Veterinarian & Pet Tests
Bird sex determination by DNA
For more than 15 years we have been experts in bird sexing on the basis of blood and feather samples. In our state-of-the-art laboratory specialised in Molecular Biology we have already tested more than 1000 bird species up till now and we are still expanding our expertise. Please check our avian species list to see whether we have tested your specific bird’s species before.
In order to define your bird’s sex, you can choose to send us either:
- Blood samples
- Feather samples
You will receive the test results within 2-3 working days from receipt of the bird DNA!
If you are not sure how to collect your samples, please take a look at our how to collect page.
Why should you choose Doctor Vida?
- ISO 9001 certified
- Results available within 2-3 working days
- Quality assured, results are always double checked
- Electronic certificate sent by email
- Personal service, whatsapp available
Bird Sexing by DNA, using samples of feathers, blood is currently the most advantageous method, representing the following prominent benefits:
- No surgical intervention such as anaesthetics required
- Applicable to birds of any age, any time of the year
- The birds are not subjected to the stress of transport
- Reliable method applicable to most species
If you aren’t sure how you should order your bird sexing test, you can take call us by whatsapp. We value your input; share your feedback or suggestions to help us enhance our services. For direct assistance, reach us on WhatsApp at +351 938 437 766 Phone +351 210 438 606 (Business hours, GMT time: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.)
Species list
Our list of bird species keeps on growing! Below you will find the list of avian species that we have tested so far. If you click on a bird species in the list, you will find a picture of the species along with some extra facts.
Is your bird species not on our list?
Step 1. Send us a master sample of a bird of the same species, preferably from a female bird
Step 2. Step 2. Send us the samples of the birds that you want to sex
There are no extra costs involved besides the sexing of your bird!
Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require extra help!
How to collect
Feathers
– Order a free collection kit or download & print our ‘Print it Yourself’ kit
– Wash your hands with alcohol before collecting the sample to avoid contamination.
– When you collect samples from multiple birds, wash your hands with alcohol in between taking samples from different birds
– Do not touch the feathers after they have been collected
– Pluck 4-5 feathers with an average size and in the initial growth phase, i.e. when the feather begins to emerge from the calamus. Please avoid direct contact between hands and the calamus region.
– After collecting the feathers should be placed within a sterile bag. If the bird doesn’t have feathers at this stage of growth, you can pluck a few feathers and wait until the new feathers grow up to the desired stage.
– The bird DNA samples should be sent to STAB VIDA within a maximum of 5 days after collection.
– You can store the samples in a cool and dry place in the meanwhile.
Blood
– Order a free collection kit or use blood collection papers (ex. filter papers)
– Wash your hands before collecting the sample to avoid contamination
– When you collect samples from multiple birds, wash your hands with alcohol in between taking samples from different birds
– Do not touch the blood after it has been collected
– Cut the tip of the nail of the bird.
– Extract a few drops of blood (3-5)
– You can also collect approximately 0.1 ml of blood from each bird with the help of a sterile syringe (use a syringe for each bird).
Tube:
– Collect it in the tube with alcohol provided in the Kit.
Paper:
– When you user filter paper, please put all the blood in the same spot in the centre of the paper.
– The bird DNA samples should be sent to STAB VIDA within a maximum of 5 days after collection.
Eggshell
Order a free collection kit
– Wash your hands before collecting the sample to avoid contamination
– Do not touch the eggshells after they have been collected
– Collect the entire eggshell of the bird whose sex is to be determined, within the first 24 hours after hatching.
– Put the eggshell in the tube with alcohol provided in the Kit.
– The bird DNA samples should be sent to STAB VIDA within a maximum of 5 days after collection.
Please note: if the eggs hatch at the same time and if you are testing multiple birds, please avoid mixing the eggshells.
Every sample should have the identification number of the bird, or a personal identification if the bird is not registered. Furthermore the data related to your birds should be included in the request for analysis as well as the test kits.
The samples do not need to be refrigerated, but stored in a cool and dry place; however after collecting they must be sent as soon as possible. Please note that the parcel must include the request for analysis.
We are not responsible for any consequences that the test results can cause. Collecting and sending the samples is the responsibility of each client.