Sample collection and mailing guide

Before you begin

Thank you for trusting Little Haven DNA with your feathered family. This page will walk you through every step from filling in sample details to mailing your envelope to the lab.

For each order you will see a unique order code on your dashboard. This code must be included with your samples so we can match everything correctly.

Order code example FAE35717

Step one

Fill in sample details

After you place your order and your order is accepted your status will show Accepted Provide Sample Details. At this point you will see a button on your order that says “Enter sample details”.

For each sample you will enter

• Band or name for the bird for you to identify
• Optional Variety and color from the drop downs
• Sample type you plan to send
• Optional note for that bird

When you finish all samples and submit, your order status will move to Awaiting mail and you will receive an email with the next steps.

Step two

Collect samples

Little Haven DNA currently accepts the following sample types.

• Blood on coffee filters PREFERRED!
• Blood on Q tip
• PCR Tube One SINGLE drop or two!
• Feather QUILLS with all the feather fibers cut off

Important cleanliness notes

IMPORTANT! It is up to YOU to prevent cross contamination in your samples. Your DNA results will be as accurate as you make them. Any mixed DNA or cross contamination will make your results incorrect.

• Wash your hands before you begin
• Clean clippers and tools with rubbing alcohol between each bird
• Let alcohol dry completely before using tools on the next bird
• Do not use bleach or disinfectant wipes on tools that touch samples
• This SOOO important for an accurate sample! Remember I need SUCH a tiny amount of blood so dont over think this!

Handling your bird safely

Collecting a tiny drop of blood should be quick and calm for both you and your bird. A few small steps can make the whole process feel gentle and secure.

• Handle the bird gently and securely so it feels supported, not squeezed. Keep the wings close to the body so the bird feels safe.
• If the bird is nervous or wiggly, ask a second person to help. One person can hold the bird while the other collects the sample.
• Try to sit down while you work so you have better control and the bird feels steadier.
• Always avoid squeezing the chest. Birds need their chest free to breathe comfortably.
• CLEAN the chickens toe VERY well as poo has lots of dna in it! And we know they aren’t stepping in only their poo.
• Clip the toenail just enough for a small bead of blood to appear.
• I have also used a sterile insulin needle to poke a vein under a wing to get a small drop or half drop of blood. Be sure to use a new needle for each sample!

Coffee filter method Little Haven favorite

This method is gentle, inexpensive and very easy to mail. Any standard coffee filter, or even piece of white paper will work, including unbleached brown coffee filters. If you prefer, you may use a cotton swab or paper towel piece instead. Only one or two drops are needed.

1. Prepare your filters
   Cut a coffee filter into small squares triangles about one or two inches wide.
   That way you have an end to hold without touching the blood to reduce contamination.
   The pointy tip makes it easy to touch the bead of blood without getting your fingers messy.
   
2. Clean your tools
   Wipe your pet nail clippers with rubbing alcohol and let them dry completely. Alcohol will ruin DNA!
   Clean hands and tools and your birds sample location keep each bird’s DNA pure and separate.
3. Collect the tiny drop
   Gently trim just the very end of the toenail until a small droplet begins to form.
   Sometimes you may need to give the toe a soft “milk” to help the bead appear.
   Once you see a little pool of blood, tap the very tip of your filter triangle (or cotton swab) into it.
4. Dry and label
   The filter does not need to be soaked.
   Just be sure that tiny corner is nicely saturated.
   Allow the blood to dry completely before handling.
   Then place it in a small zipper bag labeled clearly with the sample number shown in your dashboard.
   This number is what ties your sample to your test, so it must be exact.
   You may also write your band number or bird name, but the sample number is required.
   If you are shipping multiple orders together, make sure you separate each order since your sample numbers will overlap across orders.
5. Between each bird
   Clean your clippers, hands and any tools with rubbing alcohol and wipe them completely dry.
   If there is any DNA remains on your tools this can cause cross contamination and inaccurate results
   Never use bleach or Lysol wipes because they can interfere with the DNA.
   Use a fresh ziploc bag for every sample, each labeled with its own sample number for proper identification.

If the nail bleeds a little more than expected

A tiny bead of blood is normal. If the nail continues to bleed more than you would like you can gently press the tip of the nail into styptic powder or corn starch. This usually stops the bleeding very quickly. Hold light pressure for a few seconds if needed and give your bird a moment to settle.

PCR tube method

If you prefer PCR tubes you can use standard point two milliliter tubes. A small drop of blood is enough for testing.I dont need more and it can go rancid in shipping. Then place it in a small labeled bag. With your sample number. Make sure you are using the SAMPLE NUMBER in your dashboard NOT your birds name or band ID. .2ml Tubes https://a.co/d/7g8skl6

Each tube should be labeled with the sample number that matches your portal and bagges separately to avoid any leaking and cross contamination.
This not recommended in the summer as the heat can quickly spoil the blood sample.

Step three

Pack your envelope

When all samples are collected place the individual labeled bags into one larger envelope.

Please include one note inside with

• Your full name on your order
• Your email address
• Your Little Haven DNA order number

If this note is missing and the order code is not inside the envelope we have no way to match your samples to your account. This will delay results for you and for others in the queue. There is also a print order list you can use but it's not required.

Mailing address

Mail your samples to

Little Haven DNA
7501 Palomar St
Fort Pierce FL 34951

On the back of the envelope or anywhere else please also write your order number for extra security and fast processing.

You are welcome to use any mailing service. Many people prefer a shipping method with tracking so they can follow the envelope.

A lot of homesteaders enjoy using Pirate Ship (Click to link) for discounted labels that your print at home, but this is completely optional. You can simply print this label and tape to your envelope and put in your mailbox to be picked up.

What happens after your samples arrive

When your envelope reaches Little Haven it goes through intake. During intake samples are scanned, logged, and prepared for testing.

Little Haven is a small homestead lab which means I care for animals, children, and the farm along with the lab work. Intake happens later in the day when the mail arrives, but I always bring samples into the system on the same day they are delivered.

After intake your order status will move to Samples received, then to In progress once testing begins. Most results are ready within one to three days of intake.

You will receive an email the moment your results are marked Completed and you can then log in to view them and create certificates.

If something changes

We understand that life with animals is tender and sometimes difficult. If a bird passes away or you need to cancel or adjust a sample before it is run, please reach out.

We can credit that test to your account for future use when possible.

You can always reply to any Little Haven DNA email or message Little Haven Homestead on Facebook (Click to link) if you need help at any step.