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Rabbit sample collection and mailing guide

How to collect, label, and mail rabbit samples for the genetics research panel.

Rabbit sample collection overview

Before you begin

Thank you for helping with Little Haven DNA rabbit genetics research. This page walks you through entering rabbit details, collecting samples, and mailing them in.

Each order has a unique order code in your dashboard. Include it with your samples so everything matches correctly.

Order code example FAE35717

IMPORTANT. Prevent cross contamination between rabbits. Your results are only as accurate as your sample handling.
Dashboard showing rabbit order and enter details button

Step one

Fill in rabbit details

After your rabbit research order is created, your status will show Accepted Provide Sample Details. You will see a button that says Enter rabbit sample details.

For each rabbit you will enter

  • Rabbit name or ear tag
  • Breed
  • Sample type you plan to send
  • Your best guess for Wooly, Vienna, Wideband and Chocolate.
  • Optional photo upload if you have one

When all rabbits are filled in and submitted, your order status will move to Awaiting mail and you will get a reminder email with the next steps.

Sample collection illustration

Step two

Collect samples

Little Haven DNA currently accepts the following rabbit sample types.

  • Blood spot on coffee filter, paper, or a low fluff Q tip PREFERRED
  • Saliva on a low fluff Q tip
  • Other methods only if we discussed it first
Clean hands and clean tools illustration

Important cleanliness notes

IMPORTANT. Cross contamination happens easily. Work slowly and keep one rabbit at a time on your workspace.
  • Wash hands before starting and between rabbits
  • Use a clean surface for each rabbit or swap paper towels between rabbits
  • Label first so nothing gets mixed up
  • Keep only one sample open at a time
  • Keep samples dry and never seal anything that is damp
  • Clean nail clippers, scissors or any tool with alcohol between rabbits
  • If you touch the blood spot, swab, paper, or inside of a bag by accident, discard that item and start fresh

A simple setup that works well is paper towels on the table, alcohol wipes nearby, a fresh labeled baggie ready before you start, and stypic powder or cornstarch within reach.

Hands handling a rabbit calmly

Handling your rabbit gently

Choose a calm moment. A second person can help hold the rabbit while you collect a sample. Keep everything quick, calm, and gentle.

  • Support the rabbit securely with one hand under the chest and one hand supporting the hind end
  • Use a towel burrito if your rabbit wiggles
  • Keep the head away from the clipper or swab so the rabbit cannot twist into it
  • If the rabbit is stressed, pause and try again later
Blood spot on paper illustration

Blood spot on paper

This is the preferred method because it is reliable and gives strong DNA. Only a tiny amount is needed. One full drop is perfect.

  1. Set up first
    Before you touch the rabbit, cut your paper or coffee filter into small 1x2 inch triangles and label baggie with the exact sample number from your portal. Place the paper on a clean dry surface. Have alcohol wipes, a clean nail clipper, and stypic powder or cornstarch ready.
  2. Clean tools and hands
    Wipe the nail clipper blades with alcohol. Wash your hands. Between rabbits, wipe the clipper with alcohol again and wash hands again. Make sure the alcohol dries completely or it will damage the dna we need to test!
  3. Hold the rabbit securely
    Support the rabbit firmly and safely so they cannot kick. If you have help, one person holds while the other clips. If you are alone, use a towel wrap and expose one foot at a time.
  4. Trim the nail carefully
    Choose a back nail if possible because it is easy to control. Trim the nail just slightly too short until you see a tiny dot of blood. You do not need a lot of bleeding.
  5. Create one full drop
    Once you see the dot of blood, gently milk out a tiny bit to form one full drop. Touch the drop onto the pointy end of the paper or coffee filter. Let the drop soak in naturally and allow it to dry in the open bag
  6. Stop the bleeding
    Apply gentle pressure with a clean tissue. Use stypic powder or cornstarch if needed. Simply dip the bleeding nail in a small amount. Keep the rabbit calm and check the nail again in a minute or two. If bleeding does not stop and you are concerned, stop and contact a veterinarian.
  7. Dry completely
    Let the blood spot air dry fully. Do not seal the bag until the paper is fully dry. Wet samples can mold or go rancid which are unusable.
  8. Bag and label
    Place the fully dried paper into its own labeled baggie. Seal it. Only one rabbit per baggie.
  9. Clean between rabbits
    Wipe the nail clipper with alcohol. Swap the paper towel work surface. Wash hands. Then start the next rabbit.

Reminder. Only a tiny spot is needed and the paper must be fully dry before mailing.

Saliva swab illustration

Saliva swab method

Saliva is accepted if you cannot collect blood. Follow these steps closely so the rabbit stays safe and the sample stays clean.

  1. Label first
    Before you begin, label the baggie with your order code and the exact sample number from your portal.
  2. Use the right swab
    Use a cheap low fluff Q tip so there is less cotton that can pull loose. Use a fresh swab for every rabbit.
  3. Swab safely for at least 30 seconds
    Gently swab around the cheek and tongue and all around the mouth for at least 30 seconds. 30 sec is the MINIMUM. Do not let the rabbit chew the swab or swallow any cotton. If the rabbit starts to chew, pull the swab back out and continue swabbing after a moment.
  4. Mark the sample end
    Mark the end of the Q tip that touched the mouth with a Sharpie so staff can identify the correct side. You can simply put a circle around the end used.
  5. Air dry completely
    Allow the swab to fully air dry before bagging. Do not seal anything damp.
  6. Bag separately
    Place the dry swab into its own labeled baggie with the sample number. Keep everything separate to prevent cross contamination.
  7. Clean between rabbits
    Wash hands. Wipe your workspace with alcohol. Then start the next rabbit with a new swab.
Envelope being packed with labeled rabbit samples

Step three

Pack your envelope

Place each labeled rabbit sample baggie into one larger mailing envelope.

Include one note inside with

  • Your full name on the order
  • Your email address
  • Your Little Haven DNA order code

You can simply print out your order checklist and include it. If the order code is missing inside the envelope, matching will be delayed.

Envelope labeled with mailing address

Mailing address

Mail your samples to

Little Haven DNA
7501 Palomar St
Fort Pierce FL 34951

Writing your order code on the outside of the envelope is a helpful extra safety step. Tracking is optional but recommended for your own peace of mind.

Support illustration

If something changes

If you need to adjust a rabbit before or after mailing, please reach out. Sometimes things happen and you no longer need that test completed. As long as the test hasn't been run you will get a credit to your account for future use. You can reply to any Little Haven DNA email or message Little Haven Homestead on Facebook.

With gratitude and soft moonlit whiskers,
Moon
Little Haven DNA
A project of Little Haven Homestead LLC