Sample collection and mailing guide

Before you begin

Thank you for trusting Little Haven DNA with your feathered family. This guide walks you through the full bird sample process, from entering sample details in your dashboard to mailing your envelope to the lab.

Each order has a unique order code in your dashboard. Include that order code with your samples so everything can be matched quickly when your envelope arrives.

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 so you can identify it in your results
• Required species from the drop down for that test type
• Optional breed, if you know it
• 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.

The sample number shown for each entry is the label to write on that sample's DNA baggie. Bird names or bands are helpful for your results and certificate, but the sample number is the required label on the DNA baggie.

Collect samples

Choose one accepted sample type for each bird. Coffee filter blood spots are the easiest to mail and the preferred option.

No blood needed

Eggshell Method

1. Let the eggshell membrane dry all the way.
2. Write the sample number on the bag. Your order will show Sample 1, Sample 2, and so on. Names or bands are okay too if the sample number is clear.
3. Put the dry eggshell membrane in the labeled bag.
4. Use one bag for each sample.

Bird DNA sample

Toe Nail Blood Method

Use one tiny blood spot from one toe nail.

Items Needed

• Pet nail clippers
• Rubbing alcohol
• Paper towel
• Coffee filter, plain paper, or Q-tip
• Small bags, one per sample, labeled Sample 1, Sample 2, etc.
• Your sample numbers from your portal
• Corn starch or styptic powder
• A helper, if needed

Watch first

Video examples for collecting a blood spot

These are here if seeing the process once makes it feel less stressful.

Step-by-step example

A clear walkthrough before you begin.

Red Cove Farms

Gentle explanation

Another friendly example of the same idea.

Creekside Speckled Eggs

1. Write the sample number on the bag. Your order will show Sample 1, Sample 2, and so on. You may add bird names, band colors, or bird IDs too, but the sample number must be clear.
2. Cut a small piece of coffee filter or paper. Hold the big end. Do not touch the tip where the blood will go.
3. Keep bird DNA away. Human DNA is safe. Bird DNA is not. Bird DNA gets everywhere. One tiny bit of female bird DNA can make the results look female.
4. Clean the clippers. Use rubbing alcohol. Let the clippers dry. Repeat this between each bird.
5. Clean the bird's toe very well. Use rubbing alcohol. Feet can have poop, dirt, and DNA from other birds.
6. Hold the bird gently. Do not squeeze the chest. Birds need their chest to breathe.
7. Clip one toe nail a little too short. Clip a tiny bit and gently squeeze. If there is no blood, clip a tiny bit again. I only need a tiny dot of blood.
8. Touch the paper tip to the blood. Let the blood soak into the paper.

Blood amount

I need at least this much.

I do not need a lot of blood, but I need at least this much. Not a tiny smear. Not a faint mark. Make the spot easy to see.

10. Stop the bleeding. Use corn starch or styptic powder if needed. This is usually more needed for adult birds or older chicks. Younger chicks usually stop bleeding easier.
11. Let the sample dry. Do not put wet paper in the bag. It can get moldy and may not give results.
12. Put the dry sample in the bag. One bird sample per bag. This helps avoid cross contamination.
13. Clean before the next bird. Clean the clippers with alcohol again. Use new paper. Use a new bag.
14. Wash hands if needed. Wash if there is blood on your hands so blood does not mix between birds.

Pack your envelope

When all samples are collected place the individual labeled bags into one larger envelope. Each individual DNA baggie should be labeled with the sample number only.

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

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 you print at home, but this is completely optional. You can simply print the label, tape it to your envelope, and put it 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.