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HOW TO & FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW TO COLLECT YOUR SAMPLE
(Photos and Video Below) 

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

pcr blood sample tube

PCR Tube Blood Spot

pcr tube blood sample

PCR Sample Label

PCR poultry blood sample

PCR Sample Packaged

blood Paper Tip Sample

Paper Tip Sample

blood q-tip sample

Q Tip Sample

Coffee filter poultry blood sample

Coffee Filter Sample

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Last updated: January 2026

1. Acceptance of Terms
 

By accessing and using Flock Forensics' services, you accept and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of this agreement. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our services.
 

2. DNA Testing Services
 

Flock Forensics provides DNA sexing services for birds. Our services include:

  • Feather DNA testing

  • Eggshell membrane DNA testing

  • Blood sample DNA testing

  • DNA collection kits
     

While we maintain a 99.9% accuracy rate, no DNA testing method is 100% accurate. Results are provided for informational purposes and should not be the sole basis for breeding or other critical decisions.
 

3. Sample Submission
 

When submitting samples to Flock Forensics:

  • Samples must be properly labeled and packaged

  • Samples should be from legally owned birds

  • Cross-contamination must be avoided

  • Follow our collection guidelines for best results

  • Samples that cannot be processed will not be refunded
     

4. Payment & Pricing
 

All prices are listed in USD. Payment is required at the time of ordering. We accept major credit cards and other payment methods as indicated on our website.

Prices are subject to change without notice. Current pricing will be displayed at the time of purchase.
 

5. Results Delivery
 

Results are typically delivered within 48 hours of sample receipt at our lab. Results will be sent to the email address provided at the time of ordering.

In cases where samples are of poor quality or insufficient quantity, we may request a new sample or issue a partial refund.
 

6. Refund Policy
 

Refunds will not be issued.

  • Sample kits lost in transit (with tracking proof) will be reshipped 

  • If we are unable to extract DNA from provided sample your account will not be charged and your credit will remain in your account. You may send another sample at your own shipping cost for reprocessing. 

Refunds are not provided for samples that fail due to improper collection, contamination, or insufficient sample material.
 

7. Privacy & Data Protection
 

We take your privacy seriously. Your personal information and test results are kept confidential and will not be shared with third parties without your consent.

Samples are disposed of after testing is complete.
 

8. Limitation of Liability
 

Flock Forensics shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of our services. Our total liability shall not exceed the amount paid for the specific service in question.
 

9. Changes to Terms
 

We reserve the right to modify these terms at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the new terms.
 

10. Contact Information
 

For questions about these Terms & Conditions, please contact us:

Email: support@flockforensics.com

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