Bird DNA sexing · Since 1996
Australia’s first DNA bird sexing laboratory.
A world pioneer in DNA sexing from a feather.
Accurate DNA sexing for every kind of bird, from budgies to emus. Just pluck two feathers and post them to us. No vet visit, no needles, no guessing.
1996DNA sexing since
3–5 daysUsual turnaround
$15.90Per bird, from
MelbourneTested in our own lab
CertificateWith every bird
Our story
Where it all started
In 1994 our founder began researching a better way to tell male birds from female birds at RMIT University. Many species look identical, and the options back then were guesswork or surgical sexing under anaesthetic. In 1995 the research moved to the University of Melbourne, where for more than a year we tested birds of every kind and fine-tuned the test for each type of bird.
We tested our first customers’ birds in 1996 and officially launched in 1997, becoming Australia’s first DNA bird sexing laboratory. At the time, the few labs overseas that offered bird sexing needed a blood sample. We pioneered testing from a simple plucked feather, back when DNA testing was brand new to the public and the internet was barely a thing.
Thirty years later we DNA sex many thousands of birds every year for breeders, pet owners, pigeon fanciers, vets and researchers, and we still test every sample in our own laboratory in Melbourne.
1994Research begins at RMIT University
1995Every type of bird tested at the University of Melbourne
1996First customers’ birds tested
1997Officially launched: Australia’s first
TodayThousands of birds sexed every year
Simple as 1, 2, 3, 4
How it works
1
Order
Log your birds with your online account at birds.dnasolutions.com.au (fastest), or print our order form.
2
Collect
Pluck 2–3 feathers from each bird, or put a tiny drop of blood on one of our blood cards.
3
Post
Send the samples to our Melbourne lab in a labelled envelope.
4
Results
Results and certificates arrive by email, usually within 3–5 working days of your samples reaching us. You can also see them in your online account.
Collecting a sample
Feathers, blood or eggshells
Choose whichever suits you and your birds best.
No kit needed
Feathers
- Pluck 2–3 feathers from each bird. They must be pulled out, not cut, and not picked up from the floor or cage. The DNA comes from the tiny bit of skin at the base of a plucked feather.
- Use normal feathers about 4–10 cm long (roughly finger length). If they’re shorter than 4 cm, send 4.
- Don’t use breast feathers, unless it’s a large bird like a macaw or cockatoo.
- A growing “blood feather”? Just one is enough, whatever its size. Let any blood dry first.
- Put each bird’s feathers in its own small paper envelope, labelled with the species and the bird’s ID or name.
Blood kits available
Blood
- Our blood kits include a sterile needle, a blood card and a bag.
- Hold the bird gently but firmly, prick the vein on the leg and touch a tiny spot of blood to the labelled card. A tiny spot really is enough.
- Use a new needle for each bird, make sure the bleeding has stopped, and let the card dry for 10 minutes before bagging it.
For chicks
Eggshells
- We can also sex chicks from their hatched eggshells, for an extra $4 per egg.
Clear, simple pricing
Prices
All prices in Australian dollars. A results certificate by email is included with every bird.
| DNA sexing | Price per bird |
|---|---|
| 1 bird | $24.90 |
| 2–9 birds | $18.90 each |
| 10 or more birds | $15.90 each |
| Emus, ostriches and cassowaries | $46.90 each |
| Express results (2 working days) | + $9.90 per bird |
| Sexing from eggshells | + $4 per egg |
| Certificate by email | Included |
| Certificate also by post | + $7 (Express Post + $14) |
| Blood kits (postage included) | Price |
|---|---|
| 10 kits | $16.50 |
| 15 kits | $21.25 |
| 20 kits | $26.00 |
| 30 kits | $35.50 |
| 40 kits | $45.00 |
| 60 kits | $70.90 |
| 90 kits | $99.40 |
| Express shipping of kits | + $7 |
Bird health
Bird health tests
We also test for the most common bird diseases using DNA (PCR) testing. Disease results take about 5 working days.
Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD)
A virus that damages feathers and beaks, mainly in parrots and cockatoos.
Psittacosis
A bacterial infection (Chlamydia psittaci) of birds that can also spread to people.
Avian Polyomavirus
A virus that mainly affects young parrots and budgies (budgerigar fledgling disease).
Marek’s disease
A herpesvirus of chickens that can cause tumours and paralysis.
Infectious laryngotracheitis
A contagious respiratory disease of chickens (ILT).
Avian gastric yeast
A yeast infection of the stomach (megabacteria), common in budgies.
Avian tuberculosis
A slow, chronic bacterial disease (Mycobacterium) that affects many bird species.
Not sure which test?
If your bird seems unwell, please see an avian vet first. For help choosing a test, call us on 1800 000 362 (8am–6pm).
Why breeders choose us
The original, and still the specialists
The original
Australia’s first DNA bird sexing lab, and still going 30 years later.
Our own lab
Every sample is tested in-house in Melbourne by our own scientists.
Fast
Most results arrive within 3–5 working days, with a 2-day express option.
Easy online system
Log birds, pay, and see every result you’ve ever had in one place at birds.dnasolutions.com.au.
Real people
Call us and you’ll talk to the lab, not a call centre.
A laboratory you can trust
DNA Solutions is NATA accredited (ISO/IEC 17025) in the field of forensic science for human DNA testing: relationship and paternity testing. Bird testing isn’t covered by that accreditation, but it’s carried out in the same laboratory, by the same team.
Also from DNA Solutions
Human DNA testing
Many of our bird customers don’t know we’re also one of Australia’s longest-running human DNA laboratories. We created the world’s first home DNA paternity test in 1997, and we offer peace-of-mind and legal paternity tests, sibling and grandparent tests, and more.
Questions
Common questions
How big should the feathers be?
About 4–10 cm long, roughly the length of your finger, and plucked, not cut. Send 2–3 feathers per bird. For small birds like finches and budgies, where the feathers are shorter than 4 cm, send 4. If you can pluck a growing “blood feather”, one is enough, whatever its size. Avoid breast feathers unless it’s a large bird like a macaw or cockatoo.
How long do the feathers last before I send them?
Longer than you might think! We like to joke that you’ve got about 500 years. Seriously though, kept dry in a paper envelope, away from heat and sunlight, plucked feathers stay good for testing for many years. So there’s no rush to post them.
Do I need a kit to send feathers?
No. Feathers can go in any envelope. Kits are only needed for blood samples.
Why must feathers be plucked?
The DNA is in the tiny bit of skin at the base of a feather, not in the feather itself. Feathers that have fallen out or been cut usually don’t have enough DNA.
How accurate is DNA sexing?
Extremely accurate. Unlike guessing from looks or behaviour, it reads the bird’s DNA directly.
How soon will I get results?
Usually within 3–5 working days of your samples arriving (often day 3 or 4). Express sexing takes 2 working days. Disease tests take about 5 working days.
Which birds can you test?
Almost all species, from finches and budgies to parrots, cockatoos, pigeons, poultry, emus, ostriches and cassowaries.
Can I cancel?
Yes, until testing has started. Once your samples are being tested, we can’t offer a refund.
I paid, but my account says ‘unpaid’. Why?
If you paid by card in your online account, your job shows as paid straight away. If you paid by bank transfer, our team marks it as paid once your payment arrives and is matched, usually within 1–2 business days, so please use your job number as the payment reference. If you paid by card and it still says unpaid, please don’t pay again: contact us with your job number.
Does ordering online send me kits?
No. Kits are ordered separately. If you don’t have a kit, just pluck feathers instead.
Can I get a printed certificate?
Yes. Certificates come by email, and you can also have them posted for $7.
Where do I send my samples?
DNA Solutions, 4 Eastgate Court, Wantirna South VIC 3152.
Ready to find out? Pluck two feathers and post them today.
Questions? Call the lab on 1800 000 362, 8am–6pm.