Accurate, Stress-Free
DNA Sexing for Your Bird
Bird DNA sexing is a service that analyzes DNA found in feathers, eggshell membrane, claw or nail clippings, or a small blood sample to determine a bird’s sex with high accuracy. The key advantage of forbird is that, thanks to our proprietary DNA extraction method and real-time PCR, testing is possible using naturally molted feathers . In many cases, we can provide sex information without invasive procedures such as blood collection , and deliver results quickly for a wide range of species, including parrots, finches, and owls.
Determine the sex of your bird using
naturally molted feathers,
eggshell membrane, claw clippings, or a tiny blood sample.
A bird-friendly DNA sexing service designed to reduce
stress whenever possible.
Why choose this bird DNA sexing service?
Our bird DNA sexing service is designed to be accurate, bird-friendly, and convenient for owners all around the world. We use advanced molecular methods to deliver reliable results from small, easy-to-collect samples.
Our proprietary DNA extraction method enables testing from naturally shed (molted) feathers. There is no need to pluck feathers or perform invasive procedures, making the process completely stress-free for your bird.
We use Real-Time PCR, a highly sensitive technique that is more accurate than traditional electrophoresis. This allows us to detect DNA from feathers, eggshell membrane, claw clippings, or blood samples and distinguish between ZZ (male) and ZW (female) sex chromosomes with high precision.
Place your order online in just a few minutes. After your sample arrives at our laboratory, we perform the analysis and send a PDF result by email. You can receive and view your bird’s DNA sexing result anywhere in the world.
How our bird DNA sexing works
In birds, sex is determined by the combination of sex
chromosomes.
By extracting DNA from your feather, eggshell membrane, claw
clipping, or blood sample and detecting these chromosome
patterns, we can determine whether your bird is male or female.
The sex chromosomes are Z/Z, and only the Z chromosome is detected.
The sex chromosomes are Z/W, and both Z and W chromosomes are detected.
Wide coverage for parrots, finches, owls, and more
We can determine the sex of many different bird species, including parakeets, parrots, finches, birds of prey, pigeons, and ducks.
The species listed above are examples only. If your bird species is not listed here, please feel free to contact us—in many cases, testing is still possible.
Example list of bird species
- Budgerigar
- Cockatiel
- Lovebird
- Quaker Parrot
- Conure
- White-bellied Parrot
- Bourke’s Parrot
- Yellow-crowned Amazon
- Golden Conure
- Owl Parrot (Kakapo), etc.
- Java Sparrow
- Zebra Finch
- Canary, etc.
- Tawny Owl
- Tropical Screech Owl
- Ural Owl, etc.
- Falconiformes (Peregrine Falcon, etc.)
- Columbiformes (Racing Pigeon, etc.)
- Anseriformes (Mallard Duck, etc.)
- We cannot test Palaeognathae such as ostriches.
- We do not accept species that are restricted under CITES or local wildlife protection laws.
- Please check the export regulations for biological materials in your own country before sending samples.
3 simple steps to get your bird’s DNA sexing result
Fill in the order form below with your bird’s information and your contact details. Once you submit the form, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions.
Ship your feather, eggshell membrane, claw clipping, or blood sample to our laboratory in Japan via EMS or another reliable international air mail service. A secure payment link for credit card payment will be included in the confirmation email.
After your sample and payment are confirmed, we perform the DNA analysis. Your bird’s sexing result will be sent as a PDF report by email within 5 business days after sample arrival.
Please note that international shipping time is not included in the 5 business days. We cannot be responsible for delays, loss, or customs issues caused by postal services or local authorities.
Sample requirements
We accept
naturally shed molted feathers.
Eggshell membrane, claw or nail clippings, and blood samples
may also be used for bird DNA sexing.
- Naturally shed molted feathers can be used for testing.
- Please prepare 3 or more fresh, large feathers, such as wing or tail feathers.
- Each feather must have the feather root / calamus .
- If molted feathers are not available, plucked feathers may also be used. In that case, please collect 3 or more feathers while minimizing stress to the bird.
Down feathers or very small feathers without roots cannot be tested.
View sample image
- Please send a piece of eggshell with the inner membrane attached.
- Do not wipe away any blood or bodily fluids from the chick. Allow the eggshell to dry thoroughly before sending it.
- Please package the eggshell carefully to prevent it from being crushed during shipping.
Unhatched eggs cannot be accepted.
View sample image
- Please prepare 3 or more claw / nail clippings.
- Clippings cut as close to the base as safely possible are preferred. Pieces of 2 mm or longer are recommended.
- A small amount of blood attached to the clipping is acceptable.
Please avoid cutting too deeply. If you are unsure, please consult a veterinarian.
View sample image
- Please apply blood to 3 or more clean pieces of filter paper or 3 or more cotton swabs.
- A very small amount of blood can be collected, for example, from a claw clipping.
Please make sure bleeding has completely stopped. If you are unsure about collecting blood safely, please consult a veterinarian.
View sample image
Simple pricing for bird DNA sexing
Payment link is sent by email after you submit the order
form. All charges are processed in USD; your card issuer
may apply its own exchange rate and fees.
Shipping costs for sending samples to Japan are paid by
the customer. We recommend using EMS or another reliable
international air mail service with tracking.
Frequently asked questions
Can any bird species be tested?
Are old feathers okay?
How and where do I send my sample?
To ensure sample quality, please avoid shipping by surface (sea) mail, as transit time is long and packages may be exposed to high temperatures. These conditions can degrade DNA and may result in inconclusive test results.
Can I cancel my order?
Order bird DNA sexing
Please fill in the order form below with your details and
your bird’s information. After submitting the form, you
will receive an email with instructions for sample shipping
and a payment link.
If you would like to test multiple birds, please apply for
each bird individually or contact us using the inquiry form.