Microchipping Guinea Pigs ?

[Maisy and Poppy]

Hiya,

I came across this website whilst browsing : Microchipping Dogs | Microchip Implanter | Camberley | Surrey | Micro chipping cats | Rabbits | Guinea Pigs |

Anyway, on the website it said she was offering a microchipping service and could do Guinea pigs.
She charges £20 per pet.

She is a fully trained microchip implanter.

Is this a good idea?

 

[worried val of york]

Knowing how sensitive guinea pigs are and how prone they are to illnesses I would be a bit dubious about putting something in their bodies. Their systems may try to reject it and it could turn into a lump. But I am no expert and someone else may say it's OK

 

[anniedabannie]

I'd be inclined to say that physically, no, it's not an issue. Reactions such as cysts or abcesses are extremely rare! It's a practically painless thing and obviously good to have...

Although I think prevention is better. Your pigs are nice and secure, so they won't be getting lost any time soon. I also don't think that vets or rescues would think to check for a microchip in a guinea pig, since it's not done so often! Perhaps it's better to save your money and the stress for the pigs?

That said, it's not a bad thing to do

 

[Merrypigs Sanctuary]

We do rabbits at work, but that's as small as I'd personally go :3 Piggies don't do so well with stress and let's face it, being micro-chipped is no holiday

 

[Freela]

I don't think that the procedure would carry severe physical risk, but I think you'd have to really weigh the risks and benefits. The only real advantage is being able to identify your guinea pig if it goes missing and is found by someone with the ability to scan the chip. If you have outside pigs this may be worthwhile... for me, with indoor pigs who are never outside without someone sitting two feet away watching the enclosure, I don't think the pros would outweigh the cons.