DNA Sexing

[shadylady20]

I've already posted this on the Birdboard Discussion board, but I thought I'd post it here also :)

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.

[amanda143]

I think the best way to go is to clip a toenail. Plucking out their feathers seems more painful to me.

[becca623]

I've used the the dna kits. I've always used the blood method. Sometimes they may act like the toe is sore for a few days by standing more on just the other leg just like if you accidentally clip a nail slightly short.

[shadylady20]

Aww, I'm so nervous about clipping Leeloo's toenail! I would never pluck a feather out, I just thought I could wait and use feathers that have come off on their own... maybe this wouldn't work well? I'm completely new to this DNA sexing.

[expressmailtome]

I agree that the toenail method is probably easier. If you are nervous about it you could Bring the kit to your local bird store and ask them to do it. They will charge more, but if you feel that you can not do it then it may be worth it.

Matt

[amanda143]

You can't use molted feathers unfortunately. :(

[shadylady20]

Being able to use molted feathers would be too easy, wouldn't it ;) Haha. I'll probably cut the toenail... I just can't pluck feathers out. I'm gonna have to brace myself!

[shosh]

I'm a chicken to do it, but if I were, I'd probably just cut a bit at a time to make sure that when I do hit blood, it isn't going to be too short.

[mary313]

I got Stewie DNA tested via home kit, I clipped the toe nail and it went fine. Stewie didnt seem to mind at all! And yes.. he's a boy :)

[Abby]

I use the feather DNA on my babes. The first time I got a friend to actually do a couple so I could see exactly what was done then did a couple myself under his watchful eye. The next lot I had to DNA were easy enough to do myself.

I personally don't like the toenail clipping. If you clip too much and have probs stopping the blood then all hell breaks loose. I have enough problems clipping my CAGs nails. Clip nail, remove beak from finger. Clip nail, remove beak from finger. Well you get the idea.

Doing a quick precise yank on a couple of secondaries (in the case of an adult bird) is to me much easier and less traumatic. Always take 2 preferably at the same time. Don't touch the end that goes into the bird and place that part down into the bag.