Rabbit DNA Sample Collection and Mailing Instructions

Before you begin

Thank you for trusting Little Haven DNA with your rabbit samples. This page walks you through entering rabbit details, collecting a blood spot, and mailing your samples in.

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.

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
Blood spot sample details
Your best guess for Wooly, Vienna, Wideband and Chocolate.

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.

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 two

Collect samples

Little Haven DNA currently accepts rabbit blood samples on paper, Q-tip, or coffee filter, and eggshell membrane samples when that is what you collected.

Accepted samples: Blood on a coffee filter is preferred. Blood on clean paper or a Q-tip is accepted, and eggshell membrane is accepted. Other sample types are not accepted for rabbit testing.

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, 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.

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 rabbit calm and positioned so it cannot twist into the clipper
If the rabbit is stressed, pause and try again later

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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bag and label
Place the fully dried paper into its own labeled baggie. Seal it. Only one rabbit per baggie.
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.

Envelope being packed with labeled rabbit samples

Step three

Pack your envelope

Place each labeled rabbit sample baggie into one larger mailing envelope. Each individual DNA baggie should be labeled with the sample number only.

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.

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.

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.

Rabbit sample collection and mailing guide