Frequently asked questions

Is it still possible to send in samples the way I have always done, without making use of the webshop?

Yes, you can still send us your samples in the same way you have always done. Please fill out the order form and choose whether you want to use the direct debit option or will use a bank transfer. Put the order form and the feathers in an envelope and send them to us by mail.

How long will it take before I receive the results of the analysis?

If you filled in your email address, you will receive an email as soon as Gendika receives your samples. From the moment we received your samples it will take a few business days before the results are available. Returning customers will receive another email as soon as the results are available. The paperwork will be sent immediately after that. In case you are a first-time customer choosing for a bank transfer, your results will be sent to you as soon as we received your payment. Upon receiving your samples, we will send you an invoice. If you chose direct debit, you will receive an email with the results as soon as they are available.

Upon receiving your samples, we will send you an invoice.

  • Bird sexing: 1-2 business days.
  • Disease analysis: 3-4 business days.
  • Parentage analysis: depends on the number of samples.

Please note that Gendika has no control over the time it takes for your mail to be delivered. We count from the moment we receive your samples.

Can I receive my results through email?

Yes, in case your email address is in our system, you will automatically receive an email when your samples have arrived at Gendika and again as soon as the results are available. In case you are a first-time customer using a bank transfer, your results will be sent to you as soon as we received your payment.

If you would like to receive your results by email, please fill in your email address on the order form. When using an order form that already has your address details, please check that the email address on it is still correct.

I don’t have the certificate of a bird that I had previously analysed at Gendika, is it possible to receive a new one?

Yes, we can send you a copy of the original certificate. It will be clearly stated on the new certificate that it is a copy. The costs of sending a new certificate are €7,50. Requesting a new certificate is only possible if you were the one who send in the original sample for analysis. For privacy reasons we cannot give out information to third parties.

I recently bought a bird and the original owner does not have the certificate anymore. Is it possible to request a new certificate?

No, only the person who originally requested the analysis can request a copy of a certificate. If you would like a certificate for a bird that someone else had analysed, you will need permission from this person. If the person who requested the analysis informs us that he gives permission to give out a copy of the certificate to the new owner, we can provide the new certificate.

It will be clearly stated on the new certificate that it is a copy. The costs of sending a new certificate are €7,50.

Where can I find an order form?

If you request sample bags through our website, we will automatically include an order form.  The order form can also be downloaded and printed through: (link). When you send samples to us, you can mark on the bottom of the form if you would like to request new sampling bags and forms. Furthermore it is also possible to make a copy of your existing order form.

I have sampling bags left that I ordered in the past. Can I still use these to collect my feathers, or should I request new ones?

Sample bags that were obtained in the past can still be used. Even bags gotten from another bird keeper can be used to collect feathers from your birds. There is no need to cross out the number (“Gendika code”) on the bags. This number will be used in the laboratory, but is not connected to a certain customer. Please do not alter or remove the number on the sampling bags.

What age does my bird need to have before sexing can be performed?

Bird sexing can be performed on birds of all ages. As soon as the bird has feathers, these can be plucked to use them for DNA analysis. A bird’s DNA remains unchanged throughout its lifetime so the analysis is age independent. We prefer to receive the feathers as dry as possible, so no blood-feathers. If the feathers are moist, they will start to rot in the mail and there is a chance that we will not get a good result.

If you wish to perform a DNA analysis as soon as possible after a bird hatched, the eggshell may be sent to us for DNA analysis. DNA analysis using the eggshell is just as reliable as DNA analysis from feathers en can be performed for all bird species. If you would like to send the eggshell to us, please dry it in the incubator for a few hours before putting it in the plastic bag. If the eggshell is dry we have a better chance of obtaining enough DNA from it.

Can feathers for bird sexing be stored before sending them to Gendika?

Storing plucked feathers is no problem as long as the feathers are clean and dry. If blood-feathers are used or the feathers are very young, rotting may start. In that case, it is best not to store the feathers, but to send them to Gendika as soon as possible. If blood-feathers need to be stored, the best way to do this is in the fridge.

Clean and dry feathers may be stored in the sampling bags in a dry and dark place (not in the fridge!). The best way to store them is by putting them in an envelope in a drawer or cupboard so they do not receive direct sunlight. The feathers may be kept for several months.

feathers may be kept for several months.

For which species can bird sexing be performed?

Gendika is able to perform bird sexing for all bird species. In rare cases, we may ask you to provide reference material of a known male and a known female. Gendika has almost 20 years of experience performing bird sexing and from the vast majority of species, reference samples are available.

Can the eggshell be used for bird sexing?

Yes, it is also possible to send in the eggshell for bird sexing. DNA is obtained from the veins on the inside of the eggshell. DNA analysis using the eggshell is just as reliable as DNA analysis from feathers en can be performed for all bird species. If you would like to send the eggshell to us, please dry it in the incubator for a few hours before putting it in the plastic bag. If the eggshell is dry we have a better chance of obtaining enough DNA from it. It is no problem if the eggshell is crushed.

Why do feathers have to be plucked?

Only plucked feathers may serve as a source of DNA. The test cannot be performed on moulted feathers.

Is plucking the feathers painful to my bird?

Plucking feathers is comparable to pulling-out hairs in humans. This is painful for a moment, but does not harm the bird.

My bird is not ringed or chipped, can I still perform bird sexing?

Yes, it is no problem if the bird does not have a ring or chip. The important thing is that you know which certificate belongs to which bird. You may add a characteristic of the bird on the order form, such as the bird’s name or a characteristic feature (“yellow spot on bill”).

Can I test for PBFD, polyoma, Pacheco ‘s-disease or parrot fevers using feathers?

No, Gendika does not perform disease diagnosis using feathers, since this is not reliable. To diagnose PBFD, polyoma and Pacheco’s disease a blood sample is required. To diagnose parrot fever, a cloacal swab is needed (taken by a veterinarian).

Is it possible to determine whether my birds are related to each other?

Using parentage analysis, it can be determined whether a young bird is an offspring of the suspected parents. To do so, the DNA profile of the young bird is compared to those of both parents. This analysis can only be performed if the DNA of the parents is available for comparison. If there is no information about the parents, it is not possible to determine if two birds are related. Hence, it is not possible to determine whether two newly bought birds are related to each other.

Parentage analysis cannot be performed in all bird species. If you would like to test the parentage of your bird, please contact Gendika to find out if this is possible.

Is it possible to determine the breed of my dog?

No, this analysis is not possible. The only analysis that Gendika performs on dogs is parentage analysis, in which we test whether a young dog is an offspring of the suspected parents or not.

Where can the general conditions that apply to all analyses performed by Gendika be found?

The general condition that apply to all analyses performed by Gendika can be found here.

If you still have a question?

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