Materials- You may use your own materials or order a Test Kit Here

1. Clippers

2. Alcohol wipes

3. Disposable gloves

4. PCR tube OR coffee filter strip OR clean paper tip OR q-tip

5. Small Plastic Baggies

6. Bands or other method to identify birds

7. Sharpie or pen to number your samples 

8. QuikClot (optional but recommended)

9. Cute Birds

Procedure

1. Prep Work Area

   • Choose a clean and well-lit area. Make sure all of your materials are within reach. Ensure all tools are clean and sterilized. It is important that tools are cleaned before each use to avoid cross contamination. It is also important that the alcohol is completely dry so it does not contaminate your blood sample.

2. Choose a Bird

   • Handle the bird gently but securely to minimize stress. Choose a toe nail and gently clean it with alcohol. Ensure alcohol is completely dry before you proceed.

3. Collect the Blood Sample

   • Hold the bird steady, and clip the toenail just below the quick. The quick generally looks like a white foggy area in the upper part of the nail. 

   • Allow a small drop of blood to form and touch the blood drop to the lid of the tube.  Gently rub the toe in a downward motion to get more blood to come out if needed. It doesn’t take much, but the sample needs to be visible. If you are not using a PCR Tube simply touch the blood to your paper or q-tip.  Allow the sample to dry and place each sample into its own labeled bag to avoid any cross contamination

   • Dip the toenail in the clotting powder for a moment or two so the powder can stop the bleeding.

4. Secure the Sample

   • If using PCR tube, close the lid tightly. Place the sample in a clean, sealable plastic bag to prevent damage or contamination. If using paper or q-tip,  allow the sample to dry and place each sample into its own labeled bag to avoid any cross contamination Please label the bag (or a sheet of paper) with whatever identifier you are using. Do not use the same identifier for multiple birds in the same order.

5. Send the Sample for Testing

   • Package the sealed sample in a plastic bag in a padded envelope or box. Ensure it’s labeled with your order number. 

   • Mail Package using your preferred shipping method, but samples must be received with 7 days of collection! 

     • Flock Forensics 11238 Sharrmont Ct, Wilton CA 95693​

   • Please register your sample through the members center with your tracking info so we know when to expect your samples and prepare for them