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Interesting. I was curious about the idea of when
you determine via DNA feather testing if it is a he or she? and did a
quick search of the possibilities and found this on a website. It is based on
Sun Conures, not owls but the answer is the same. Though grappling a wild
Powerful Owl is rather more challenging than a small pet parrot. DNA testing
costs a huge amount, even for people, where we have reference material. I
wonder why anyone would have the funds to waste or bother on this. If there
is just one bird why does it matter? If another one arrives, then they should
make it obvious, and if they don't it still doesn't matter. Maybe there is s
much done locally with Fairy-wren etc that the process is well established.. I
don't know.
Actually, the other issue is how is this best done with DNA? What are
the DNA markers in this species? Do we know? I wonder if the cellular material
is available, is chromosomal observation easier. Birds normally have a
large number of chromosomes which makes it hard and in birds (unlike mammals) it
is the females that have the different X & Y sex chromosomes (although
I think called W & Z), whereas males have the two sex chromosomes the
same.
Philip
To
conduct DNA testing you can have the feathers tested, or use blood for DNA
testing. To use the feathers the testing companies primarily recommend 4-6
feathers on the breast be pulled and sent in with the testing kit that you have
to send in for. It is possible however that the quality of the feathers may
prohibit finding enough DNA for the test in some cases. Some people also feel
that pulling feathers could be painful for the bird even though the breast area
is really the least sensitive area.
For
the blood test it is merely a matter of clipping one toenail just slightly below
where it should normally be cut. This should cause only just enough blood by
squeezing the nail gently for 2 drops to be dabbed on a card included in a
testing kit from the testing company. Kwik
Stop Powder or other
blood clotting medication should be on hand in case as a precaution to prevent
bleeding.
If
you feel squeamish about performing either method, some professional
bird groomers can get the
blood for you in the course of regular grooming, or you can of course take your
bird to an avian
vet. There are some avian vets that sometimes perform surgical
sexing which can be
stressful for the bird unless it is needed for some other medical reason. DNA
sexing is accurate and not really that stressful for the most part, plus it is
relatively inexpensive and easy if done right.
I
myself recommend that if you have any anxiety about DNA testing to have it done
by a professional because if you don’t follow the instructions it can produce
inconclusive results or force multiple tests. I know for example that it took me
almost a year and many trips to the bird groomer before I felt comfortable
enough to trim my parrotlet’s wings myself.
Of
course unless you want to breed the Sun Conure then knowing the sex of the bird
is not really that important. So you can wait to see if the bird will lay
eggs-some sun conures I have heard do not lay eggs until even as late as 5 or 6
years-old. Then after waiting you might just have to change Sunny’s name to
Sunflower is all. -
See more at:
http://myconure.com/sun-conure-care/sun-conure-dna-testing-to-find-sex-of-your-pet-bird/#sthash.nIfXbQT5.dpuf.
Hi
everyone!
Yes the owl story is running
tonight in the 7PM TV news across the ACT and nearby NSW. It will also appear
Online in our news homepage.
News 24 will run it nationally
as soon as it is available thisafernoon.
Our editor Ryan Malcolm pitched
the story and we have really appreciated the many fabulous photos members of COG
have shared.
Keen to follow up when you
determine via DNA feather testing if it is a he or she? And if there are further
developments.
Warm regards and in appreciation
for the contributions.
Adrienne Francis and the team
here -
ABC News
Canberra
From: John
Bundock [
Sent: Tuesday, 3 March
2015 3:37 PM
To: 'Canberra Birds'
Subject: [canberrabirds]
Turner Owl
Unless it gets kicked off for a major story, the ABC should
have an item on tonight’s 7pm news on the owl.
John Bundock
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