Whether you are Looking for a Swan to Replace One you have Lost,
Selling Swans or Cygnets to ReHome them,
IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW THE SEX OF ALL these SWANS.
Determining the Sex of Swans by DNA
This UK WebSite has a Very Nice Explanation of DNA Testing.
https://bento.bio/protocol/bird-sexing/
In September 2022..
I did a Search and Found there are Three USA Laboratories
that do Avian/Bird DNA Sex Testing.. MORE Info Below.
Over the Years Testing Methods and Accepted Samples
have Changed.. I have TRIED to keep this Topic Page Current.
I must Ask you to PLEASE go to the WEBSITE of the DNA LAB
that you Chose and READ their Information and Instructions.
Feather Samples are the Safest for Testing Waterfowl.
Personally I AVOID at ALL Cost Causing any Waterfowl to
Bleed in Order to Collect a Blood Sample.
The Risk of Infection is TOO Great.
Click on Images to Enlarge.
Before you Pinion a Tiny Cygnet:
It would be Great if you Could Determine the Sex.
Vent Check if You know what to look for.
If you know a Person who knows how to Vent Check.. ASK for Help.
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Vent Sexing Cygnets is not 100% Accurate.
If you find Male Parts/the tiny Penis.. Then you have a Male.. Pinion the Left Wing.
If you can NOT Find the Penis.. that does not mean you have a Female.
For 29 + Years, Everyone THOUGHT “Princess” was a Female.
SURPRISE: At 30 Years Old.. “Prince” formerly “Princess”
> > and “Victoria” have SEVEN Tiny Cygnets on their Pond..
It is Tricky to Find the Tiny Penis in Cygnets.. it might be Missed.
During the First 10 Days after Hatching,
It is Suggested that the Penis is Larger due to the Cygnet’s Elevated Hormones.
General Visual Appearance is NOT Dependable.
They Look Alike ! !
All Cygnets that might be Female (Maybe Male) should be DNA Checked…
At least Pinion the Right Wing.
BETTER to Pinion a Wing when they are Tiny then NOT.
Pinioning is Permanent
https://swanlovers.net/category/pinioning-is-permanent/
OR
ASK SOMEONE who KNOWs How to PINION Safely.
TO Pinion an Older Cygnet or Adult Swan is Time Consuming
and Hard on the Swan and their Owners.
It is Only Safely Done by an Avian Veterinarian
who is > Willing < to Preforms this Procedure.
## To Pinion Older Cygnets-Swans Safely
https://swanlovers.net/category/to-pinion-older-cygnets-swans-safely/
*************************
As I Interact with more Swan Folks across the Country,
I am hearing More and More People are Learning their Veterinarians are NOT Willing.
They will NOT Pinion.. ONLY Clip.. They Express they have an Ethical Issue to Pinion.
SO, Start Early to CALL Avian Veterinarians, so you Know what your Options are.
It is VERY Helpful to know when the Cygnets Hatched.
>>> Note that Date !
Then you will Know how Old they are.
Swan Cygnets LESS then 10-21 Days Old have ONE Tiny Capillary,
ONE Tiny Nerve and Soft Cartilage in the Distal Wing Tip.
Pinioning at this Time is the Safest for the Cygnets.
It is Easier to Handle the Cygnets when they are Around 10 to 21 Days Old..
> > > Not So Tiny.
Sometimes Catching the Cygnets does not Happen when we Want.. Expect a Delay.
I have Used this Method of Pinioning Safely UP to 21 Days.. NO Problems.
Check there is NO Bone Forming in Wing Tip. If Bone is Forming you will FEEL it.
KNOW How Old the Cygnets ARE !!
THE MOST IMPORTANT is PINION When
YOU have the Opportunity and >>>> have Help.
ID Banding for Swans > > Bands for Cygnets and Mature Swans.
https://swanlovers.net/category/id-banding-for-swans/
Be Sure to USE some Method of Keeping Track of which Cygnet is which.
And which Brood they have Come from
> > > If you are Removing Multiple Cygnets to Hand-Raise.
Avian BioTech is the Former Name of the Current Animal Genetics Laboratory.
The Rescued Hand Raised Cygnets in this Image are from THREE Different Broods.
We Could Arrange Unrelated Pairs from these Young Rescued Swans.
Change ID Bands as they Grow.. They Grow FAST !
The Color of a Cygnets will NOT Determine their Sex..
These are Royal Male and Female Cygnets/Swans.
