Microchipping

[Elle]

Since Jani got her birds stolen it has hit me that it's a reality that could happen to all of us. My concern is proving ownership since all birds look alike.

So I called my vet this morning and inquired about microchipping my birds. First,I was told that the vet doesn't feel comfortable microchipping anything smaller than an african grey (now, that is just my vet).

Okay, that rules out the budgies and the lovebirds. The budgies, I'm not too worries about them. They are both fully flighted, verry agile and very slippery. I don't think a thief would concern himself with a couple of budies and lovebirds when there's two african greys in the house. Greys goes for $3000 without cage at the pet store. On kijiji people easily asks $1500 sometimes with cage, sometimes without.

Before microchipping, the birds have to go in for a full exam. They have to be put to sleep due to the size of the needle. They are kept afterwards for a few hours after they woke up.

Total price per bird? $150 canadian. A little expensive but to my eyes, well worth it since it includes a full check up which is about $75 in itself.

[Pips mom]

That doesn't sound too bad, and no, I don't think anyone's going to try to take a smaller bird like a lovie or budgie, BUT my Pip's cage is small enough to grab the whole cage and with cage they can probably get 75 or 100 dollars around here, which would be enough to buy drugs....depends on how desperate they are.....but theives usually go for the stuff that has a higher pricetag. Ivy's not quite as a big as an african grey, but she is banded.
I know....you don't think something like this could never happen until it happens to someone we know.....then you realize...gee, this could happen to me! I live in a pretty good area too and break-ins don't really happen in any houses around here....plus I have a nosey neighbor right across the street that sees everything and always lets us know if someone was here while we're gone and things like that. She's older and retired and always keeping an eye out the window! Nice to have a good neighbor like that!

[Tango's_Mom]

I would actually say that to microchip and do a full exam for 150 is extremely reasonable actually considering that when I microchipped my dog, about 4 years ago (and vets prices only ever go up, I know I worked in vets offices for a long time) the going rate was usually between 70 and 90 dollars just for the microchip that was with NO anaesthetic whatsoever, not even a local, he got done on the same day as his exam and vaccines, so that was on top of those costs. Granted, I highly doubt I would have needed an exam if I'd had it done on a different day, that's because there was no anaesthetic needed. To get a full exam, the anaesthetic and the monitoring that goes with it, plus consider the fact that there is considerably more work involved when the bird stays the day then when you bring it in for an appointment, so there is essentially a "boarding" component to having the bird stay, plus the microchip. All these things have costs associated with them, so I'd say getting all that for the same, or less than the going rate to get an exam and JUST the microchip, no anaesthetic or anything, is a pretty good deal.

All that said good for you for taking steps to prevent the loss of your birds and increasing the likelyhood that you'll get them back in the event that they leave your home in some way.

[linda040899]

While I agee that microchipping will positively identify your bird, the problem is finding your bird if it's stolen. I live in Florida and bird theft has been a huge problem for at least the last decade. There are a lot of exotic birds here and it goes back to our mild climate here which makes bird breeding less expensive than in other areas of the United States.

Prevention tactics are just as important as mode of identification.

[dieflying]

i would microchip my animals if there were some way of using the chip to track where they are if they went missing. that's a lot more helpful than first having to find them. it would be nice to be able to prove they're yours . . .

maybe i'd microchip the cats. birds i'd feel better doing it to if you could track them.

[Tango's_Mom]

well that's the beauty of the microchip with cats and dogs, these days any dog or cat found as a stray, and taken to a shelter or animal hospital would be scanned for a microchip which as long as you had the good sense to fill out and send in the paperwork would give them the ability to look up the microchip in the database and find out who owned the dog or cat (or bird) and contact you. This doesn't necessarily help in the case of a stolen pet, unless they take it to a vet who scans it for some reason and is suspicious enough to look it up in the database, and doesn't believe whatever story the new "owner" tells them, but in the case of a lost pet where someone is looking for the owner or turns it in as a stray, all that has to be done is a quick scan, that takes about a second, can be done by anyone with access to the device and the ability to read, that person would then call the microchip company with the number and the company contacts you and tells you where your dog is. So it's not just about being able to tell one animal from another. and if the microchips did track, how long do you think before people started sticking them in their kids, and that IMO is no right at all.

