DNA sexing for chickens

[deedletree]

Hi BYC folks,

I'm a chicken-obsessed mom, living in an area where I can't have roosters. Before I moved to California, I was a laboratory manager at a molecular genetics lab. Having lived through the less-than-fun experience of raising a baby who turned out to be a boy, I have decided to offer a DNA sexing service for folks like myself.

 

[brahmabreeder]

Is this 100% accurate?

 

[Habibs Hens]

its a nice idea for birds but I think just for chicken that s bit expensive per bird

geese and duck maybe more feasible to pay that but chicken im sceptical

 

[Marlene2012]

How long does it take for a DNA sample to come back? just curious.

 

[fancyfowl4ever]

we usually only use that for parrots etc.

Here it costs $35 per bird and takes about 3 weeks to get the results, by that time you would be attached to a chick already and may even have an idea of its gender due to its appearance.
They should use this on those hard to sex silkies sometimes maybe but I think its a waste on anything else.

 

[deedletree]

Hi Brahmabreeder,

The PCR method I'm using has been used for avian sexing of all sorts of species of birds by research scientists, and is very close to 100% accurate.

Essentially, the sexing will be as accurate as the samples I get. As long as I get feathers (or egg membrane or blood) from the right bird, I should be able to tell you its sex.

Thanks for asking!

Angie

 

[deedletree]

In response to the other questions:

Marlene2012, I transmit the results via e-mail as soon as I'm certain I know the sex. This is usually in less than a week.

Afterward I send a little "Certificate of Gender", via mail.

Fancyfowl4ever, my goal is to make my service both quick and inexpensive, specifically with backyard chicken owners in mind.

 

[JFTaylor]

I have backyard chickens in the suburbs so roosters are a definite no-no. I remember feeling DAILY anxiety waiting to see if any of my girls started to crow when they were pullets. I ended up having to re-home two roosters which proved troubling to my 4 yr old daughter, and cost me time and travel as I scrambled to make sure the roosters went to a good place. I think the cost outweighs the emotional turmoil some of us feel during this stage! The sooner you know what you have the sooner you can prepare and manage. I do plan to add to my flock in the future and plan to use the service at this website.
http://www.chickgenes.com/

 

[Marlene2012]

Totally agree, a bit costly and 3 weeks does seem like a long time. It would be great if it would show what type of chicken
it was, by the DNA. That could be a fun project for the 4-H kids, using a mixed breed chicken or roo.

 

[deedletree]

You're right, three weeks would be a long time, and not timely when considering chickens.

My service, however, is geared specifically toward chickens, so will not take three weeks.

I like your idea about 4-H.