These are Polish Male and Female Cygnets/Swans.
From Three Different Sets of Parents.
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I am CHANGING THE INFORMATION about WING TIPS
being Acceptable for DNA Testing.
THE TINY WING TIPs REMOVED >>> THIS HAS CHANGED
WHEN YOU PINION Cygnets can NOT be Sent for DNA-Sex Testing.
Check the Website of Any DNA Testing Service you Select
for their Instructions.. These Samples are Fragile and Degrade
Easily in the Heat.. Need to be Sent with Dry Ice.
The Need to RESubmit increases with ANY Delay in Transit.
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From a Gazette – Direct from WEBSITE:
Discussion of Sexing Birds by Vent Checking
The best thing is to get another Breeder who is an Expert at Vent Sexing
to help you and supervise you until you’ve picked up the knack of it.
Most Ducks are very easy to Sex while the Geese and Swans resist you more,
that is tighten their Vent Muscles so that it is most difficult to invert
their Cloacal Region so their Inner Sex Parts come into plain view.
Perhaps the best time to Sex any Water-Fowl is when they are a week
or two old, and some say best results are achieved at just 3-4 days old.
Experience indicates that Vent Sexing is best done
in the Spring on Adult Birds, when the Sex Organs are beginning to swell.
At this time of year the gentle manual manipulation of a Male’s Vent
will cause sensitive twitching and reflex movement.
This does not occur when handling Female Water Fowl
and is a good indicator of Sex in my judgement,
but as mentioned before, an Expert can apply the right amount
of pressure and easily cause the Vent to invert itself and
expose the Inner Sex Parts so that there is no doubt as to Sex.
Check the drawings that illustrate Vent Sexing in various publications
so you know what to look for, and the Penis on a Male will stick out
especially when the right manipulation of the anal region is applied,
so there is really no guess work involved when done right.
Also, before doing Vent Sexing for the first time, it is my recommendation
that you first consult with and receive instruction from an Avian Veterinarian.
End of Quote from Gazette Article
( This Article has been Removed from the Internet.)
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I WISH I had found someone who could do the above Vent Sexing Method.
But, “Woe is me”… TOO Many Mistakes OCCURRED ! !
Even with Years of Experience, WE DO NOT Guess – We DNA-Check their Sex.
I have read that Vent Checking can Result in Injury to the Cloaca Sphincter.
It would be Easy to Scratch the Tiny Sphincter trying to Manipulate it.
SO…. I prefer to Spare the Cygnets/Swans and do the DNA-Sex Testing.
***************************************
Vent Sexing Swans/Cygnets is NOT Fool-Proof.. A Percentage will be WRONG..
If you Find Male Parts – Penis – Great ! . . But, if you do not find the Tiny Penis,
– . . . . . . . . . . . . . . You can not be sure you have a Female.
If you Introduce a Second Male by Mis-Sexing a Cygnet/Swan….
View the Video Link Below… This is NOT a Swan Ballet.
https://www.thestar.com/news/insight/2013/04/12/a_silent_ballet_for_mute_swans_at_humber_bay.html
Two Unrelated Mute or Trumpeter Cobs
will NOT Tolerate Sharing the Same Territory.
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Ducks have a Real Penis… Swans NOT so…
Male Swans DO NOT have a Penetrating Penis.
Ballistic Penises and Corkscrew Vaginas – The Sexual Battles of Ducks
http://scienceblogs.com/notrocketscience/2009/12/22/ballistic-penises-and-corkscrew-vaginas-the-sexual-battles/
Swans are NOT Similar to Ducks or Geese.
Male Swans DO NOT have a Penetrating Sex Organ.
The Size of their Structure which Transfers Serum is affected
by the Current Hormone Level in the Male Swan’s System.
*************************************
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Over the Years I have talked with Some Folks who Suggest Comparing
a Swan or Cygnet’s Size, Vocal Pitch, Behavior will help them Identity
the Males and Females. – All Subjective.
This was One Time we Guessed Correctly.
Then we DID the DNA to be Sure.
The Knob of both Male and Female Mutes Changes through the Year
as the Swan’s Hormones Increase/Decease Annually..
The Same Female Mute Swan Before Nesting & After Nesting Season.
Now her Knob is Smaller.
The Knob on a Mute Swan will Change as their Weight Changes.
Healthy Swans tend to have Larger Full Knobs.
Underweight Swans have Smaller – Even Flat Knobs.
