any moment of a parrot’s life and therefore does not necessarily provide information on the bird’s full history. For imported birds, these rings are generally affixed upon arrival in the importing country and the last two digits engraved on the ring indicate the year of importing and not the year of birth.

While an open ring can be affixed or removed at any time, a closed ring can only be affixed during the first 2 to 3 weeks of a parrot’s life. On this ring, several pieces of information are engraved: the initials of a club, the breeder’s "code" (amateur or professional), the parrot’s year of birth, etc. This ring is therefore more reliable since it contains information dating back to the time of the bird’s birth. In principle, you will find such a ring on parrots born in captivity but it is important to understand that a closed ring does not necessarily mean that the parrot was hand-raised.

This last photograph shows a number of closed rings of various sizes (for parakeets, parrots, etc.), various colours (depending on the year) and varying quality (the most solid ones are for parrots).

Don’t forget that, on the bird’s transfer certificate, the seller must report the letters and digits engraved onto the ring in their entirety.

If you purchase your parrot in a pet store, the receipt has no value.