Is my salmon crested cockatoo legal?

I got a salmon crested cockatoo from a friend of ours who also got him given to them along with 4 other birds. I was talking to someone about taking him to the vet because his nails and beak are really overgrown. Then they asked me however if he has a metal band on his ankle. I realized then that he didn't. I live in Illinois, does this mean if i try to take him to the vet. for the care he needs they will take my bird from me? Someone please help, i love my bird i just want to take care of him, i don't know what to do. I didn't do anything wrong. help please

No, you're not in any trouble. The band gives breeder information. If you were in Australia, maybe (I don't know Australian laws), but they aren't native to the US, and countries hang ups about captive birds are usually only related to native birds.

I live in Illinois as well, and I can tell you that no, they won't arrest you or take your bird away. It's possible that when the bird was still a baby that he slipped his band. It was also possible that he was never banded.

You can take him to the vet, and they won't criticize you for him not being banded. I've taken plenty of parrots without bands to the vet before, none were confiscated and I've yet to be arrested.

I've personally had all of my parrots' bands removed, since you cannot really track a parrot by their band. It's not illegal, and it's nothing to worry about.

Midwest Bird and Exotic Animal Hospital

Proud owner of four parrots.

Three years volunteering at an avian shelter.