BIRD SEX DETERMINATION - FEATHER COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS
Feathers for avian DNA testing should be freshly plucked, not naturally molted. DNA is
contained at the base of the feather, which originates just below the surface of the skin.
It is important to pluck each feather individually and close to the skin. Use a pair of
sanitized tweezers, if necessary—particularly with smaller birds. Avoid plucking feathers
from the opposite end or plucking in clumps, as this may cause the shafts to break off
above the skin, rendering them unusable. See illustration.
Before taking any feather samples, make sure that your hands are clean. If you are
collecting samples from multiple birds, wash hands between each collection. Avoid
touching the ends of the feather shafts. Follow the steps below to ensure proper feather
collection for the avian DNA test.
1. Label Each Envelope or Bag
Before you start collecting the feather samples, label each envelope or resealable plastic
bag with the submitter’s name, species of bird collected, and a Bird ID. The Bird ID can be
the bird’s name, band number, or cage number. Use the same Bird ID on the Avian DNA
Sexing Submission Form so that you can match the final DNA results to the correct bird.
2. Pluck Chest Feathers
With the bird restrained, pluck 4-5 chest feathers. Blood or primary feathers are not
required. Additional feathers may be required for smaller birds, such as finches.
3. Place Feathers in the Labeled Envelope
or BagPlace the feathers in the envelope or plastic bag that was labeled in Step 1. Avoid touching
the ends of the feathers
BIRD SEX DETERMINATION - BLOOD COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS
Please follow the steps below to collect blood for an avian DNA test. When collecting blood, use
caution to avoid DNA sample cross-contamination and/or bird infection. Avoid touching the square
on the Avian Blood Sample Card where the blood is to be placed. If you are collecting samples from
more than one bird, you should sanitize the nail clippers with alcohol and wash your hands
thoroughly between each collection.
1. Clip Toenail to Obtain a Blood Sample
With the bird under control, examine the toenail to ensure it is clean. A swab of alcohol can be
used to clean the area, if necessary. Use a sanitized pair of nail clippers to clip the bird’s toenail just
enough to nick the vein (approximately 2/3 of the distance from the root of the nail) and produce
blood flow. See illustration.
2. Spot Blood on the Blood Card
Remove the first bead of blood with a swab or absorbent cotton ball and discard. Next, carefully
touch the Avian Blood Sample Card to the blood flow and absorb a few drops of blood onto the
card. If the blood flow is slow, gently squeeze on the toe with a pumping action. It is not necessary
to completely fill the square on the card with blood; just be sure to collect enough blood to be
visible (usually 2-3 drops of blood).
3. Allow the Blood Sample to Air Dry Completely for 2 - 3 Hours
Once the sample has been collected, set the Avian Blood Sample Card aside to air dry on a clean
surface. Check that the bird is no longer bleeding before returning it to its cage. To stop further
bleeding, apply a coagulant, such as Kwik Stop, to the area. Cornstarch, flour, or baking soda may
also be applied as alternatives.
Allow the card to air dry completely by leaving it at room temperature for 60-90 minutes. Once the card is completely dry, insert it into an envelope or small resealable plastic bag. Use one envelope or bag for each sample collected. Avoid touching the blood sample area while handling the card. Storage of blood cards in plastic, especially when cards are not completely dry, may lead to bacterial and fungal growth, which could render the sample unusable
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