[dieflying]

definitely not in kids. could be really helpful in pets though! i constantly worry when my cat doesn't come home right away (we're talking within 5 or so hours! i'm a worrywart, so he usually doesn't even go out), so it'd be nice to have the ability to track them. you could tell if they were just wandering around or if they were in someone else's house, or even (sadly) hit by a car somewhere.

can definitely see where it'd get scary and they want to track kids (even adults, too).

[linda040899]

My dog is microchipped. The organization to contact in case he got lost was Michigan Humane Society. When Sam got to the hands of Sunshine Corgi Rescue, they called Michigan Humane Society and gave them the chip number. Michigan Humane Society could not identify Sam's owner, as they had a record of the chip but nothing else. That chip did nothing to get Sam back to his owner so he was listed for adoption, which is how he came to live with me.

There are also vet's offices that don't have equipment to read the chips and some chips can't be read by all scanners. Corgi Rescue finally started giving ID tags out with each dog and there's phone number listed to call in case the dog gets lost. Of course, tags are easy to remove.........

[StormyMom]

I agree with Linda that its finding the birds thats the problem..but..proof of ownership is definately a must. If i get my other 2 back, they will be microchipped as well.

If i were you, id call around. Jaden did not need to be put to sleep, nor did he need any needle to numb him or make him sleepy. Im not sure if id feel comfortable with that. I paid 100 for the exam, 60 for the chip..and another 20 to register the chip then its final.

The needle is a bit scary, but its quick. Jaden didnt seem to mind it at all..i think what he disliked was the restraint. Ive also heard of ppl microchipping conures as well..i guess it varies with the vet.

In my experience, i dont think a thief would bother with the small birds. My tiels, loves and doves..it didnt even look like they looked at them. Its not worth it to them. They got 200 for Jaden..wanting 300. Im not sure how much theyll try for Bailey and Mika

[linda040899]

According to my avian vet, lovebirds, Tiels and other small birds are too small to microchip. The chip is just too big. Bands are worthless as a means of identifying a stolen bird, as they are extremely easy to remove. With the proper tool, a band is off in less than 60 seconds.

Photos, proof of purchase (including description of bird), and notation of any abnormalities will establish ownership. You can also do DNA Banking through Avian Biotech.

Avian Biotech International offers a DNA banking service. This gives you the opportunity to deposit your bird's DNA for future testing. This service is extremely valuable for customers interested in providing extra protection against loss or theft of birds.

$15.00 per sample if DNA sexed with us at the same time. $30.00 per sample for storage only
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[Eliza]

You can also do DNA Banking through Avian Biotech.

[/QUOTE]


Wow -- that is definitely something to consider, esp. for those with smaller birds.

[Elle]

While I agree that finding the bird is most important, proof of ownership is as well. There are few vets who whill look at birds in this area. It would be easy to notify all of them and ask them to keep an eye for african greys.

I have to trust my vet that if he feels a need to put my birds under while he is doing the implant it's because he feels it's the best way to do it. It also forces the vet clinic to keep the bird and monitor him for bleeding and any complications that might arise. On another web site, there is the story of a member who took his blue and gold macaw for microchipping. The bird was sent home right away. There was issues with the transplant that caused the bird to bleed to death. I want to avoid that.

The way my husband and I look at it is if the birds are stolen or simply fly away we might not recover them but If there is a slight chance that because they are microchipped we might get them back, we owe it to them to do everything we can. (Try to describe the differences between your african grey or another :) Often the only way I can tell the difference between Max and Rammie is because of the way they react when I move my hand in front of them. One tries to bite, the other says tickle!)

[Tango's_Mom]

My dog is microchipped. The organization to contact in case he got lost was Michigan Humane Society. When Sam got to the hands of Sunshine Corgi Rescue, they called Michigan Humane Society and gave them the chip number. Michigan Humane Society could not identify Sam's owner, as they had a record of the chip but nothing else. That chip did nothing to get Sam back to his owner so he was listed for adoption, which is how he came to live with me.

