Microchips in birds

MICRO CHIPPING

  • Micro chipping is now being used for the identification of a range of animals, particularly birds. It provides a permanent and unique way of identifying an animal.
  • The usual identification method for birds involves placing a band around the tarsometatarsus, and is associated with a number of problems. Bands can be lost, become unreadable, and badly fitting bands can cause injury to the leg.
  • A transponder can be inserted into the pectoral muscle tissue of birds, with a single-use syringe, available commercially with the transponder already loaded.
  • Anaesthetic is not required for the procedure, but is often used as the large needle could cause tissue damage if the bird were to struggle during implantation.
  • Once the microchip is placed it is confirmed by scanning the bird, and the hole left by the needle is repaired by tissue glue or suture.
  • Most birds return to normal activity shortly after placement of the microchip, but occasionally animals have reactions to the microchip in the surrounding tissue.
Last modified: Thursday, 7 June 2012, 9:16 AM