Eye Exam?

[DebSpace]

Hi, Linda L. has asked about the possibility of Beau being female afterall because of his eye shape. Here is a comparison.

http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2099433640

[linda040899]

Hi Deb,
Beau's eye really does look more almond shaped than it does round. I'd say it might be worth a DNA retest. You can actually send in the sample yourself and you may want to do feather sexing the second time around. Avian Biotech (http://www.avianbiotech.com ) is where I send all my tests.

[DebSpace]

Thanks, I will visit the site and send in the sample. Can I just take a clipping off a feather?

[DebSpace]

Oops, got the info I needed from their website. Thanks very much for your advice and wisdom.

[linda040899]

Nope. You need 3-4 freshly plucked chest feathers. They can't be moulted feathers. You can also send in a blood sample if you want. Feather sexing is roughly $24.95, while blood sexing is $19.95. If you opt to send in a blood sample, make sure you clean the nail with a disinfectant before you short cut it.

[DebSpace]

After reading the information on collecting feather samples, it convinces me beyond shadow of doubt that the vet I went to did not know what he was talking about. He said he would need to send a blood feather and that Beau was too young to have them. Anyway, here is the info on how to pluck feathers correctly (for my future reference and that of others):

http://www.avianbiotech.com/Feathers.htm

[Kathryn]

I use BioTech also. They will send kits by return mail.

The blood test requires close clipping a toenail and placing a tiny drip of blood on a circle on a card that fits into a small envelope. I fill out the card first, then clean and clip the toenail. I use a stopbleed powder afterwards if necessary. I seal the evelope and mail it it.

They will email me the results as quickly as three days and then followup with the DNA certificates.
I've been really pleased.