Turtle Microchipping - Part 2

Physical examination of turtle to be tagged

a.The Turtle should be examined and observations recorded prior
to tagging.
• Sex
• Demeanour/activity/behaviour of the unrestrained animal should
be assessed
• Respiratory rate and effort should be gauged without excessive
handling
• The shell should be examined e.g. for softness and evidence of
infection of septicemia
• The skin should be examined for lesions and abnormalities such
as abscesses sores swellings and oedema.
• The limbs should be examined and compared - if possible, but
this can be difficult in an aggressive healthy sub-adult
• The eyes should be examined and a basic assessment of visual
ability made
• The oral mucosa should be assessed. However this may only be
possible if the animal opens its mouth and gapes in a threat
response to the clinician

Where it is felt that an animal is in inadequate health to receive a
microchip, tagging should not be proceeding.

b. Measurement of turtles prior to be tagged
• Straight Carapace Length (SCL)
• Straight Carapace Width (SCW)
• Plastron Length (PL)
• Body Weight