taking a sample for a DNA test - Silkie

[Ginmary]

I want to get my 4 week old Silkie chick DNA tested. I previously had to rehome a Silkie roo who we were attached to. I want to catch this one as soon as possible.

The DNA lab says to pluck 4-5 feathers or take a blood sample.

Questions:

Is the chick old enough to do this yet?
It says the feathers should come from the cloacal (sp) area. The chick looks like there's fuzz there not feathers. Is it very painful to pluck?

Where and how would I get a blood sample?

Thanks!

Daisy at 16 days:

 

[Pyxis]

Too young for feathers. I'd do a blood sample if you want to know now. To do that, clip a toenail back just a little bit too far and hit the quick a tiny bit- it will bleed. I'd have styptic powder on hand to stop the bleeding after you get the sample you need.

 

[Ginmary]

Thanks! I will do the toenail blood.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Hi! I was wondering if you were successful in finding out Daiay's sex and how satisfied you were with the service you used. I have two 3 month old Silkies, and I'm dying to know their sexes!

Daisy is super cute! I was at the feed store the other day, and I almost bought more! Silkie babies are the cutest! And Ameraucanas. But I digress...

 

[Ginmary]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/posts/21272452

As for knowing Daisy’s sex, I can tell you right away but If you want a little fun in getting the answer, read the thread I posted above.

As for the lab: I was super satisfied. Very easy process, cheap (11.99), relatively quick results, about a week. I would use them again.

 

[Aunt Angus]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/posts/21272452

As for knowing Daisy’s sex, I can tell you right away but If you want a little fun in getting the answer, read the thread I posted above.

As for the lab: I was super satisfied. Very easy process, cheap (11.99), relatively quick results, about a week. I would use them again.

I'm going to read it RIGHT NOW! The suspense is killing me!!!

 

[Aunt Angus]

Great thread!!! I'm ordering mine today!

Love your name choices!!! BTW: All my chickens are named for flowers: Aster, Bryony, Dandelion, Iris, Picotee, Poppy, Violet, Zinnia.

 

[SophiaNerina]

Too young for feathers. I'd do a blood sample if you want to know now. To do that, clip a toenail back just a little bit too far and hit the quick a tiny bit- it will bleed. I'd have styptic powder on hand to stop the bleeding after you get the sample you need.

Hi, do you know if you can do blood samples on a week old chick? I can’t find information for this anywhere.

 

[Pyxis]

Hi, do you know if you can do blood samples on a week old chick? I can’t find information for this anywhere.

Yes, blood samples work anytime. You just need to be careful because a small bird like that doesn't have a lot of blood to spare.