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There are a few other issues with microchipping birds.
1) Most animals are microchipped under the skin.
The Association of Avian veterinarians recommends that birds have microchips implanted intramuscularly because bird skin is so thin it would be easier to feel the microchip if it is implanted under the skin and hence easier for thieves to remove. If placed in the muscle, this would require a full anaesthetic and delicate surgery. The chip is also less likely to move from the implanted site when placed into the muscle. This can be a problem with microchips implanted under the skin, though microchips are now designed to minimise this from occurring.
Most poultry are microchipped under the skin because it is easier to do.

2) It is better to have the microchip details registered because if the bird is stolen and turns up somewhere else eg at RSPCA, at a vets or found by police, they can trace the bird back to you. If you don't have the microchip details registered, they will never know who to return it to.

3) If you do have a bird microchipped and registered, don't forget to have the new owner change the details of ownership when they buy the bird from you.

4) There needs to be more awareness that poultry and other birds may be microchipped so that all welfare centres, vets etc scan all birds when handed in, as they would for a dog or cat.

Parvo.

The thickness of the skin is definitely a consideration. In some animals it is so thin that the chips can actually be seen underneath, although in a bird the feathers do make it a little more difficult. It's one reason why I suggest that people do not tell others where they chip - no point making it completely easy for thieves. And there are many situations where removal is not very likely, so there are still justifiable benefits.

With not-so-valuable birds it would be not really worth a thief's effort to remove a chip. With really valuable birds it's a different story, and in this case there's a lot to be said for tattooing on the birds the last four or five digits of the chip ID.

I guess that it's a case of knowing the advantages and the disadvantages, and acting accordingly.

I have just started using a pre paid mobile for selling so it cannot to traced and I turn it off when not selling birds just a tip for you if you sell lots of birds

Hi there
I realise that this is an old thread, but I have to agree that dishonesty is a tragedy....
Someone made the comment to me today Quote "The word "assume" is the biggest cause of errors in life".
So never assume that someone is honest....
I have a friend who lost 15 years of his bloodlines of ducks and thousands of dollars, and he is not easy to locate...
I find it sad that people can be dishonest
But in saying that I have met some lovely genuine people who are like me....
Honest! and I have to say that it is becoming a thing of the past.

HI
Just read the thread on Microchipping and hubby and I have had some ideas on this but I have to say that when we went through the trauma's of the Equine Flue with breeding our Riding Ponies, Arabian Riding Ponies etc... that was enough but all my horses were implanted, recorded and documented as well as stock branded with the Rural Lands Protection Board and a registered brand.
When they were sold the horses papers were too be signed by both parties on receipt of sale, transfer fees, receipts were and still are necessary. ( I am not getting off topic here either its just about honesty and stopping the minority of dishonest people.)
We as breeders had to follow the rules and it should apply to all....whether it be poultry or whatever, everyone should have to follow the guidelines and all should be answerable.
Massive fines were in place for anyone transferring livestock without a permit during the equine influenza outbreak.
But remember that poultry is obviously a different matter.
If someone steals your birds they will probably (if they are valuable enough) be shoved into the back of a brooder shed and never "see the light of day again".
Horses are not easy to hide, birdies are.
We felt that as hard as it may be that "proof of ownership"with any livestock should be produced at a show (the same as we had too with Stock Horses, Riding Ponies, Saddle Ponies, Hacks and any other number of competition entries on the day....)
It really is a Pandora's Box, perhaps Tattooing in registration form for purebred livestock???????
Maybe people just need to be showing some integrity.
I have showed dogs as well and it's just as interesting I assure you.
I guess when "push comes to shove" its often about the WIN WIN syndrome and thats why I gave up showing horses.
I have too much integrity and I love my animals and birdies to much too allow that to get in the way of the critters well being.
I will get off my soap box now

This may be silly to ask but can you microchip a chicken?

1. What is a microchip?
A microchip is a sterile device the size of a rice grain which contains an electronic identification code. This code is represented on an accompanying barcode label, the appearance and number of which is unique to your bird.

2. Why microchip a bird?
As is the case with dogs and cats, birds can be implanted with a microchip to assist in their identification. If the microchip number is also then registered with the Australasian Animal Registry, a national database is available to assist in the return of the bird to the rightful owner. This is especially important in the case of loss, dispute over ownership or theft.

3. Where is the microchip implanted?
Unlike dogs and cats the microchip is not placed under the skin but rather it is generally implanted in the left breast muscle. However, to ensure a bird has not already been microchipped, your veterinarian will thoroughly examine the entire bird using a microchip scanner.

4. Will the bird feel any discomfort?
As the microchip is placed into the muscle using a sterile needle, a light general anaesthetic is used to minimise any stress to the bird. Your veterinarian will explain the procedure thoroughly to ensure you are fully aware of the potential risk any anaesthesia entails.

5. How long does it take?
The procedure itself only takes a few minutes but to ensure your bird is fully awake after the anaesthesia you may be asked to remain at the clinic for 10-15 minutes. During this time, if you wish to register your bird with the Australasian Animal Registry, you can fill in the appropriate form.

6. How does registration work?
The clinic forwards the completed "Application for Registration" form to the Australasian Animal Registry. The information supplied on the form is entered onto the database and a letter confirming this is posted to you within a few weeks. Should your bird subsequently be handed in to a veterinary clinic it will be scanned and the microchip number that is read will enable the Australasian Animal Registry to retrieve your contact details from the database. It is your responsibility to update your contact details should they change at any stage.

7. What do I do if my bird goes missing?
Contact vets and pet stores in your area, as well as specialist avian vets, to inform them of your loss and that your bird is microchipped. If your bird is taken to any of these places it will be scanned as above and you or your alternate contact will be notified. You should also place notices and/or do letterbox drops in your area to inform your neighbours - don't place the microchip number on these as it is confidential.

8. Can all birds be microchipped?
Any bird weighing 100g or more can be microchipped eg rainbow lorikeets and larger. Smaller birds can also be done but individual cases need to be discussed with your veterinarian.

Info courtesy of http://www.birdvet.com.au/exotics%20car ... 0birds.htm

After I had 11 bantams stolen a few years back I only sell my surplus at the swapmeet on sunday and I never give anyone details of who or where I live its your best option for selling with no risk

I got 2 very suss phone calls 3 weeks after I advertised on farmstock they were so keen to find out what I had and where I lived. I told them to take a hike