I do KNOW if a Swan Lays an Egg… that is a Female..
A Healthy Female Swan needs to be at least 2 to 3 Years Old before she will lay an Egg.
With each Passing Year, I learn of more and more Female Swans that NEVER Lay Eggs.
Their DNA Tests are FEMALE.. But, NO Eggs.. > > Puzzling !
I have asked Avian Specialists for a Reason.. None have Provided an Explanation.
I know of any number of Situations where a Pond had two Males or two Females..
NOT a Female / Male Breeding Pair.
The Swan Owners were Frustrated there were NO Cygnets..
There were Never any Cygnets – But there were EGGs that Never Hatched.
These were Two Females that were Purchases as a Breeding Pair. OOPs.
*************************************************
If you are interested… I will share more OOPs Anecdotes at the End of this Page.
Stories of Mis-Sexed Swans.. There are MORE with each Passing Year.
The Above Image – Turned out to be TWO Males.
This Pair of Swans above did not Mate…
Just Fussed with Each Other. Lots of Chasing.
NO Eggs after Four Spring Seasons – Strange Nesting Behavior..
Yep ! ! TWO MALES !
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**************************************************
THE MOST RELIABLE WAY TO DETERMINE A SWAN’s SEX
is by DNA-Sex Testing.
There are Several Types of Samples that may be Submitted for Testing.
These are Examples of FEATHERs.
FEATHERs with Blood in them.. NOT ACCEPTABLE Anymore !!!
Blood Feather ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE Anymore..!!!
Each Type of Sample Needs to be Handled Properly to Protect the Sample’s Integrity.
THE MOST Important – BE Sure the Sample Submitted is DRY !
A Damp Sample Mailed in the Heat of Summer Months will Develop MOLD.
Very Young Cygnets do not have True Feathers and can not be Feather DNA-Sex Tested.
Fuzzy Down is not Acceptable for DNA Testing.
True Feathers will Start Emerging around Eight Weeks.
Too Late for you to Know their Sex when you Tie and Cut Pinion Yourself…
It is BETTER to Pinion when they are Tiny
With or Without Knowing their Sex.
Try to Pinion FEMALEs on RIGHT WING Tip – the Distal Wing Section.
**** ONE WING ONLY ****
Pinion MALEs on LEFT WING Tip – the Distal Wing Section.
**** ONE WING ONLY ****
THERE IS NO NEED to Pinion Both Wings.
The Goal is to Keep the Swans OFF Balance.
*************************************
If you are VERY LUCKY.. All your Cygnets will Survive..
That is Generally not the Case when Cygnets are Raised
Out on a Pond or Lake with their Parents.
These Royal Mute Swans above had Six Cygnets Hatch. Now there are just Three.
A Red-tailed Hawk was Swooping down every Third Day and Snatching a Cygnet.
Predators will Claim many Tiny Fuzzy Cygnets.
The most Common – Red-tailed Hawks, Snapping Turtles, Owls, Great Blue Herons.
– Feral Cats, Fox, Dogs > People – Kids.
From Experience, there is a Wisdom in Collecting a Sample if you have a Chance.
Identify the Cygnets/Swans and ID the Samples well. ( NOT Wing Tips.)
Store as the Avian Diagnostic Lab. Instructs.. and Wait until the Cygnets
are about 3-4 Months Old to Send the Samples for Testing.
( 12 – 14 Weeks Old.)
NO Point having Results for Cygnets that have Not Survived.
The Polish Swan Family below Started with Six Cygnets, now just Three.
The Cygnets above are Still in the Downy Stage.. NO True Feathers.
In the Above Image – the Pen is on the Left – the Cob is on the Right. Honest.
I WISH this was more Straight Forward..
but, Determining the Sex of Cygnets and Swans is a Challenge.
*************************************
WEEKS Before your Cygnets are Scheduled to Hatch.
Once the (Pen) Female Starts to “Sit” Full Time, Mark your Calendar
and Count 35 – *37 Days.
On Day 35 you might be able to hear the Tiny Cygnets in the Shell “Pipping.”
If all goes as Planned they will Start to Hatch on Day *37. YEAH !!!
>>>> Collect Your Supplies so you are READY.
Check with Family or Friend – who will be willing to Help ? ?
EXTRA Hands are Important. HAVE A PLAN !
READ the WEBSITEs for the AVIAN DNA Testing Lab that you Select.
