IDENTIFICATION AND MICROCHIPPING
There are numerous options available to producers for identifying ostrich. The most common method of identifying young birds is by the use of plastic numbered leg bands. These bands can be placed on the birds at hatching and will be useful for several weeks. Larger bands are available for juvenile and adult birds that can be adjusted to the size of the lag as the birds grow.
Many producers use microchip identification as a method of identifying birds. Birds can be microchipped at hatching by implanting the small chip under the skin (often placed in the pipping muscle of the neck at this time). This method is useful in both identifying birds on the ranch and also for locating and identifying lost or stolen birds. Many insurance companies require microchip identification. Microchip birds at one month of age. Locations for implanting the microchip include the hip muscle, the muscle on the back just above the tail and the area between the wings.
Several companies produce both microchips and readers. Unfortunately, different products are not totally compatible. Consequently, different readers are required for different chips. The following is a listing of companies that produce this equipment.
Avid 155 Woodside Drive Mandeville, La. 70448 504-626-4167
Destron
Trovan Ratite Identification and Registry P.O. Box 310 Megargel, Texas, 76370 1-800-722-9353.
Texas Instruments.
There are now companies that provide DNA fingerprint identification. This procedure involves analysis of blood from your bird that is used to identify that bird from all other birds. Companies providing this service include:
Zoogen 1105 Kennedy Place Suite 4 Davis, California 916-756-8089.