Read this page before you collect anything. Each bird needs its own dried blood spot, its own bag, and the exact Bird ID you typed when you registered.
Materials needed
- Toenail clippers or small nail trimmers
- Coffee filter cut into small pieces, about 2 to 3 cm (1 inch)
- Small resealable plastic bags (zipper bags), one per bird
- Permanent pen or marker
- Paper for the ID, with the bird’s name or ID
- Styptic powder or plain corn starch to stop bleeding
- Hand sanitizer or soap and water
- Clean paper towels (optional)
The nine steps
- Prepare and sanitize. Wash or sanitize your hands. Gather all materials and make sure your clippers are clean and disinfected.
- Restrain the chicken. Hold the bird securely and comfortably. Gently extend one toe.
- Clip the toenail. Clip just the very tip of the toenail, about 1 to 2 mm. A couple of drops of blood will appear.
- Collect the blood. Touch the drop or drops of blood to the coffee filter and let it soak in. Use a fresh piece of filter for each chicken.
- Stop the bleeding. Dip the tip of the toe in styptic powder or plain corn starch. Bleeding usually stops quickly.
- Let it dry. Place the filter on a clean, dry surface and let it air dry completely, at least 10 to 15 minutes. Do not seal it while wet.
- Package the sample. Once the filter is completely dry, place it and the ID paper inside a small resealable bag.
- Label the bag. Write the same Bird ID and the date on the outside of the sealed bag with a permanent marker. The ID on the paper, on the bag, and on your registration must match.
- Clean between chickens. Clean and disinfect your clippers between each bird to prevent cross contamination. Wash or sanitize your hands as well.
Mailing your samples
- Put all the bags for one order into a single envelope.
- Write Batch followed by your batch number on the outside of the envelope. Your batch number is shown after you pay and is in your confirmation email.
- Mail it to:
Hobby Hen Farms
1550 Valley Home Rd.
Morristown, TN 37813
A regular stamped envelope is fine. - Dried samples keep about a month at room temperature, so there is no rush, but please mail within two weeks of registering.
Important tips
- Use clean clippers and sanitize between each chicken.
- Keep everything clean and dry: hands, clippers, work area.
- Only a couple of drops of blood are needed. One blood spot covers every test you ordered for that bird, sexing and gene tests alike.
- Make sure the paper inside and the outside of the bag carry the same Bird ID.
- Keep samples separated, sealed and dry, away from moisture, heat and direct sunlight.
- Do not send wet samples, feathers, eggshell or anything other than the dried blood spot.
Only properly trained individuals should collect blood for testing. Consult with a veterinarian if you are unsure.