DNA Sexing

[shadylady20]

I just ordered a feather DNA kit and a blood card kit for my lovebird. Has anyone here done the DNA sexing? Which method did you use? How did it go? I'm just curious to see what you guys have to say on the subject.

[birdlover912]

I recently dna'd my lovebird, Apple-Jack. The whole blood thing scared me, not to mention that a few drops of blood for a lovebird could be quite a significant loss! I used the feather test. I toweled Apple-Jack while my mother plucked out a few feathers from his chest/abdomen. He didn't react like it hurt or anything, and it was all done in a matter of seconds. WAY less stressful than painfully cutting the quick, in my opinion.

If your lovebird is full grown, you may be able to tell what gender it is. When in breeding season, the females will shread paper into strips and tuck them into their wings. Also, the male lovebirds look more "oblong," if you will, while the females are more "spherical." It is hard to tell by looking at a single lovie, but if you see others to compare yours to, it is easier.

[expressmailtome]

I have always used the method of clipping the toe nail. It is quick and the birds seem to forget about it pretty quickly.

Matt

[bubbalori]

i DNA'd our birds by using the blood test. you prick in between their toes squeeze a little put drop of blood on slide given stick in nebule walla send away. you can if want put a finger on the needle entry point for pressure for a minute if desired(this also stops bruising). as a i am a nurse this didnt really bother me but at first i was more scared of the bites than anything lol but i held the birds head(near the beak) gently but securely in my fingers and bird in hand that way the dont bite or rather cant bite lol and it dosnt hurt them