Submission specifications for feathers to be used for a DNA test

DNA tests can be performed on feathers. Each test indicates which samples are suitable for that particular test.

The number of feathers needed to be able to perform the test depends on the type of feather being submitted. As a guideline: laid end to end, the feathers submitted should in total be approximately 5 centimetres. Make sure that the feathers are clean and dry when they are pulled out. Feathers must be pulled out; feathers that a bird has moulted are not suitable for testing. The feathers for each bird should be sent in a separate plastic bag or envelope.

Special bags can be ordered using the order form for sample material.