Sneak Peep Avian DNA Lab

Sample Collection Guide

How to Collect Your Sample

We accept two sample types: a blood spot collected via nail clip, or freshly plucked feathers. No special kit needed — follow the instructions below to collect and mail your sample.

Before You Begin

Make sure you have purchased test credits and registered your samples in your account first — you will receive a confirmation email with our mailing address. Credits are purchased once and stored on your account until you're ready to submit.

Purchase CreditsSubmit Samples

Two sample types accepted: blood spot (nail clip) or freshly plucked feathers. Moulted feathers, shed feathers, and chick down are not accepted — feathers must be plucked directly from the bird immediately before mailing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

01

Gather Your Supplies

No special kit is required. The supplies you need depend on which sample type you're collecting — both options use items you likely already have at home.

For blood samples:
  • Nail clippers (standard human nail clippers work perfectly)
  • Coffee filter paper or plain paper towel — cut into small triangles roughly 2–3 cm per side
  • Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) and a cloth or cotton pad for cleaning clippers between birds
For feather samples:
  • Clean hands — wash before handling feathers
  • Small paper envelope or zipper-lock plastic bag — one per bird

For both sample types, you'll also need a pen or marker for labelling, and a standard envelope or small mailer to send everything to the lab.

02

Collect Your Sample

Option A — Blood Sample (nail clip)

Clip one toenail just past the quick to produce a small drop of blood. This is the same technique used routinely in poultry husbandry and causes only momentary, minor discomfort.

  • Hold your bird securely and calmly. A second person can help.
  • Clip the nail just past the quick — a small drop of blood will appear at the cut end.
  • Immediately touch the pointed tip of your paper triangle to the blood drop. You only need one small spot — approximately 3–5 mm in diameter.
  • Allow the blood spot to air-dry completely (15–30 minutes). Do not fold or cover the paper while drying.
Tip: If bleeding stops before you collect a sample, gently squeeze the toe to encourage another drop. Styptic powder or cornstarch stops bleeding once you have your sample.

Option B — Freshly Plucked Feather Sample

We now accept freshly plucked feathers as an alternative to blood. Please read the requirements below carefully — not all feathers are suitable.

  • Pluck 3–5 chest feathers directly from the bird — they must be freshly plucked, not moulted or shed feathers found on the ground.
  • Hold each feather by the tip (the fluffy end), not the quill end. DNA is extracted from the follicle tissue at the base of the quill — do not touch this end with your fingers.
  • Place the feathers in a small paper envelope or zipper-lock plastic bag immediately after plucking.
  • Do not wash or wet the feathers.
Important — feather samples will not work if:
  • The feathers are chick down — only fully developed feathers with a proper quill are accepted.
  • The feathers were moulted naturally or found on the ground — they must be freshly plucked.
  • The quill end has been handled or contaminated.
03

Prevent Cross-Contamination

If you are submitting samples from more than one bird, cross-contamination between samples will invalidate your results. Follow these steps carefully:

  • Blood samples: wipe nail clippers thoroughly with rubbing alcohol after each bird and allow to air-dry completely before the next — do not wipe dry with a cloth, as fibres can transfer.
  • Feather samples: use clean hands for each bird and place each bird's feathers in a separate bag immediately after plucking.
  • Never allow sample papers or feathers from different birds to touch one another.
  • Keep each sample in its own individually labelled zipper bag or paper envelope.
  • Use a fresh paper triangle for each blood sample.
04

Label & Package Your Samples

Proper labelling ensures your results are matched to the correct bird in your account.

  • Label each zipper bag or paper coin envelope with your bird's name or ID and sample number from your submission confirmation email.
  • Blood samples: confirm the sample paper is fully dry before sealing the bag.
  • Feather samples: seal the bag immediately after placing the feathers inside.
  • Place all individual sample bags together in a larger envelope or small cardboard mailer.
  • Include a printed copy of your submission confirmation email inside the package.
  • Address the package to the mailing address shown in your account.

Quick Reference

✓ Do

  • Use a fresh paper triangle for each blood sample
  • Allow blood spots to fully air-dry before sealing bags
  • Clean clippers with alcohol and let air-dry between each bird (blood samples)
  • For feather samples: pluck 3–5 chest feathers and handle by the tip only, not the quill end
  • Keep each sample in its own individual labelled zipper bag or paper coin envelope
  • Include your submission confirmation email with your package
  • Use regular letter mail or tracked mail — either is fine

✗ Don't

  • Submit moulted or shed feathers — feathers must be freshly plucked
  • Submit chick down — only fully developed feathers with a proper quill are accepted
  • Touch the quill end of feathers with your fingers
  • Allow sample papers or feathers from different birds to touch one another
  • Seal a blood sample bag before the blood spot is completely dry
  • Send samples without labelling each bag

Mailing Your Samples

Mailing Address

The mailing address is shown in your account and included in your submission confirmation email. Please use the address from your most recent submission, as it may be updated from time to time.

If you have misplaced your confirmation email, log in to your account to retrieve your sample numbers, or contact us directly.

Shipping Options

  • Regular letter mail is perfectly acceptable — dried blood on paper is not a regulated biological material for standard postal purposes.
  • Tracked mail is also welcome if you prefer the peace of mind, but is not required.
  • The choice is entirely yours. We are not responsible for packages lost in transit.
  • International clients: declare contents as "dried biological sample for research" on customs forms.

What Happens After You Mail It?

Step 1

Sample Received

Once your package arrives, we log your samples and update your account status so you know we have them.

Step 2

Lab Analysis

Your samples are processed using validated PCR-based molecular techniques in our lab.

Within 24–48 hrs

Results Emailed

You receive a clear, easy-to-read results report by email within 24–48 hours of us receiving your sample. Results are also saved to your account.

Ready to Get Started?

Create a free account, purchase test credits, register your samples, and mail them in. Results within 24–48 hours of receipt.

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