I have Spoken with these Labs.. Most Swan Samples Submitted are Feathers.
The Majority of Avian DNA Samples for Swan Cygnets
are Collected from June through September.
During the WARM-HOT Weather Months.
With the U.S Mail being Slower then in Years Past,
it is Important to GET your Samples to a Testing Lab ASAP.
I Hear various Swan Folks Sending by Special Mail..OverNight,etc.
Adding to the Overall Expense..
General First Class Mail is Workable..if the Samples are Dry.
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING.. is that the SAMPLE be DRY.
DO NOT Submit Wet-Damp Feathers, etc. Air DRY First.
Over Time, BEST Practices for Submitting Samples has been Refined.
I Suggest you Read the Appropriate Instructions on the Lab’s WebSites.
I Checked the Best I could for a DNA Testing Service Closer to PA.
I have No Experience with Two of the Testing Labs that Follow.
I Appreciate Learning of your Experiences and Review of these Labs.
Their WebSites have Menu Pages with Instructions and Tips.
All these Avian-Bird Testing Laboratories have
Collection Kits Upon Request. OR How to Make Your Own.
When a Wet or Damp DNA Sample is confined in Plastic it can
become Moldy and the Sample QUICKLY becomes Degraded.
Degraded Samples CANNOT be tested.
The Labs will Request a New Samples. SEND DRY Samples.
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Avian DNA Gender Determination ( bird sexing )
is a Non-Surgical and DNA-Powered Method used by Veterinarians,
Breeders, and Bird Owners who CANNOT determine the Gender
of their Bird by its Physical Appearance or Characteristics.
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>>>> Animal Genetic International ( FLORIDA )
This is the Lab I am most Familiar with..
Their Information Follows the Notes for Other Potential Labs.
This Lab Accepts True Feathers.. Chest, Abdomen, Vent Area.
Shoulder ?? Secondary Wing, Smaller Tail Feather.
NO BLOOD FEATHERs.
This Topic Page has a Chronology of True Feathers.
## Swan Cygnets Grow SO FAST
https://swanlovers.net/category/swan-cygnets-grow-so-fast/
*************************
There are a Few True Feathers by Day 50.. on Shoulders & in Tail.
For Swan Cygnets.. Chest Feathers will be Available
Starting at 76 Days Old.. Definitely by 84 Days Old.
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DDC DNA Diagnostics Center ( OHIO )
THIS LAB will ONLY Accept > > Chest Feathers.
For Swan Cygnets.. Chest Feathers will be Available
Starting at 76 Days Old.. Definitely by 84 Days Old.
This Lab has Rejected ALMOST ALL the Feather Samples
that Folks in the SwanNet Work have Submitted.
The Samples WERE Collected as the DDC Instructs.
I have Repeatedly TRIED to Contact a DDC Lab Person
to Ask WHAT Needs to be Done for the Samples to be Accepted.
> > > NO ONE will Return my Calls or EMail..
I DO NOT Recommend Using this LAB.
I am Sorry to Any of You who had Problems with Samples.
DISAPPOINTED FACE by Stacey Nina
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I know One Swan Person who Used this Lab..
IQ Genetics LLC IQ Bird Testing ( FLORIDA )
This LAB will ONLY Accept FEATHERs from the VENT Area.
>>>>> Cloaca Area.
I can not Guess when there are True Feathers in the Cloaca Area.
https://orders.iqbirdtesting.com/
E-mail: info@iqbirdtesting.com
4391 SW 74th Ave Miami, Florida 33155 ( USA )
Phone: 1 ( 833 ) BIRD DNA ( Call or text )
FAX: 1 ( 305 ) 592-4540
With Feather and Egg Shell Specimens, we can only Process DNA Sexing.
With Blood Specimen, we can do Sexing and Diseases.
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There are Other BIRD DNA Testing Service.. in Canada & the U.K.
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AnimalGenetics DNA Testing Lab.. ( FLORIDA )
EMail >>>> ANY Questions with the Animal Genetics Testing Lab.
This Lab only Communicates by EMail..
EMails are Addressed during Office Hours
– (9:00 AM EST to 5:00 PM EST) Monday through Friday.
Due to High Volume of EMail allow up to 5 Business Days for a Response to your Message.
Especially, if this is your First Time to Collect DNA Samples.
Become Informed of ALL Your Options:
> > > You ONLY Need to Submit One Type of Sample.
SAMPLE OPTIONS: – * Feathers – Blood Dots – Others.
