Sample collection
How to collect and mail your sample.
Use this same dried blood-spot guide for Gender, Blue Egg and Recessive White testing. Read every step before you begin.
Read the step-by-step guide
Before you collect
One collection guide for all our tests.
Buy your test credits
Buy one credit for now or extra credits to use in the future. Make sure you choose the correct credit type: Gender, Blue Egg or Recessive White. Each credit covers its named test for one bird, so the credit type must match the test you want. Already have the right unused credits? Continue to registration.
Choose your testsRegister your samples
Use the matching test credit to register each sample in your Forbidden Farm account. Match the bird’s name or band to its registration. The sample number shown in your account (Sample 1, Sample 2, Sample 3…) is REQUIRED on every sample bag. Write it on the bag before collecting.
Use your credits to registerPrepare a clean work area
Work in good light. Wash your hands or use clean gloves. Clean the clippers and the bird’s toe with alcohol, then allow both to dry. Hold the paper by its broad end; keep the collection tip untouched.
Collect a small blood spot
Support the bird gently without compressing its chest. With clean clippers, clip only a tiny amount from the tip of one toenail, then gently squeeze or massage the toe toward the nail to encourage a tiny dot of blood. This is especially important with adult birds: do not remove large pieces of nail or keep clipping until you see blood. Touch the paper tip to the drop and let it soak in. Aim for a visible spot on the paper about the size of a pencil eraser, not a faint smear.
Care for your bird
Younger birds may be easier to collect from and may stop bleeding more readily than adults, but every bird is different. Apply styptic powder or cornstarch to the nail if needed, keeping it off the sample. Check that bleeding has stopped before releasing the bird. If bleeding continues or the bird appears unwell, stop and seek veterinary care.
Let the sample dry completely
Let the blood spot air-dry completely in a clean place, separate from other birds’ samples. Do not seal damp paper in a bag; moisture can spoil the sample. Any wet samples may need to be resubmitted.
Label and pack each sample
Place each completely DRY sample in its own labeled bag. The sample number is REQUIRED on each bag, matching the order you registered the birds: Sample 1, Sample 2, Sample 3. Check each bag against the registered bird; a name or band is optional and does not replace the sample number. Avoiding cross-contamination is the most important part of collecting. Cross-contamination WILL lead to false results: even a trace of female DNA can make a male bird test as female. Clean and dry the clippers, wash your hands, and use fresh paper and a new bag for every bird.
Mail and track your samples
Put the individually sealed bags in a padded envelope. Write your order number on the envelope, or on a note inside with the samples. Include a note with your name and account email, or print the optional mailing checklist available after registration. The checklist includes your contact information and the samples you select for this envelope. Mail to the Forbidden Farm address below. Tracking is recommended. In My samples, enter your tracking number if you have one, then choose “I sent this sample.”
Optional mailing checklist
Where to mail DNA samples
Before mailing, confirm each sample is registered in your account. Follow the collection guide and match each sample label to its registration.
Forbidden Farm LLC3229 E. 9th AvenueWinfield, Kansas 67156