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PIT
tagging a tortoise
PIT
tagging is a widely used method of permanent identification for
animals. Dogs, cats, and wildlife have been micro chipped
for decades using the same devices and procedures that we
use. Many people have recently condemned the PIT tagging
of reptiles, giving false information to support their
views. Most notably is the belief that PIT tagging a
reptile will kill it. Obviously anyone unskilled in
the use of these medical devices should not attempt to use them,
or injury and/or death may be possible. When properly used
and implanted, PIT tags are safe and effective. Another
horrible lie currently being circulated is that in order to PIT
tag a turtle or tortoise, you must drill a hole in their
shell. As you will see in the following video, this is
completely untrue.
Ohio
regulations currently require that certain native wildlife be
PIT tagged. Besides native species that require micro
chipping, PIT tagging can also be beneficial in animals
where there is a chance of escape or theft. Large
tortoises are an excellent example. Most owners rightfully
keep their large torts outdoors weather permitting, and in
recent years there have been an increasing number of reports of
tortoises being stolen out of fenced yards. We also get
our share of escaped tortoises that are found wandering
around. By PIT tagging these animals, we provide a way to
track and identify them using the unique individual code which
is picked up by a microchip scanner.
This
is not an instructional video on how to PIT tag a reptile.
We do not recommend unskilled individuals attempt to tag an
animal themselves. Our intention is to
alleviate some of the myths by providing a way for people to
actually see a reptile being PIT tagged.
The
following video shows the basic procedure used to PIT tag a
tortoise. We first check for an existing tag before
implanting another. Once we have determined the animal
doesn't already have a tag, we prep the area to be implanted by
scrubbing with Betadine (done before filming). When we
implant the tag, it is using a 12-gauge needle and the microchip
goes in quickly. Once the tag is in place we dab a little
Nu-Skin or liquid bandage on the area to ensure the chip does
not come back out the puncture hole. Then we re-scan the
animal, detecting the microchip we just implanted.
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