Sample Collection Guide

How to collect a chick’s blood sample for DNA sexing.

Before You Start

  • Assign each chick an ID (leg band, bracelet, pet name, color description, etc.).
  • Use one labeled baggie per sample, labeled with your individual chick ID and the Batch Identification Number.
  • Make sure each sample is clearly marked so you know which chick it belongs to.
  • Have alcohol wipes, nail clippers, coffee filters, and cornstarch or styptic powder available.
Poultry DNA sample collection supplies on linen: nail clippers, coffee filters, cornstarch, alcohol prep pads, a marker, and labeled specimen bags

Helpful Tips

  • Cut a coffee filter into small triangles. The pointed end works great for collecting the blood sample.
  • Label the coffee filter before collecting the blood.
  • Any identification system is acceptable as long as your chicks and samples match the bird IDs entered with your online order.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Clean Your Clippers

Wipe the cutting edge of your nail clippers with an alcohol wipe before collecting each sample. This helps reduce contamination between birds.

2

Identify Your Chick

Apply a leg band or make note of the chick’s identifier so it matches the sample you are collecting.

3

Prepare the Toenail

Wipe one toenail with alcohol and allow it to air dry for a few seconds.

4

Collect the Blood Sample

Carefully trim the tip of the toenail until a small drop of blood appears. Place the blood onto the tip of the coffee filter triangle. Aim for a blood spot approximately the size of a BB. While only a small amount of blood is needed for testing, a larger sample helps ensure there is enough material available if retesting is ever required. Try not to smear the blood or touch the sample area.

Pro Tip:  Fold the tip of the coffee filter upward while it dries to keep the blood spot from touching any surfaces. A larger, well-dried sample helps prevent delays.

5

Stop the Bleeding

Apply cornstarch or styptic powder to the nail to stop the bleeding. Give your chick a little extra love and return it to the brooder.

6

Repeat for Additional Chicks

Clean your clippers between birds, verify the sample label, and continue collecting samples.

7

Dry and Package

Allow all samples to dry completely before packaging. Place each sample in its own labeled baggie. 

8

Mail Samples

Mail all samples together, and be sure the Batch Identification Number assigned to your order is clearly written beneath your return address on the outside of the mailing envelope.

Mailing address:

Berthelot’s Farm & Lab

102 Joseph Mabile Sr. Ct

Pierre Part, LA 70339

Important Notes

  • Samples must be completely dry before packaging.
  • Use a separate baggie for each bird.
  • Clearly label every sample with the bird’s ID.
  • Ensure the bird IDs on your sample bags match the bird IDs entered with your online order.
  • Write your Batch Identification Number beneath your return address on the outside of the mailing envelope.
  • Proper sample collection and labeling are essential for accurate DNA sexing results.

If you have any questions regarding sample collection, please contact Berthelot’s Farm & Lab before mailing your specimens. We are happy to help ensure you submit the best possible sample for accurate DNA sexing results.