IDENTIFICATION AND RECORDS
You can use several methods to identify rodents. One system uses holes punched into one or both ears according to a coding system. A special ear puncher is used.
Another system uses small metal ear tags that can be affixed to the ear. Once the tag is in place, the animal will generally ignore it.
Metal tag placed in the ear
Animals being identified with metal ear tags or by punching ear holes may be lightly anesthetized since momentary pain is experienced. Toe clipping, another identification system is considered by many to be inhumane.
Another system uses a microchip that is inserted under the skin with a hypodermic needle. The microchip is programmed with the animal’s ID which can be read by a handheld device.