Thousands of pet parrots fly off or go missing each year. Bird theft is another common problem in both the U.S. and the UK. While it is possible to recover a lost bird, it’s a very stressful event for both you and your bird.
One of the best ways to recover your bird and prove that it is yours is to have your bird microchipped and to register the microchip number.
A microchip is a tiny computer chip that is inserted underneath your pet’s skin. It identifies your pet with a proprietary number that recovers your contact information.
About the size of a grain of rice, a microchip consists of a tiny computer chip housed in a special type of glass that is compatible with living tissue.
The microchip is implanted in the bird’s chest, under the skin, with a needle and special syringe. The procedure is fast, similar to getting a shot.
Since there is little to no pain, most birds aren’t traumatized at all. Once in place, the microchip radio waves can immediately be detected with a handheld device. Most veterinarian offices and animal control agencies have universal scanners that are capable of displaying the unique alphanumeric code of the microchip. Register your microchipped parrot with the microchip company. Usually there is a one-time fee for the service.
Even if you clip your bird’s wings, a startled bird can get enough of an adrenaline rush to fly off. Microchipping provides a more reliable method for recovering your bird should it ever fly off or get stolen.
If your parrot does become lost or stolen, a microchip identification can dramatically increase the odds of recovering your pet and definitely claiming yourself as the rightful owner so that it can be returned to you.
Another way to identify your bird is by recording the leg band number. Most breeders attach a leg band on their chicks when they are very young. Leg bands were originally developed to identify domestically bred birds versus illegally imported wild birds. This method of identification relies on the breeder keeping accurate and reliable records.
Of course, when it comes to fly offs, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Never leave your bird unattended outside. Considerharness training your pet bird so it can be safely restrained when it is outdoors. A skilled trainer can also train their parrot to “recall” in free flight.
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Microchipping generally cost under $100 USD at the time of this writing. The procedure takes less than 5 minutes. Your avian vet will keep a record of the microchip number however it is usually up to you to register with the microchip company. Some microchip companies require an annual fee.
While microchips were originally developed to recover lost dogs they are used with pet birds has gained popularity. However, we know that pet birds live much longer than pet dogs do. microchips last the life of a dog and never have to be replaced. It is unknown whether they last the life of a bird, who might live to be up to 80 years old.
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.
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