How Bird Microchipping Helps Recover Lost Birds

Why You Should Microchip Your Bird

Losing a bird is a heartbreaking experience, especially since they can easily fly off and get lost while exploring. That’s why microchipping your bird is so important—it helps ensure you can reunite with your lost bird quickly and easily.

Another concern for bird owners is theft, as birds are often prime targets due to their high value. If your bird is stolen, a microchip significantly boosts the chances of recovery, ensuring your pet gets back home where it belongs.

Plus, with so many birds looking alike, especially within the same species, a microchip is your proof of ownership. Don’t wait—microchip your bird today to protect your feathered friend!/p>

How Microchipping Your Bird Works

Microchipping is a quick and easy process that can provide peace of mind to pet owners. A tiny, rice-sized microchip is implanted under the skin of the bird, typically on the back between the wings. The microchip contains a unique identification number that can be scanned by a special reader to retrieve the owner's contact information. 

The microchipping procedure for birds typically takes only a few minutes and can be done by a veterinarian or trained animal care professional. It is relatively painless, as the bird will only feel a small pinch during the insertion of the microchip. Once the microchip is inserted, the bird may experience minor discomfort for a short period but will quickly recover. 

The microchip can last for the bird's lifetime, so there is no need to worry about replacing it. However, it is essential to register your pet microchip to ensure that your contact information is up to date and readily available in case your bird ever becomes a lost pet bird. Don't forget to update your registry if you ever move.

Overall, microchipping your bird is a simple yet effective way to increase your chances of finding your lost pet bird. It provides a reliable method of identification that can help reunite you with your beloved pet quickly.  

The Benefits of Bird Microchipping

1. Permanent Identification: Microchipping your bird provides a form of identification that can’t be lost or removed, unlike traditional tags or collars that pets can easily lose. Since birds can’t wear collars, this is a reliable way to ensure your bird always carries its ID.

2. Increased Chances of Being Reunited: If your bird ever flies away or gets lost, microchipping significantly boosts the chances of a happy reunion. Shelters and vet clinics can scan for the chip and contact you quickly, making the process of finding a lost bird much easier.

3. Quick and Easy Process: Microchipping your bird is simple! It’s a quick procedure done by a vet, where a tiny chip, about the size of a grain of rice, is inserted under the skin with a needle.

4. Cost-Effective: Microchipping is a one-time investment that provides a lifetime of identification. It's more affordable than repeatedly replacing lost ID tags and gives you a much better chance of recovering your bird.

5. Peace of Mind: Microchipping gives you peace of mind, knowing you’ve taken a major step toward ensuring your bird’s safe return if it ever goes missing. In stressful situations, you can focus on finding your bird, knowing its identification is secure.

The Process of microchipping a Bird

Microchipping a bird should be done by a veterinarian or an experienced avian specialist. The process is quick and relatively painless for the bird. A small, electronic microchip is injected into the bird's skin using a needle. The microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and contains a unique identification number that is registered to the bird's owner. 

The procedure takes only a few minutes, and the bird can return to normal activities immediately after. However, it's essential to keep an eye on the bird and check the microchip site for any signs of infection or irritation. 

Once the microchip is implanted, it's important to register your pet's microchip with a reputable registry, which stores your contact information alongside the bird's unique identification number. This information can be accessed by animal shelters, veterinarians, and rescue organizations. Aftercare is minimal, but it's important to keep the microchip site clean and avoid any activities that may cause irritation or damage to the area until the minor wound has healed.

What To Do I Your Bird Gets Lost

Losing a pet bird can be a frightening experience, but preparing in advance with a microchip and having your bird’s leg band numbers available can make all the difference. Always ensure your bird’s microchip is registered and your vet has the correct number on file, along with key identifying details like breed and unique markings. These simple steps could make recovering your lost bird much easier.

Have a pre-made flyer ready to go. When panic sets in after realizing your bird is missing, it’s easy to lose focus, but this is the best time to act fast. GoodBirdInc.com offers customizable flyers that you can have on hand and ready to print at a moment’s notice, saving valuable time in the search for your lost bird.

Once you realize your bird is missing, grab your flyer with a recent photo and distribute it around the neighborhood. Keep track of where you’ve placed the flyers using a distribution log, and don’t forget about websites dedicated to lost bird recovery.

Here are five helpful tips for recovering a lost bird:

• Set its cage outside with favorite foods like millet spray or seeds to lure your bird back.
• Call your bird using a familiar bird call or a recording to help guide it home.
• Spread the word on social media platforms, like the Nextdoor app, to alert your community.
• Put posters up around the area with your bird’s picture, contact information, and a reward.
• Contact local bird rescues, vets, and shelters to see if they’ve found your bird.

Don’t lose hope—keep searching! Microchipping can drastically improve your chances of being reunited with your lost bird, giving you peace of mind in the process.

In Conclusion...

microchipping your bird is a simple yet highly effective way to protect them in case they ever get lost. While we hope it never happens, taking this proactive step can make all the difference in reuniting you with your beloved feathered friend. Ensure your bird’s microchip is registered, and keep your information up to date. By being prepared, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’ve done everything possible to keep your bird safe. If you haven’t microchipped your pet yet, now’s the time—don’t wait until it’s too late!

Related Posts:

7 Valuable Lessons From and "Almost" Lost Pet 

Why Microchipping is Important For Recovering A Lost Bird

References:

Get Your Bird Back: What To Do When Your Parrot Is Lost 

Lost Parrot Emergency Guide: How to Find and Catch an Escaped Parrot 

Found a Lost Pet Bird? Here's What To Do 

Link to this blog

Burroughs, D. (2024, March 1). *How bird microchipping helps recover lost birds*. BirdSupplies.com. https://birdsupplies.com/blogs/news/microchip-your-pet-to-help-find-your-lost-bird

Diane Burroughs, LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist trained in ABA therapy techniques. She specializes in avian anxiety disorders and is certified in Nutrition For Mental Health. Diane has written a number of bird behavior books and she offers behavior consultations. She's developed a range of UnRuffledRx Science-backed Parrot Wellness Supplies.

Diane's products have been featured in the Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery and at Exoticscon, a conference for exotic pet veterinarians. Her bird collars & supplements are stocked in avian vet clinics and bird stores throughout the US. With over 30 years in the field of behavior, Diane has created thousands of successful individualized behavior plans that help pets thrive.

TAGS: #LostBird #BirdMicrochipping

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