first time DNA testing

[slwatson]

I recently sent off for some DNA testing for five birds, and it was not an easy experience. I chose to do the blood testing, where you have to clip one nail and send the blood to the company on these little cards. I had everything I needed on stand by, but the kwik stop powder wasn't stopping the bleeding as quickly as I would have liked, and I just felt horrible each time I clipped a nail!

I got them to stop bleeding as much as I could, but I was really worried I would find someone dead at the bottom of the cage the next day. When I got up I immediately checked the cages, and all five birds looked great! I turned to glance at my biggest flight, and my heart sank. My favorite male gouldian, whom I've had less than a month, dead at the bottom of the cage Another unexplained loss.

[Babs _Owner]

slwatson

Oh no Stacie, he was beautiful. Did he seem thin? Get tangled in anything?

[debbie276]

So sorry
He was beautiful

[Sally]

So very sorry. I hate these unexplained losses. I think it is the not knowing that is almost the worst.

I also hate DNA testing. It is amazing how short you have to clip a nail to get some blood, but it actually only takes one drop, so I clip a little at a time till I get that little bit of blood.

[slwatson]

debbie276@Babs@Sally

He was perfectly fine when I went to bed that night. It was the craziest thing. I wonder if that cage got scared and he broke his neck or something.


@Sally

I tried so hard to not clip too far, but there were two that just bled and bled. Then they would try to fly away and splatter tiny droplets of blood

[kyle]

slwatson
He was a beauty. Sorry for your loss. What species were you DNA testing? Was it to determining the gender?

[Jen]

slwatson
Oh my goodness.....I HATE when the unexpected happens this way. At least if they are showing signs of illness, you can be prepared. I see he is a "blue"... I have not had one successful Blue live from my hatching this season....so heartbreaking. I have a lot of SPLITS....all very beautiful and healthy. Next season I am changing up the pairs so hopefully I will have some success. I am so sorry you lost your beautiful boy.

[cjkrit]

Hi, It is really not necessary to clip the nail.
Take a sharp thin disposable needle and deliver a quick prick just above the nail where the flesh starts- immediately a drop of blood will appear and that is all you need.
Be sure to use a new needle for every bird as not to get the results mixed up.

[slwatson]

kyle

I was dna testing parrot finches to determine gender. Sometimes the males will sing, but it's hard to catch them!

[slwatson]

cjkrit

Thank you so much for the suggestion! I'll try that next time

[Sally]

Hi, It is really not necessary to clip the nail.
Take a sharp thin disposable needle and deliver a quick prick just above the nail where the flesh starts- immediately a drop of blood will appear and that is all you need.
Be sure to use a new needle for every bird as not to get the results mixed up.

I'd never heard of this, it would be so much easier than trying to cut a nail. I wonder if the tiny lancets that I use to test my blood sugar would work?

[slwatson]

Sally

I think it's worth a try...

[Sally]

slwatson I'll bet they would, they are very fine, meant to bring up just a drop or so of blood on me, so I think they might do for the birds.

[cjkrit]

Sally,
Those little lancets will be perfect for the job.
Remember a new one for every bird you test.

[Sally]

Sally,
Those little lancets will be perfect for the job.
Remember a new one for every bird you test.

These lancets actually will be easier. When I clip toenails, I have to disinfect the clippers between each bird, and many disinfectants are hard on metal. With the lancets, there will be no possibility of cross-contamination.