The Cygnet Wing Tips are NO LONGER Acceptable Samples.
You Might be Able to Massage a Drop of Blood from the Wing Tip.
AND be able to Submit a DRY Blood Dot for DNA Testing.
Order or Request Animal Genetics Send you a Dozen Collection Kits.
Complimentary Testing Kits can be requested at the links below:
Bird: http://animalgenetics.us/Avian/avian-kit-order-form.asp
OR Make you own Sample Kits.
Clean ZipLoc Bags.. For Feather Samples.
When you Pinion a Cygnet, there may be a Drop of Fresh Blood in Removed Tip.
Clean White Paper Towel Squares Prepared for a Drop of Fresh Blood.
Draw a 1/2 Circle to fill with a Drop of Blood.
DO NOT TOUCH SAMPLE CIRCLE !
Animal Genetics Main Office in the U.S.A.
https://www.animalgenetics.us/
Animal Genetic International
Toll Free: 1-800-514-9672 The Lab is NO Longer Taking Phone Calls
contact@animalgenetics.us Send Your Questions to this EAddress.
Fax: 1-850-386-1146
Email: https://www.animalgenetics.us/about-us.php#contactform
1336 Timberlane Road
Tallahassee, FL 32312-1766
**** MAKE COPY OF SAMPLE SUBMISSION FORM ****
A Printable Submission Form is Available on AnimalGenetic WebSite.
https://www.animalgenetics.us/Forms/Avian%20Bulk%20Form.pdf
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With Cygnets Older then Eight Weeks..
I Suggest you Pay the Extra $5.00 to have a DNA-Sex Test done with Feathers.
– fee $24.50 (with Postage – $25.00)
INSTRUCTIONS.. for Submitting a Feather Sample.
https://www.animalgenetics.us/Avian/DNA_Sexing/DNA-Sexing-Feather.asp
AnimalGenetics – AVIAN BioTech has Instructions on their WebSite
for Proper Collection of Samples.
Feathers must be Plucked.. Not Picked Up – No Shed or Moulted Feathers.
Various Methods of Avian DNA Sex Testing
https://www.animalgenetics.us/Avian/DNA_Sexing/DNA-Sexing-Index.asp
AVIAN DNA SEX TESTING by Feather Samples.
https://www.animalgenetics.us/Avian/DNA_Sexing/DNA-Sexing-Feather.asp
- Mail Samples to:
3382 Capital Circle NE
Tallahassee, FL 32308
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&A carefully collected Drop of Blood can be sent for DNA – Testing.
DNA – TESTING from a DROP of BLOOD ( by a Puncture Wound. )
https://www.animalgenetics.us/Avian/DNA_Sexing/DNA-Sexing-Blood.asp - This would mean a Tiny Spot will have Open Skin Exposed to Dirty Pond Water.
- Avoid allowing Cygnets to go back in the Pond for 1 -2 hours..
- BE SURE ANY Bleeding is COMPLETELY STOPPED.
- ESPECIALLY, if there are Snapping Turtles in their Water.
ANY Bleeding is to be Cared for and Completely STOPPED.
I have used Clean Corn Starch and Clean White Flour as an Aid to Stop MINOR Bleeding.
WONDER DUST has been Recommended.. This Works Well !!
There is additional Information for Wonder Dust at the Bottom of this Page.
Kwik Stop Styptic Powder should be used CAREFULLY as a Last Resort to Stop Bleeding.
DO NOT Allow Ingestion of Kwik Stop.
The Powder will become Rock Hard and May Adhere to the Esophagus.
If you are Able to Pinion your Cygnet when they are NOT so Tiny,
when 10 to 21 Days Old.. You will have a better Chance to Collect a Blood Dot.
If you can Massage-Squeeze a Nice Drop of Fresh Blood from the Removed
Tip of the Wing when you Pinion, Soak the Blood Drop onto
a VERY CLEAN Paper Towel Square.
Or Onto a Lab Blood Dot Submission Test Card. ( Order Ahead of Time.)
Do your Best NOT to Touch the Area to be Soaked with a Blood Drop.
WASH YOUR Hands between Cygnets or Swans !!!
Allow to Dry COMPLETELY !!!
– Check with the Selected Lab for Preferred Mailing Container.
Example of a Blood Dot Kits Requested from Animal Genetics Inc.
Label Samples carefully, Refrigerate in a DRY Container.
This can be sent in for their DNA-Sex Test.. when they are Older.
