$95 for a DNA gender test???

Peeko · Jan 9, 2013

*faints*
Our vet just told us that it will cost $95 just to get a DNA gender test done for Peeko. Is that a normal price for a GCC, or is that outrageous??? The breeder got a DNA test done on one of his siblings and was only asking for $25 extra to buy her to cover the DNA test. But the breeder didn't bring her to a vet for it, she did it herself and sent it off. It must be much cheaper that way, but how do you go about it??

weco · Jan 9, 2013

DNA tests, when dealing direct with the testing labs, do cost between $25USD & $40USD, however, a veterinarian takes the feather and/or blood sample, labels it, packages it, logs it, notifies a shipping carrier of a pending pickup or sends it via USPS, logs it when it returns & notifies you of its arrival.

Sometimes we forget that our veterinarian has the overhead of staff, building, utilities, equipment & supplies, educational updates, advertising/marketing, and/or other costs & expenses in order to offer you and your feathered friend(s) the services (s)he does.

Peeko · Jan 9, 2013

Well its definitely beyond our means to pay $95 just to tell his gender. If he were actually sick or something, it would be a different story. But just for telling his gender, $95 cant happen. I'll see if I can convince my parents to pay $25 - $40 for it but I doubt they'd do that either - my mother was under the impression it would only cost $8 (I don't know where she got that information, but she is stubbornly sticking to it). In all honesty, they'll probably tell me to just "decide" his gender for free and save spending money on him until he actually "needs" it.

weco · Jan 9, 2013

There are several testing labs around the country, but I've used Avian Biotech Avian Services Center: DNA sexing and disease testing for all species of birds. and have always had prompt service. Actually, their website has a lot of good information on it, so you might want to take a look around there, even if you don't need their services right away.

crimson · Jan 9, 2013

As a breeder, I do plenty of DNA tests on my birds. I never like doing it, but it's part of what I do.
It costs $12.00 (in Canada) per bird, depending on who you use. I use HealthGene Labs, and is 99.9% accurate.
It's quite easy to do, and you will get the exact same results, and save yourself a ton of money.

Having said that, I am going to take my Senegal into the vets to have him DNA'd.
It does cause the bird some discomfort to do it yourself, so I didn't want my Safari to associate me with pain.

I only do the DNA tests on my breeder birds, not my pets.

Thingamagigs · Jan 9, 2013

When I did Mana's DNA testing, it cost $20 including a sterile collection kit. It comes with a sterile needle to prick the toe and then dab the blood with a small piece of sterile labelled paper. She did not even notice the prick to her toe. I am confident I could have done the same with my conures as well without causing them any distress. Especially because the conures happily roll onto their backs and hold your finger with their foot. I had mine done through MDS Molecular Diagnostic Services Australia (for those in Australia), they also have labs in europe and africa.

Akraya · Jan 9, 2013

Thingamagigs said:
When I did Mana's DNA testing, it cost $20 including a sterile collection kit. It comes with a sterile needle to prick the toe and then dab the blood with a small piece of sterile labelled paper. She did not even notice the prick to her toe. I am confident I could have done the same with my conures as well without causing them any distress. Especially because the conures happily roll onto their backs and hold your finger with their foot. I had mine done through MDS Molecular Diagnostic Services Australia (for those in Australia), they also have labs in europe and africa.

I DNA sexed Misha this way through MDS, he didn't notice either, very easy to do (had to get partner to hold him for me though, and only cost me $25 including postage =)

I found out about MDS through a Vet too.

HumanWings · Jan 9, 2013

I've heard prices of $25 - $50. $95 sounds like a lot.

Echo · Jan 9, 2013

Biotech charges $19.50 per sample (that you send), my vet in CT about $45.

MonicaMc · Jan 9, 2013

I recommend Zoogen. It's what my a-vet uses for disease and DNA testing, and between Zoogen & Avian Biotech on sexing a clutch of green cheek conures (by a breeder in California) using egg shells, Zoogen was 100% reliable.

About DNA Bird Sexing

Not only that, but you don't have to wait for a kit to come in the mail (would often taken 2+ weeks when I asked from Avian Biotech). With Zoogen, you just print out the form yourself, fill it out and send it in!

wenz2712 · Jan 10, 2013

This is who I used to get Codie DNA tested.
You send in chest feathers and it is much cheaper than having a vet do it!

Avian Services Center: DNA sexing and disease testing for all species of birds.

DannyA93 · Jan 10, 2013

O thats nothing!! lol My vet told me that it costs $220 to do a DNA test! now thats outrageous!!

Peeko · Jan 10, 2013

My parents have pretty much decided that we're "assigning" him a gender for free

$95 for a DNA gender test???

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