Have tortoises got to be microchipped, if so do ordinary vets do it?

Kerry

I would advise microchipping all pets, however I get a herp vet to microchip my torts as they will be experienced, not all vets will be familiar with chipping torts.

Thanks :)

Hi Kerry

Personally I wouldnt have my tortoises microchipped unless I had to - the chip and needle are the same as those used for cats and dogs, so are quite large in relation to the tortoise, and it is an invasive procedure.  I would certainly never have it done on a small tortoise.

If you do decide to have your tortoise chipped for security or other reasons, you should go to a vet who is experienced with tortoises

Hope this helps

Arlene TPG

Thanks, I was worried about the needle and their thin and delicate skin, yes they are quite small one is about 100mm the other is smaller, what is a hemp vet?

Kerry

Sorry, what's a herp vet?

Hi,

A herp vet is someone who specialises in reptiles.

HTH

Ali

Thanks :)

Hi

What are the costs involved for microchipping? thanks Claire

Hi

It does vary vet to vet - I paid about £23 I think

all the best

Arlene TPG

Thanks for that! Does this hurt the Tortoise in anyway?

I would imagime the insertion of the Mc would do initially to a certain extent.

Personally I wouldn't microchip a young tortoise unless it became absolutely necessary.

TC
Darren

I agree with Arlene and Darren.

I have not had my two microchipped.

As said here, these m/c's are the same size for all pets. They are all very well for a dog or a cat, or even a full grown aldabra, but for Spur Thighs, Hermanns, Horsefields etc. this microchip isn't so micro.

I look at it this way; relatively, a microchip is to a small tortoise somewhat akin to a human having a cola tin stuck in the thigh.