There are also vet's offices that don't have equipment to read the chips and some chips can't be read by all scanners. Corgi Rescue finally started giving ID tags out with each dog and there's phone number listed to call in case the dog gets lost. Of course, tags are easy to remove.........

That's likely because Sam's old owners lacked the sense I mentioned above to fill out the paperwork necessary to attach their info to the chip number, so in the case of responsible people who do, this shouldn't be a problem

Also in Canada, there are 3 major companies, all their chip cans be read by the same scanner, and I have yet to meet a vet or shelter that doesn't have one. Even the boarding kennel I worked at had one since they microchipped they're purebred puppies that they bred before sending them home, but again, it was then up to the owners to have the responsibility to fill out the paperwork.

Tags are great, but can be lost or switched, microchips are far more permanent.

[LovelySydney]

Oliver is banded and we were going to take it off of him but after what happened to Jan there is NO WAY Im going to do that. I don't think Im going to microchip but were definitely taking preventative measures to safeguard our home. Sometimes we step out for about 30 minutes to take the dogs for a walk and we leave the back door unlocked during that time so we dont have to carry keys around. NOT doing that anymore. Its very scary to think how easily it can happen, someone getting in. Ive always wanted an alarm system - it doesnt even have to be legit. I just want something that will scare people away. We have motion lights everywhere so thats the next step.

[StormyMom]

I used to do thinks like that too Sydney..just walk the dogs and come right back. What happened to me, happened when i was at work. 11-3. Which is not a very long time span. They were quick...didnt make a mess, didnt ransack..they took what they wanted and left. AND...even had the dignity, to close all my doors behind them (puppy gate, back door, carport door). I have no idea i was robbed until Buddy busted thru the door to come find me..obviously they didnt close it all the way

[LovelySydney]

I actually just got back from lunch & before I left I dead bolted the door, too, after I locked it. Usually we just lock it but not anymore. The people who lived in the home before us were (from what were told) very scared about break in's & all of our windows downstairs are painted shut. Thats not to say they can't just break a window but still.

[linda040899]

Jan,
I have a feeling that what happened to you was not random. I seriously doubt that this was the work of kids. Too quick, too neat and they knew what they wanted or were looking for.

Sydney,
Leaving Oliver's band on or taking it off won't matter either way. Leg bands are incredibly easy to remove and I would not count on it for identification purposes. Since Oliver is too small to microchip, I would go for DNA storage through Avian Biotech.

Bottom line truth on microchipping is that professional thieves can also scan for these chips. If the bird is found to be identifyable, many are killed so they can't be traced by any means. :(

[SammySamantha]

I am all for microchipping.

I found my Sam outside and after weeks of trying to find his owner, I decided to claim him and have him microchipped. That was almost exactly a year ago. My dog has been microchipped for years, and I have her scanned periodically to make sure the chip hasn't migrated.

My avian vet said that lovebirds are the smallest birds that you can have microchipped. He confessed that he hates doing them because he has to be so very accurate. He used gas to knock Sam out, since birdbutt had to be stone still. He used a large bore needle to inject the chip into the breast muscle. He got a wing and toenail clip at the same time. Sam woke up minutes later and was no worse for the wear. The vet told me some things to look out for and we went home. It was the best $50 I ever spent!

Admittedly, lovebirds arent' "big ticket" birds but I wanted to give myself every chance of recovering Sam if he ever got away from me. If the person who had him before me had him microchipped, they would have gotten him back in days since I had him scanned for a chip right away.

I would be heartbroken if Sam was ever lost or stolen. But at least this way I have some way to prove ownership if the issue ever arises.

Just my :2cents:, but I think the benefits far outweigh any negatives.

[SammySamantha]

just another thought. . .

Avid is the company my vet used for the chip. I they are one of biggest ones in the US. Sam and doggie Bisa have Avid chips.

The vet said that if I had a more expensive bird, he would NOT advise me to send in the paperwork to the company. He said that the chip's serial numbers track back to the vet who implanted it. Even if I didn't send the company the paperwork, they could still contact the vet and the vet could contact me. The paperwork just allows the company to contact me directly.

