Rafter J’s Homestead Goods & Lab

Avian DNA Testing & Poultry DNA Sexing

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

Rafter J’s provides avian DNA sexing and genotyping services from Abilene, Texas, serving customers nationwide. Our DNA sexing service uses a submitted blood sample to provide a sex identification result for an individual bird. It gives owners and breeders a result they can keep with their flock records.

Choose the service for your birds

Explore the collection and ordering guidance for chickens, ducks, geese, peafowl, turkeys, pheasants, and guinea fowl below. For other birds shown on our homepage, contact us if you need to confirm the species or test before ordering.

Sexing and genotyping: choosing the right test

DNA sexing focuses on sex identification. Avian genotyping is a broader term for testing genetic characteristics; the information reported depends on the test you order. Do not assume a sexing test includes egg-color traits, parentage, breed identification, or disease screening. If you are interested in a separate test, such as blue egg gene testing, ask the lab which service is appropriate before sending samples.

Preparing and collecting your sample

Our avian DNA sexing service uses a blood sample. Read the complete blood sample collection guide, including the supplies photo and videos, before you begin. Gather nail clippers or a lancet, gloves, an alcohol pad, labeled bags, and collection media such as a coffee filter, micro lid, or collection card.

Number and label each bag with the bird’s identifying information before collection. Follow the guide for collecting the sample, stopping any bleeding, drying the collection material, and packaging. Keep every bird’s sample separate and avoid touching the collection surface. If you need help with safe collection, contact us before proceeding.

How to order and receive results

  1. Open the ordering page, select your bird species and the number of tests, and complete payment.
  2. Collect and label a separate sample for each bird using our collection guide.
  3. Mail the samples according to the current instructions, keeping your bird identifiers matched to your order.
  4. View completed results in your customer portal. You will receive an email when the lab sends your results notification; check your spam folder if you do not see it.

Current prices and availability are shown when you order. Sample condition can affect processing; contact the lab if a label is unclear or you are unsure whether a sample is suitable.

Order Testing →

A result matched to each bird

Good records begin before the sample arrives at the lab. Keep one identifier for each bird across your bag labels, order notes, and flock records. Wet, mixed, or mislabeled samples may need to be replaced. See our laboratory terms for sample requirements and result limitations, or contact us with questions.