HOW DO I COLLECT & SUBMIT A BIRD DNA SAMPLE?

Bird DNA samples – to ensure you receive the highest quality results, it all begins with the sample submission. For our bird services we recommend analysis using egg membrane. For older birds – ideally a blood or feather sample, with a mouth swab as a final option. 

DRIED EGG MEMBRANE

BLOOD

PLUCKED FEATHERS

MOUTH SWAB*

*We would usually recommend a mouth swab as a final option as the result can be affected by your bird’s diet. If you think a mouth swab may be your only option, we would ask if you could please contact us first to discuss.

BIRD DNA SAMPLING KIT

If you would like us to provide you with a free sample submission kit please contact us and we will be happy to arrange for one to be posted out to you.

If you already have your own sampling materials that is not a problem as long as they are sterile and sealed to avoid any leakages on their way to us.

The forms required to be sent alongside your samples can be found at the bottom of the relevant service page:

Sexing
Falcon Parentage
Species ID

EGG MEMBRANE SAMPLES

Bird DNA testing
Dry - Good Sample!
Bird DNA sample
Powdery - Not so good sample!
Bird DNA Sample
Wet - Bad Sample!

When providing us with an egg membrane, please ensure that the sample is completely dry. 

Samples that are wet or powdery have a greater chance of returning an inconclusive result.

FEATHER SAMPLES

Bird DNA Sample
Good feather sample
Bird DNA Sample
Please do not send cut feathers

All feather’s must be plucked to ensure that the root or follicle of the feather is included as this is the part containing the DNA.

We recommend sending at least 6 feathers per bird.

If you are in experienced with handling birds, we recommend asking for the help of an experienced bird handler/veterinarian.

BLOOD SAMPLES

If you wish to send in blood samples, please collect a couple of drops of blood on a cotton swab. 

We can send you a free bird sampling kit upon request containing sterile swabs.

If you are in experienced with handling birds, we recommend asking for the help of an experienced bird handler/veterinarian.

Bird DNA Sample

*Ensure that the bird is no longer bleeding before returning it to its cage/aviary. If you need to stop the bleeding you may apply a coagulant such as Kwik-Stop to the area

If you have any further queries regarding sample collection and submission, please do not hesitate to contact us.