DNA testing, and Microchipping Birds.

15 Aug 2014, 20:42

One of my Eclectus was micro-chipped by Rob Marshall after he decided to take off some 15 years ago. Problem is I'm not sure where the number is registered and I'd have to search to find the paperwork it was so long ago. Is there now a central register for micro-chipped birds? And what about the EBAG/EBRKS ones - I wonder if they are all in an accessible database?

BluJay · 15 Aug 2014, 20:50

Hi Myzomela, thanks for your response. There are many more cases, which can be found in medical journals. Said cases are being used to prevent mandatory microchipping of humans. I would hardly state that I am "scaremongering," as you stated because I stated something you do not agree with or want hear.
I stated my belief and concern. Period.
I raised this question under "Generalised Questions,"and I was very general, but direct with my question. However, you and one other made an assumption that I was wanting to "microchip a finch," In my opinion, deviated from the question of microchipping.
Yes, the birds are valuable, it least to me that is. As I stated, someone had planted ideas in my partners mind about bird theft. My partner not only has had alarms installed, but wants the six birds microchipped.

Regards

BluJay · 15 Aug 2014, 20:58

@samdavis, I am very sorry for your loss. I am not certain how the registries work here. My experience is, you can have your animal microchipped. However, it is our responsibility to choose a registry, pay a fee to register the chip. Some are lifetime fees and some are yearly. Unlike the tattoo, where the registration is included with the tattoo fee. Unless of course it's done by a tattooist that doesn't care.
But tattooing isn't really good with birds.
Regards

15 Aug 2014, 21:19

Sam, there are several national registries for dogs cats and birds.
Unfortunately, NSW, being the first state to implement mandatory microchipping of dogs decided in its wisdom to have a state-only registry. I believe this has since changed. The best thing to do is to take your bird to any local vet who can scan your bird & find the number of its microchip. They can then get you to ring the microchip registries (there are more than one) and see if the bird is listed on any of these and change your address details etc. If he's not then you can register him for a small fee. Registration is for the bird's life so is really good vale IMO.

15 Aug 2014, 21:27

Blu Jay

I would also put it to you than injecting a foreign material such as tattoo ink may also induce foreign body reactions and potential cancers in your pets. The incidence is probably quite low as it is with microchips, vaccines etc.

As I said it is a personal choice as to what you choose to use but as someone with lots of personal experience on the subject I feel that my point of view has some merit as a counter-argument to your own. Of course that doesn't mean that anyone has to agree with it!

Cheers

Myzo

BluJay · 15 Aug 2014, 21:29

@Myzomela, so true about the value for money on lifetime registration. Thank you for the info about the registries. Because of your sincerest beliefs as to microchipping birds. I will concede and make the appointment with the vet next week. He is charging 45.00 a bird. Is this a reasonable fee? What registry would you recommend, and would you know the fee?

Regards

15 Aug 2014, 21:37

BluJay wrote:@samdavis, I am very sorry for your loss.

BlueJay - It seems I have misled you - we still have the bird. He escaped, then was found and was returned to Rob Marshall's surgery in Carlingford. At the time I was living in the Parramatta area not far from Rob's surgery so had already left a message with him. When we went to collect the bird Rob suggested a micro-chip and we agreed.

Myzo - I'll give Rob's surgery a call as they may still have the record but will do as you suggest if this proves unsuccessful.

BluJay · 15 Aug 2014, 22:27

Well thank you Jesus, you got your bird back. Eclectus are a beautiful parrot. I would have been worried sick. Very happy for you.

Regards

16 Aug 2014, 10:26

Hi Blu Jay,

I think that $45 is very reasonable given that the birds are anaesthetised for a short period of time for the procedure.Also be aware that there are smaller chips available which I believe are more suitable for birds than the standard dog & cat microchips. eg the midi-chips http://www.microchips.com.au/products/t ... -midi-chip

I feel now that I may have coerced you into this decision. My point was to merely present the situation with microchips as I see it based on research,facts and my own experience. Before you make any decisions you should be happy that you are doing so for the right reason- not because of what I may have said, but because you believe that it is a good option. I was left with the belief that this is not the case.

As for registries as long as it is a national registry it doesn't really matter but I use Central Animal Records www.car.com.au. They are one of the few registries that have a form specifically for registering birds which can be downloaded from their website.

Hope that helps
Myzomela

BluJay · 17 Aug 2014, 19:32

Hi Myzomela:
Wish I could have gotten response for you up sooner. Was extremely buzzy. Un-crating and putting together new cages for new birds. Whew! What a day.
No worries. I now can make informed decision. Thank for advising that there are differences in chips used on birds, cats and dogs. As well as, info on registry.

Regards