Avian DNA sexing $25 per bird

Identifying the Bird’s Sex

Let’s face it, guessing a bird’s gender is challenging no matter how much of a bird expert you consider yourself to be. It is estimated that around 5,000 species of bird appear sexually monomorphic, meaning that it is seemingly impossible to distinguish between the sexes.

Why discover the Gender of your Birds?

There are several motifs behind wanting to conduct an avian DNA test. In the case of emergencies, it is important for your veterinarian to know the bird’s gender instead of waiting for the medical team to conduct a gender test on your bird. Hence, having this information handy can prove to be quite useful for your bird’s health and wellbeing.

Since male and female birds tend to display different behavioural characteristics, some bird owners may also want to undergo avian DNA testing to understand their bird’s behaviour and build a good relationship with them. Gender determination also serves very useful for breeders who seek to copulate birds of opposite sexes.

What does Bird Gender testing involve?

Bird gender testing does not involve surgery or any complex methods in order to establish the sexes of your birds. Our bird-sexing techniques involve minimally invasive procedures that do not put any strain on the birds.

DNA samples can be collected through the following methods:

• Blood sampling – Blood sample collection is carried out by clipping the nail of the bird at a very specific point. The area has to be disinfected before clipping the nail. Squeezing the part where the nail has been clipped will cause the production of a few blood drops which need to be collected on the blood sample cards provided and sent back for testing.

• Feather samples -For feather sample collection, pluck 3 feathers with intact quills (flight feathers) from the tail, wing, or chest of the bird. Primary feathers or those with blood at the tips are not required. Each feather should be 5–10 cm long. For small birds (juveniles or small-bodied species), collect 4–5 feathers from any part of the plumage to ensure there is enough material. Do not use feathers that have fallen to the ground. Samples must be freshly plucked and placed immediately into the provided bag. Handle feathers as little as possible and avoid touching the quill. Finally, place the feathers in a clean, unused zip-lock bag for submission.

Both of the above-mentioned methods are provided by homeDNAdirect, your trusted avian gender determination DNA testing provider. They are both highly reliable techniques, and your choice is based on personal preference. The person collecting the DNA samples can decide which is the better option that suits both the bird owner and the bird.

What is the Cost of the Avian Gender test?

The price per bird is $25

Other DNA tests for Pet Owners just like you!

homeDNAdirect offers other animal DNA testing services you might be interested in taking for your other pet(s), ranging from dog parentage testing to horse DNA profiling. Take a look at the variety of animal DNA kits we offer!