| Microchipping is the process of implanting a device | | | | 6. Can't Be Easily Removed or Lost - Unlike leg bands, |
| under you pet's skin that can be read with a scanner | | | | the implant can't be easily removed (by thieves) or |
| and used to positively identify your pet. There are | | | | accidentally lost by the bird or pet owner. |
| reasons to have you pet bird microchipped and some | | | | 7. It's Small and Unobtrusive - The microchip is about |
| reasons not to have your pet bird microchipped. This | | | | the size of a grain of rice (12mm) so it's small and |
| is often a personal decision that can/must be made | | | | unobtrusive. Unlike a leg band, like a bracelet on a |
| by you and only you. There are some good | | | | convict, which can be annoying and get in the way. |
| resources on the internet about this topic and this list | | | | 8. They're Safe - There was a study that linked |
| just briefly covers the subject. Check out the links at | | | | "Microchip Implants to Cancer" but it came from an |
| the bottom of the list to get more information about | | | | uncontrolled study on laboratory mice and rats, which |
| microchipping your pet bird. | | | | were bred for cancer research and have a genetic |
| | | | predisposition to developing tumors. |
| 1. Good investment - as the ad goes... Microchipping ..... | | | | 9. It May Be Required - Traveling abroad sometimes |
| $50 Annual Registration Fee ..... $15 Recovering Lost | | | | requires a positive match between your pet and it's |
| Pet ..... Priceless | | | | 'papers'. Also some cities in the US are looking at |
| 2. 'Permanent' positive ID - Microchipping is accepted | | | | requiring microchipping of some animals to cut down |
| in the Dog world by most organizations as a method | | | | on having to kill lost/abandoned pets at shelters. |
| of positive identification. While not challenged in | | | | 10. Microchips Last For The Life Of Your Pet - |
| courts (US) yet, there's little reason to believe that it | | | | Studies have shown that microchips typically last at |
| wouldn't withstand the challenge. | | | | least 25 years which is enough for most animals but |
| 3. Less Dangerous Than A Leg Band - Leg bands can | | | | can be expected to last longer. There are no |
| get caught on toys causing serious injury or death | | | | batteries or moving parts in the devices so they are |
| 4. May Recover a Stolen Bird - Imagine the surprise | | | | very reliable and long lasting. |
| when an unsuspecting thief takes their stolen booty | | | | Looking for more information? Here's a few links that |
| to a vet only to get BUSTED when the vet scans it. | | | | you may want to check out. |
| This can also happen if the thief sells the bird and the | | | | Kibibi's Top Ten Reasons NOT to Microchip - Check |
| new owner presents it to a vet | | | | out the other side of the coin before deciding if you |
| 5. Lost bird May Be Returned - This is the intended | | | | want to microchip your pet bird or parrot. |
| application for the microchip. Shelters and vets can | | | | HowStuffWorks - Microchipping - Great source for |
| scan for most implanted microchips and use that | | | | understanding the Microchipping process. |
| information to contact the owner. | | | | |