Avian DNA Relationship Determination

To book a DNA test, please book a bird grooming and state in the notes that you would like a DNA test. We can perform other grooming services during this appointment as well. To book a bird grooming, please click here.
Procedures upon arrival are the same as bird grooming. If you are unfamiliar with our process, please read the instructions on the grooming page. Your bird MUST arrive in a suitable carrier. If your bird does not arrive in a suitable carrier we may not be able to provide these services. We do suggest that your bird is banded if you are going to have them DNA tested. This is important for legitimizing the result on the certificate. For more information about banding, read this. 

Relationship Determination is important to prevent uncontrolled inbreeding. Breeders and conservationists will find this service especially useful. Everything from budgerigars to Hyacinth macaws are eligible for this test. Samples are collected from at least two different birds and compared against each other. The more similar the results the closer related the individuals are, at which point careful consideration must be taken when deciding whether or not to breed them. Uncontrolled inbreeding leads to health issues. Issues associated with close inbreeding over multiple generations include infertility, decreased lifespan, and higher susceptibility to illness, etc. When working with uncommon and rare species, a breeder should take some time to think about the benefits of relationship testing.

Avian DNA relationship testing costs $95 per sample. Exotic Wings collects a small blood sample during your appointment. Your results are generally received in about ten business days. This test is a comparison, and requires at least two samples to compare against each other. Results are provided as a PDF report.