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Exactly. I have never seen an exacto knife used. Pam, you are not being a wuss about this. Using a knife like that makes a much larger puncture than is needed and creates more of chance to see all the blood that you did. To say I don't like the set up your state has would be an understatement on my part.
I hold my birds, he pokes them, gathers the drop of blood in the loop and I hold where he punctured. 99% of the time the bleeding has stopped by the time he has the results for the bird. If not, then I hold pressure a bit longer. FYI, because I'm holding my birds they are more compliant since they know who I am.
Our tester used a needle & the loop to collect the blood. I did the same thing -- hold the bird & apply direct pressure till the blood stopped.
I would call the state Dept of Agriculture! That is just WRONG! I would have that tech's license. Shame on them!!!! If you hold the bird like a baby & extend the wing, it is beyond easy to get a DROP of blood. Anymore than that is overkill.
If you're planning on showing, silkies in particular show better if shampooed and blown dry. Be careful if you do use peroxide that it doesn't discolor your birds.