Little HavenDNA LAB 0

Rabbit sample collection and mailing guide

How to collect, label, and mail rabbit blood samples for Little Haven DNA.

Before you begin

Thank you for trusting Little Haven DNA with your rabbit samples. Each order has a unique order code in your dashboard. Include it with your samples so everything matches correctly. Your dashboard will show the order code and each rabbit's sample number. The order code belongs with the envelope, and the sample number belongs on the matching sample bag.

  • Baggie labels: Each DNA baggie must include the sample number from your portal, such as Sample 1 or Sample 2. You may also write the rabbit name or ear tag on the baggie, but the sample number is what I use to match it to your order.
  • Important: Prevent cross contamination between rabbits. Results are only as accurate as the sample handling.

Step 1 of 3

Fill in rabbit details

Dashboard showing rabbit order and enter details button
  1. Open your order. 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.
  2. Enter each rabbit.
    What you will enter
    • Rabbit name or ear tag
    • Breed
    • Blood spot sample details
    • Your best guess for Wooly, Vienna, Wideband and Chocolate.
  3. Submit. Your order status will move to Awaiting mail and you will get a reminder email with the next steps.
  4. Use the sample number as the baggie label. The sample number for each rabbit is the label to write on that rabbit's DNA baggie. The rabbit name and ear tag are only for your portal records and results.

Step 2 of 3

Collect samples

Sample collection illustration
Accepted samples: Blood on a coffee filter is preferred. Blood on clean paper or a Q-tip is accepted. Follow these rabbit collection instructions, and contact the lab before sending another sample type.
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.

Cleanliness checklist
  • 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, 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 styptic 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.

Holding tips
  • 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 rabbit calm and positioned so it cannot twist into the clipper
  • If the rabbit is stressed, pause and try again later
Blood spot on paper illustration

Sample type

Blood spot on coffee filter

A blood spot on a coffee filter is preferred because it is reliable, dries well, 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 the 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 styptic 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 before collecting the sample.
  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. Kids: please ask a grown-up to hold the animal and use the clippers.
  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 before sealing the bag.
    A dried blood spot on a paper triangle, showing the smallest spot the lab can test
    This is the minimum amount I need.
  6. Stop the bleeding Apply gentle pressure with a clean tissue. Use styptic 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 spoil, which makes them 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.

Step 3 of 3

Pack and mail your envelope

Envelope being packed with labeled rabbit samples
  1. Put every labeled baggie into one larger mailing envelope. Each individual DNA baggie should be labeled with the sample number only.
  2. 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.
  3. Mail it to:
    Envelope labeled with mailing address
    Little Haven DNA 7501 Palomar St Fort Pierce FL 34951
    Extra safety and tracking

    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

Need help?

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