How to Microchip a Goat

Courtesy of Sue Johnson

Microchips are used for permanent identification. The chip is the size of a grain of rice and is actually a tiny computer chip that is encased in a glass material.

The chip can be read with a handheld device that uses radio waves to read the chip. Some microchips have been known to migrate so I have found that the best place to insert the microchip is in the tail web (the loose, hairless area under the tail on either side of the anus). I always use the left side of the tail web to make finding the microchip easier.

Step 1

Remove the microchip injector from its container, being careful to keep the needle up so the chip doesn’t fall out.

Step 2

Scan it to confirm that the number scanned is identical to the number on the barcode stick-on labels. The microchips come with several labels that can be attached to your registration applications and to your ranch records. I use a permanent marker and write the goats name on the plastic container keeping all the labels in the container until I am done microchipping all the goats.

Step 3

Dangle the goats legs over their lap. This keeps the goat from being able to get a footing on something and relaxes them. Have your assistant hold up the tail. Clean the insertion area with alcohol to prevent any bacteria from going into the injection site.

Step 4

Pull the loose skin (webbing) out in a tent manner.

Step 5

Insert the needle just under the loose skin about an inch or so, pressing upward at a nearly parallel angle. Press the plunger until it stops. Remove the needle, keeping your thumb on the injection hole. Apply pressure for a few minutes to prevent the microchip from coming out and to stop any bleeding.

Step 6

Put a small drop of crazy glue or medical tape on the injection site to close the opening and keep the chip from coming back out of the hole.

Step 7

Scan to locate the implanted microchip to confirm that the chip in in the tail.