He said that someone at the company or a hacker could scan the database to find potential theft targets. They would know how many birds you have, what kind, and your home address. Much easier and more profitable to steal than dogs or any other pet.

If you move around a lot or your vet goes out of business, I guess you'd have to submit your paperwork to the company directly. Otherwise, the chip company should call your vet even if they don't have your personal info. I sent my paperwork in cause my baby is cheap, but I just wanted to throw that out there for the owners of bigger birds.

[StormyMom]

Jan,
I have a feeling that what happened to you was not random. I seriously doubt that this was the work of kids. Too quick, too neat and they knew what they wanted or were looking for.


This is what everyone says but i just dont know anyone. Another thought me and Eric had. Before this happened, we had semi see-thru curtains on our window. The bus stop is on OUR property. If they wouldve looked a certain way, at certain times of the day you could see right thru my house. From the window, Mika and the TV were visible. Stupid really, we now have blinds that you cant see in at all.

A theory is someone who takes the bus, saw inside the house and has been watching us. The only thing that puzzles me are the dogs. Who breaks in hearing 2 dogs..and not knowing the size????

Our backdoor has been replaced. Since it opens out, were installing a security door on the inside with 2 deadbolts. One will be the kind that you have to use a key both sides so it cant be opened. The front door were putting a steel bar going across it. We leave from the backdoor from now on.

Linda i have been meaning to call you..things are hectic here. I have to run a couple of errands tomorrow and get Buddy his rabies shot, but i will call you before i head to work!

[linda040899]

Jan,
I'm so very, very sorry that you are having to go through this. I've played out a similar scenario so many times in my own mind when the FL bird thefts were so numerous in the late 1990s and I've tried to act on what I considered my "weak" points.

One of the things I've done is tint the windows in the front of the house. I can see out but you can't see in unless it's dark outside and lights are on in those rooms. I live in a development/sub-division so my street is not high volume. After dark, traffic is at a minimum. I have motion security lights all around the outside of the house, and those seem to have been a deterrent. Not only do they help me, my neighbors kind of like the idea, as well.

When I built my new bird room, question came up as to which side I wanted the side of the door lock that accepts the key on. I have it set up so that I can lock the bird room on the garage side rather than on the bird room side. Once that door is locked, you either need the key to gain access or you have to break down the door. The door leading to the outside is steel and I've installed a Schlage lock and deadbolt. Needless to say, getting into that room is not easy, although it could be done.

My prayers will continue for the safe return of Bailey and Mika. If they are still in the Phoenix area, posting reward for their safe return, no questions asked, might or might not produce something. A lady in my area lost her African Grey and it took almost a month of posting on the "Lost/Found" area of Craig's List to get her bird back. An honest family read the message and did the right thing. Her bird was less than a mile away.....

[momo]

I went house hunting with a friend of mine.. and one thing the real estate agent told that has stuck in my mind..

The closer your house is to, train stations, bus stations. etc. etc.. the more chance you have of having your house broken into. Makes sense, having lots of people walking through or past your house all the time. Too much opportunity.

I never knew you could microchip fids. If only you could get a GPS put on them :(

[personatus]

If I ever get a larger parrot, i'll be chipping it without a doubt. Over here it works well. Our dogs are bothg chipped. Every vet has a scanner capable of reading EU chips, as do all the animal rescues, ambulances and shelters.

It's sad to read about the birds that were stolen. Definately don't think it's some local smackhead or some other opportunistic theif, sounds like it was planned to me. If you had larger birds, couldnt they hear them from outside? I know when I walk the streets I often hear birds inside houses.

To protect your house you could consider ip camera's etc. I have a system of 4 wireless camera's day/night and I record onto 4 1TB hard drives. Total system cost me around 650 euro, but it records in high quality for a very very long time. I also stream it so I can log in and view it online when ever I want. Stupidly it's not guarding my house the camera's are pointing at 4 breeding cages so I can watch the birds! Haha!

[NickyBeth]

FWIW, this is a program that allows you to buy a camera, and set it up so that you can check in your house at any time. We use it for when we are on vacation/out of town to not only check the weather, check the house and the surroundings, but to check to make sure everything inside is ship-shape at all times.

http://www.view2home.com/