Why is it important to microchip your bird?

Microchipping your bird is crucial to its safe return in case it gets lost. This tiny form of identification provides a reliable way for shelters, vets, and authorities to reunite you with your bird, significantly increasing the chances of a happy reunion.

Most councils require microchipping for cats and dogs, streamlining protocols for reuniting lost pets. Unfortunately, birds and other smaller animals aren't covered.

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What is a microchip?

A microchip serves as a compact, lifelong identification solution, housing a distinct identification code within it. No larger than a grain of rice, this piece of technology is designed to be minimally invasive, providing a reliable means of identification throughout their lives. A microchip scanner is used to read the unique identification number. The owner's details are linked to this number and are kept in a separate database.

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How is it implanted?

In birds, the microchip is usually implanted in the left pectoral muscle (rather than between the shoulder blades as in mammals). This location ensures the chip remains securely in place while being easily scannable.

A special needle is used to inject the microchip into the bird's muscle. At the Bird Doctors, we typically implant these microchips under a brief gaseous anesthetic to make it as quick, safe and pain-free as possible.

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What's next?

The chip number and your details are registered on a national database. Within 48 hours, you'll receive a certificate containing the microchip ID.

It is important that you keep these details updated every time you move to ensure you can be reunited with your bird if lost.

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Lost your bird?

Contact local shelters and vet clinics, list your bird as lost with Central Animal Records, and keep your details updated. Check local Facebook pages and post that you have lost your bird. Check lost animal pages like parrotalert.com, lostpetfinders.com.au and other lost pet websites and report them as lost.