MICROCHIPPING YOUR PET BIRD - 10 REASONS
NOT TO DO IT
Microchipping
is the process of implanting a device under you pet's skin that can be read with
a scanner and used to positively identify your pet. There are reasons to have
you pet bird microchipped and some reasons not to have your pet bird
microchipped. This is often a personal decision that can/must be made by you and
only you. There are some good resources on the internet about this topic and
this list just briefly covers the subject. Check out the links at the bottom of
the list to get more information about microchipping your pet bird.
The Procedure Requires A Vet Visit
- A hypodermic needle is used to implant the device. The method and placement
is critical so the procedure must be done by a vet.
Not Everyone Scans For Microchips
- Not all vets, Sanctuaries and Rescues scan for microchips. While some
scanner companies provide scanners free to SOME shelters, the scanners are
expensive so not all organizations can afford them if they aren't provided for
free.
There is No 'Standard' Microchip -
There's more than one 'standard' chip so scanners must scan for all of them.
The "Universal" scanners in use today do not scan for all microchips. Be sure
to call your local rescue or shelter BEFORE getting a microchip implant to see
if their scanner will scan the type of microchip that you are considering.
The System Isn't 100% Fail Proof -
The 'Recovery' system fails if you don't update your registry record when it
changes (phone, contact, address etc). There's usually a one time fee for
maintaining your information in a national registry. Depending on the registry
that you use, there may be an annual fee. Some registries such as 24petwatch
are free.
It May Be Expensive - Microchips
are more expensive than a leg band. There is a charge for the implant
($25-$50) and there may be a charge for maintaining your registration.
Microchips Won't Prevent Theft -
The device will not prevent theft and isn't designed to prevent theft.
There is a Risk Of Complication -
There is a small risk of complications with all medical procedures that break
the skin such as infection.
The Microchip May Migrate Under The Skin
- The microchip may migrate under the skin and make it harder to find/scan if
implanted incorrectly. Some chips like the Home Again microchip has the
Bio-Bond™ patented anti-migration feature which minimizes or eliminates this
problem.
Microchip Scanners Aren't 100% Reliable
- Not only do "Universal" scanners not read ALL the different variations of
microchips, according to at least one study, the scanners don't have a 100%
sensitivity for the microchips the scanners were designed to scan!
The Microchip May Need Replaced -
Studies have shown that chips typically last at least 25 years which is enough
for most animals (considering their lifespan). Most studies to date have been
conducted on dogs and cats which have a considerable shorter lifespan than
parrots. Is this long enough for some parrot species which some claim to live
to 75 years old in captivity? More studies may be required as more long
lifespan parrots are implanted.
Looking for supplies for YOUR pet birds?
Click here
for a large, balanced selection
Looking for more information? Here's a few links
that you may want to check out.
David B Weber
is the creator of the
InfoSuperFlyway.com. It's
a webpage dedicated to Kibibi a Congo African Grey Parrot with parrot
recordings, funny parrot videos, top ten lists, parrot jokes, clicker training
info and a large database of parrot articles.
