Homestead roots · modern genetics

Know Your Birds.
Know Their DNA.

Practical avian genotyping and DNA testing for the birds you raise, love, and breed.

Explore Testing →See How It Works ↓
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Science with a homestead touch.
Clear guidance. Careful testing. Real support.

A realistic mixed flock of peafowl, chicken, duck, goose, turkey, pheasant and guinea fowl beside a DNA helix

Testing across the flock

One lab. Many birds.

Choose your species to explore current and upcoming testing options.

ChickensDucksGeesePeafowlTurkeysPheasantsGuinea Fowl
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Reliable Results

Careful processing from sample to answer.

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Easy Collection

Simple instructions made for bird owners.

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Real Support

Helpful guidance from people who understand flocks.

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Avian Focused

Testing designed around the birds you keep.

From your coop to our lab

Testing made simple.

We keep every step clear, from choosing a test to receiving your results.

01

Choose a test

Select your bird species and the service you need.

02

Collect a sample

Follow our straightforward collection guide.

03

Mail it in

Label and send your sample to our lab.

04

Get results

Receive clear results when testing is complete.

Start with confidence

DNA sexing for your flock

Begin with our avian DNA sex identification service. Select your species and number of tests on the ordering page before collecting and mailing samples.

Order Testing →
DNAAvian
Genotyping

Good samples start here

Collection without the guesswork.

Before mailing anything, review the collection, labeling, packaging, and shipping instructions.

Sample Collection Guide

Blood Sample Collection

Prior to collection

Recommended Supplies

Gather these items before handling your bird so everything is within reach.

  • Nail clippers
  • Disposable gloves
  • Alcohol pad
  • Clean zip-loc bag
  • Styptic powder
  • Leg band or another method to identify the bird
  • Pen or permanent marker
  • Collection media, such as a DNA collection card, clean paper, coffee filter, or clean micro lid
  1. Prepare yourself and the tool

    Wash your hands and put on disposable gloves. Wipe a pair of clean nail clippers thoroughly with rubbing alcohol.

  2. Clean the toe and trim the nail

    Clean the bird’s toe with an alcohol pad and allow it to dry COMPLETELY. Wet alcohol can interfere with testing results. Then clip the tip of the bird’s toenail just high enough to nick the small vein and produce a drop of blood. Do not cut too high.

  3. Collect Blood Sample

    Touch 1–2 drops of blood onto the designated collection card, paper, coffee filter, or micro lid. Do not touch the collection surface with your fingers.

  4. Stop the bleeding — IF NEEDED

    Apply styptic powder or another appropriate clotting compound to the nail to stop the bleeding immediately.

  5. Dry and store

    Allow the blood to air-dry COMPLETELY at room temperature, then place it in a clean zip-loc bag. Wet samples can decompose during shipping and will not be viable. Be sure each bird has its own collection material and its own labeled bag.

  6. Packaging and shipment

    Number and label each bag with the bird’s identifying information. Place the collection materials and your order number in a bubble mailer, then ship it using your preferred shipping carrier.

Mail toRafter J’s Lab
3305 Beltway S.
Abilene, Texas 79606
Bird safety comes first. Have clotting powder ready before beginning. If bleeding does not stop promptly or you are unsure how to collect the sample safely, contact an avian veterinarian.

Raised with care. Tested with purpose.

Rafter J's Homestead Goods & Lab

A few good questions

Before you send a sample

What birds can Rafter J's test?

The site is structured for chickens, ducks, geese, peafowl, turkeys, pheasants, and guinea fowl. Confirm current availability before ordering.

When should I purchase testing?

Purchase or confirm your service before mailing samples so each bird can be matched to your submission.

How will I receive results?

Your results will be uploaded to your personal customer portal and sent to you by email when testing is complete.

We’re here to help

Have a question?

Send us a message and we’ll help with testing, ordering, sample collection, or your customer account. Please allow up to 24 hours for a response.

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Location

Abilene, Texas

Serving customers nationwide

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Hours of operation

Monday–Friday

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Closed weekends and holidays

Policies for laboratory services

Terms and Conditions

Updated August 2026

These terms apply when you use the Rafter J’s website, create a customer account, place an order, or submit bird samples for testing.

  1. Services We Provide

    Rafter J’s provides avian DNA sexing using blood samples submitted by customers. Services are limited to the tests and bird species shown as available when an order is placed.

  2. Your Sample Responsibilities

    You confirm that you own each submitted bird or are authorized to request testing for it. Every sample must be collected, labeled, separated, packaged, and shipped according to our current collection guide. Each bird must have its own identifying information, collection material, and labeled bag. Customers are responsible for preventing contamination and matching each sample to the correct bird and order.

  3. Orders, Prices, and Payment

    Prices are shown in U.S. dollars, and payment is due when the order is placed. Pricing may change, but the amount displayed and accepted at checkout will apply to that purchase.

  4. Processing Time and Result Delivery

    Most results are targeted for delivery within 48 hours after our laboratory receives a usable sample. This is an estimate rather than a guaranteed deadline. Sample condition, testing volume, holidays, or the need for additional processing may affect turnaround time. Completed results will be posted to the customer’s secure portal, and a notice will be sent to the email address connected to the order.

  5. Unusable or Insufficient Samples

    A sample may be unsuitable for testing if it is contaminated, mislabeled, wet, decomposed, damaged, or too small. When a sample cannot be processed, Rafter J’s may request a replacement sample or provide an account credit, depending on the circumstances. An unusable customer-submitted sample does not qualify for a cash refund.

  6. Testing Limitations and Use of Results

    We follow careful laboratory procedures and work to provide dependable results; however, no DNA testing method is completely free from the possibility of error. Results are provided for informational purposes and should not be the only basis for breeding, purchasing, medical, or other important decisions.

  7. Agreement to These Terms

    By accessing this website, creating an account, ordering a service, or submitting a sample, you acknowledge and agree to these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree, please do not place an order or submit samples for testing.

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