Mail in DNA Testing

[Karigan]

Has anyone used this site before to get your bird DNA tested? What were your experiences with them? I want to get my birds DNA feather tested, and this is half the cost of the vets. They want $25.00 rather that the $50.00 plus shipping my vet wanted.

Animal Genetics Incorporated

Avian Services Center: DNA sexing and disease testing for all species of birds.

 

[cdnbirdlover]

My favourite online birdie toy store sent me a DNA sample collector envelope but I thought I had to send in a blood sample. Is there a place that does it with a shed feather? I will dig out the envelope and see if it's the same place as your link. I'm in Canada too. I know it was a fraction of the vet cost. I haven't done it yet though I do want to (just to make sure Basil a "he").

PS The birdie store is Parrotdise Perch (in Calgary). Here's their site:

North America Parrot Toys Parrot Supplies Bird Toys Swings

 

[henpecked]

I don't think anyone does it with a shed feather. Yes you can pluck fresh feathers and have it done. You can also get the kit to do blood sample ( better results IMO) but you need to clip a nail ,etc for sample.

 

[MonicaMc]

I've heard Zoogen (no kit required) is more reliable from a breeder who did a test sampling on some known sexed birds based on mutations. She used the eggshells for testing and split them up into 20 samples. Sent 10 to Zoogen and 10 to AvianBiotech. Zoogen was 100% correct and AB was 70%.

It may differ if you use blood or feathers. Don't know.

 

[Riio]

I have used that company twice now and they are awesome!! You can look your results up online before your certificate comes in the mail!! Very very fast turnaround. And really you dont even need a kit, just print the form and fill it out. Put feathers in a clean labeled zip lock bag and mail with payment. The kit consists of the form and a zip top bag that has a blank label on it.

You cant use a shed feather, it must be a plucked feather. Shed feathers do not have the cells in them for the test. The feathers just need to be small chest feathers. No biggy. Both of my birds barely even flinched when I plucked them. For the small birds its like 5 but larger birds need only like 3.

 

[Inverse]

Does it hurt the bird to have the feathers plucked? Would it be better to get someone else to do this so I'm not the bad guy?

 

[MonicaMc]

Yes, it will hurt, however *most* birds are quite forgiving. Heck, I have to use a dremel on my mitred conures beak and he doesn't hate me! And it's something he has to get done every once in a while for the rest of his life! Been doing it 6 years so far!


(please do not use a dremel on your birds beak if there is no reason to do so - and don't do it without professional guidance!)



Inverse, you should probably look into some DNA companies in Australia. Perhaps try calling around to different avian vets and seeing how much it costs or if they would recommend a company to send samples to?