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🧬 Toni's Feathered Cluckers DNA Lab 🧬
Need Help Before You Order?
Whether you're testing chickens, ducks, geese, parrots, pigeons, peafowl, guinea fowl, quail, swans, turkeys, emus, or another supported bird species, we're happy to help you choose the right DNA test and answer any questions before you submit your samples.
Choosing the correct DNA test
Species eligibility
Blood sample collection
Sample labeling & packaging
Turnaround times
Bulk & breeder pricing
Already placed your order?
Complete the DNA Sample Submission Form before mailing your samples. Each blood sample should be placed in its own zip-top bag and labeled with the bird's band ID, name, or identification.
Complete the DNA Sample Submission Form before mailing your samples. Each blood sample should be placed in its own zip-top bag and labeled with the bird's band ID, name, or identification.
What DNA tests do you offer?
We currently offer DNA Gender/Sex Testing, Blue Egg Gene Testing, and Recessive White Gene Testing. Test availability may vary depending on the species.
What species can you test?
DNA gender testing is available for many species including chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, quail, pigeons, doves, peafowl, guinea fowl, emu, parrots and other compatible bird species. If you do not see your species listed on our website, please contact us before submitting a sample so we can confirm testing availability.
What sample types do you accept?
Blood and freshly plucked feather samples may be accepted depending on the test being performed. Blood samples are preferred whenever possible because they generally provide a strong source of DNA. Please follow the sample collection instructions for the test you are submitting.
How do I submit DNA samples?
Complete the Submit DNA Sample form on our website and enter the requested information for each bird you are sending. After the form is completed, you will be provided with the mailing information needed to send your samples to the lab.
Do I need to purchase a test before submitting my sample?
Yes. Please purchase the DNA test you need and complete the Submit DNA Sample form before mailing your sample. This allows us to properly match the sample with your order and the bird's information when it arrives.
Can I submit more than one bird?
Yes! You can submit multiple birds in the same shipment. Each bird must have its own unique Sample Identifier and each bird's sample should be packaged and labeled separately.
Can I request more than one test for the same bird?
Yes. If multiple tests are available for your bird, you can request more than one test for the same bird. Make sure all requested tests are selected when submitting the bird's information.
Should samples from multiple birds be placed together?
No. Samples from different birds should never be combined. Place each bird's sample in its own individual zip-top bag or appropriate sample container and label it with the bird's Sample Identifier. Keeping samples separate helps prevent mix-ups and cross-contamination.
What should I use as the Sample Identifier?
Your Sample Identifier can be anything that allows you to easily identify the bird, such as a band number, band color, bird name, pen number, color or another unique ID. The identifier written on the sample must match the identifier entered on the Submit DNA Sample form.
How do I collect a blood sample?
A blood sample can be collected by carefully clipping the toenail to the quick and collecting approximately 1–2 drops of blood onto a clean 2–3 inch triangular piece of coffee filter. Allow the blood to air dry completely before placing the sample into its labeled bag.
Can I use printer paper for a blood sample?
A clean coffee filter is recommended for collecting blood samples rather than regular printer paper. The coffee filter absorbs and dries the blood well and is easy to package for mailing.
Do you accept feather samples?
Freshly plucked feathers may be accepted for applicable testing. The feathers should be freshly pulled rather than naturally molted so that usable cellular material is present at the base of the feather. Avoid touching the base of the feathers during collection.
Can I use feathers my bird naturally molted?
No. Naturally molted feathers are not recommended because they may not contain enough usable cellular material for DNA extraction. Feathers submitted for testing should be freshly plucked.
How do I prevent cross-contamination between birds?
Wash your hands or change gloves between birds and clean any collection tools before collecting the next sample. Do not allow samples from different birds to touch one another. Place each sample directly into its own labeled bag after collection.
How accurate are DNA tests?
DNA testing is a highly reliable method of determining genetic information when a suitable sample is provided. Sample quality and proper collection are very important, which is why following the collection instructions and preventing cross-contamination are essential.
Can I submit a bird species that is not listed on the website?
Possibly. If you have a species that is not currently listed, please contact us before purchasing or mailing a sample. We can confirm whether DNA testing is available for that species.
Where do I mail my samples?
The mailing address is provided after you complete the Submit DNA Sample form on our website. Please complete the form before mailing your samples so we have the information needed to identify them when they arrive.
How should I package my samples for mailing?
Each bird's sample should be placed in its own individual zip-top bag and clearly labeled with the same Sample Identifier used on the submission form. Multiple individually packaged samples can then be mailed together in the same outer envelope or package.
When will I receive my results?
Results are typically completed and sent within 24 hours after your samples arrive at the lab. Occasionally, additional time may be needed depending on sample quality, testing volume or if a sample requires additional testing.
How will I receive my results?
Your DNA results will be sent electronically using the email address associated with your submission. Be sure to enter your email address correctly when submitting your bird information.
What happens if my sample does not contain enough DNA or is inconclusive?
Occasionally, a sample may not contain enough usable DNA to produce a confident result. If this happens, you will be contacted and may be asked to submit a new sample from the bird for retesting.
Why is proper sample collection important?
DNA testing depends on having enough clean, usable genetic material from the correct bird. Improperly collected samples, contamination or combining samples can interfere with testing and may require a replacement sample.
Can I mail samples from several orders together?
Yes, as long as every individual bird sample is packaged separately and clearly labeled so it can be matched to the correct submission and order.
What is your refund or retesting policy?
If there is a problem with your sample or testing cannot be completed, please contact us so we can review the situation and determine whether a replacement sample or retesting is needed. Refund eligibility depends on the status of the order and whether testing has already been performed.