Microchipping??

[Yas1992]

I've just moved to a new area with my tortoise Percy and am thinking of getting him microchipped just in case the worst happens. Just wondering if there's anyone else here who's done this or if this is a good idea? I know my parents had their cats chipped and it did them no harm but the vets were saying that they would have to glue the wound of the chip and keep him in for an hour or two because of his skin. Will this hurt or be uncomfortable for him ?

 

[tortoise5643]

I have no experience with that. But I know a few members here do. Maybe they'll chime in.

 

[johnandjade]

hi there, our wee fella is microchiped but he was done before we got him. cant see any wounds/scars so I don't think it would be to invasive?

 

[Gillian M]

I've just moved to a new area with my tortoise Percy and am thinking of getting him microchipped just in case the worst happens. Just wondering if there's anyone else here who's done this or if this is a good idea? I know my parents had their cats chipped and it did them no harm but the vets were saying that they would have to glue the wound of the chip and keep him in for an hour or two because of his skin. Will this hurt or be uncomfortable for him ?

A very warm welcome to the forum.

 

[MPRC]

My concern with microchipping is that if he is lost most folks wont know to get him scanned if they find him. This is why I never went through with chipping my iguana, no one would know it was there.

It could be useful though in the event that he is stolen and you need to prove ownership.

 

[wellington]

Maybe @deadheadvet can clue us in on how this works with tortoises and if it's dangerous. I have been thinking about having it done too.

 

[deadheadvet]

Tortoise needs to be sedated to do. Makes sense to do it if the tortoise was sedated for something else (sexing)
Left thigh just below the fossa.

 

[wellington]

Tortoise needs to be sedated to do. Makes sense to do it if the tortoise was sedated for something else (sexing)
Left thigh just below the fossa.

Thank you. Much appreciated.

 

[Kapidolo Farms]

I have chipped 1000's of DBT, all fully awake, they are so busy struggling with being held, I don't think they noticed it. I chip nude mice (18 grams) every week and they don't like it, but don't care just minutes later. It's about the same as getting a shot, if you don't look - the size of all needles feel about the same. I know the chip needles have a huge gauge, but those who have poked themselves with them (on purpose) say it feels the same.

The thing with chips, is that in the future someone finding a lost tortoise might not look. Even typical dog and cat vets seem to on occasion overlook a tortoises that might be chipped.

If they are already sedated, that is an optimal time to do it, but it is not required or advisable to sedate them for the purpose of chipping. The surgical glues dry faster than the time it just took to read my post.

 

[Maggie Cummings]

I had Bob micro chipped. My Vet just jammed the needle into the back of his neck. This is after she had to chase him around the waiting room and and Bob chase any dog that came close. It was pretty funny. Anyhow, Bob had his chip for about 5 years and it never caused him any problems