To Microchip Or Not To Microchip?

 

   There are more than 40 different species of tortoise in the world and not all of them are legally required to be microchipped. Aldabra and Sulcata tortoises are amongst the ones on the CITES list who do not need chipping.

 

   However, like us, you may choose to have your animal microchipped for your own piece of mind. If the animal escapes, or someone steals it, then you have clear legal claim on the tortoise if it is registered to you.

 

   Cats have chips put into their front left shoulder, and dogs are usually in the scruff of the neck. The breed standard for tortoises, in this country, is to inject the microchip discreetly into the front of the back left leg cavity, so everyone knows where to look for the animals identification. However, animals coming in to this country from abroad, who are already chipped, may have it in a different location, the side of the neck is a popular alternative. Or in the bottom cheek, however this could be dangerous as you are getting awfully close to the Sciatic nerve, and if it goes wrong, you could end up paralysing them.

 

   If the animal is calm and cooperative it is a simple and quick procedure, done by a vet, or suitably trained person, and does not particularly hurt them. From experience, we do recommend that you have them done when they are younger as it is easier to carry out the procedure then. It is also easier to get them to the surgery or clinic. When they get older, they are naturally much stronger and it is more difficult to restrain them and keep their leg out of the way so that you can inject them. Or get them to put their leg out, in the first place, if they have pulled tightly into their shell.

 

   Sulcata can be particularly difficult and uncooperative, as a consequence it is not a procedure that can be hurried and may require several attempts, at different times before you successfully manage it. However, you must make sure you do not force their leg out or you may damage it. Unfortunately, if they pull their leg in at the wrong moment, they can bend the needle inside them and cause themselves more problems, besides crushing your hand painfully in the process!

 

   The main problem with microchipping Aldabras is that most microchips are guaranteed for 99 years, however, this animal could live over 200 years, so they will need two, maybe three, in their lifetime. Its quite a thing to say that they could outlive their microchips several times over!