Turner Owl

[sandra henderson <>]

a Melbourne researcher, Dr Fiona Hogan, has been doing a lot of work on this  in Powerful Owls (as well as other bird species, and more recently in koalas), and has extracted DNA from single feathers from the owls from many locations, mainly in Victoria. She's  looked not just at individual characteristics, but also breeding behaviour and dispersal. If interested, there is some more info about some of her work at http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/onairhighlights/owls-dna-revealed-in-a-feather

 

sandra h

On Tue, Mar 3, 2015 at 5:22 PM, Philip Veerman <m("pcug.org.au","pveerman");" target="_blank">> wrote:

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.

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Adrienne Francis [
Sent: Tuesday, 3 March 2015 3:43 PM
To: 'Canberra Birds'
Cc: Ryan Malcolm
Subject: RE: [canberrabirds] Turner Owl

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