******************************************
These Rescued Cygnets are Eight Weeks Old. NOT Pinioned !
their Distal Wing Tips.. I was Able to Collect a Good Blood Dot Sample.
If you need to take Older Cygnets (3-12 Weeks Old) to an Avian Veterinarian
to be Surgically Pinioned, you will be able to have the Blood Dot Sample
Collected from the Wing Tips Removed.
Be Prepared with Blood Dot Submission Kits for Each Cygnet
and a way to ID each Cygnet. ALLOW the Samples to DRY COMPLETELY.
Follow All Post-Op Instruction to Avoid Infections.
YEAH …. A Mixed Brood. Male and Females.
******************************************
A Blood Dot Sample Fee is $19.50. (in 2021)
Both Feather and Blood Dot Results take 5-10 days.
I do not like to see Holes Poked in a Swan’s Feet or Legs to Collect a Blood Dot Sample.
This Greatly Increasing the Risk of Painful *Bumble Foot Infections.
Beautiful as they are, Swans Walk, Stand and Swim in POOP.
DO NOT PUNCTURE their FEET.. The Sores it Causes are TERRIBLE..
Bumble Foot Sores are NO FUN to TREAT !!
Left Untreated, your Waterfowl will Suffer and may Die.
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The Tiny WING TIP of a Cygnet Pinioned when less then 10-14-21 Days,
may have a Drop of Blood to Soak onto a Blood Collection Card
– . . . . or onto an Absorbent Paper Towel.
I Checked with Animal Genetics..
IN 2023,,, The Information Below has Changed..
The Snipped WING Tips are NO Longer Acceptable Samples for DNA.
They Degrade TOO Easily. I am Leaving this Info Below ON this Page.
IN Case Someone is Trying to Find it Again..
The Tiny Wing Tip that is Snipped Off when a Cygnet is Pinioned
Submitted for the DNA-Sex Testing.. Allow these to DRY COMPLETELY.
The Wing Tip has an Area of Skin which is Fresh Tissue Acceptable for Testing.
THESE are NO LONGER Acceptable Samples for DNA Testing.
and CHANGE the Bands as they GROW..
******
Information: DATE – Specimen Collected – Cygnet ID – Your Name
Fill out the Submission Form *Immediately and *Send ASAP
ANIMAL GENETIC, Inc. and Avian BioTech are the Same Laboratory.
Since we were Hand Raising the Rescued Cygnets Above,
I Sent Drops of Blood when we Pinioned them..
Squeezed from their Wing Tips.
It is Fun to Know their Sex when they are still Tiny.
******************
OR If you want to Wait to Send the Blood DOT Later…..
>>> ALLOW These to DRY COMPLETELY – Store as the Lab Instructs.
Since Some Cygnets may not Survive the First Several Months,
it is Practical to Send for the DNA-Sex Testing when the Cygnets
are around Three to Four Months Old. ( 12 – 14 Weeks )
At Three to Four Months of Age, you will be able to Send the Ones you Need.
Mail ALL Labeled Samples Inside a Larger Paper Envelope with Submission Form.
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Once the Diagnostic Lab Receives your Sample/Samples you will Receive a Message by EMail..
Then in 3-5 Days the EMail Results will be Ready..
So, allow 8-10 Days for Results..
A Print-Out and the DNA Sexing Report Certificate will come in the Mail in 2-3 Weeks.
Example of the Certificate that Animal Genetics Sends. ( I added the Photo )
This DNA-Sex Test with its Certificate Increases the Sale Value of Swans/Cygnets.
This information is Very Desirable to Folks looking for Swans/Cygnets.
NO Guessing the Sex.
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There are other Animal Genetic Labs that do this Testing.
This is the Lab I have used for Years..
Original Name * AVIAN BioTech – Avian Services Center *
Now the Laboratory’s Name is: . . Animal Genetics
https://www.animalgenetics.us/Avian/DNA_Sexing/DNA-Sexing-Index.asp
Over the Years, Animal Genetics have Updated their WebSite..
I have Tried to List all their Current Links.. But, they keep Changing.
Check their WebSite:
https://www.animalgenetics.us/Avian/DNA_Sexing/DNA-Sexing-Index.asp
Animal Genetics, Inc. has Instructions on their WebSite
for Proper Collection of Samples.
****************************************
FOR True Feather Samples to Send for DNA-Sex Testing.
Animal Genetics Page for Avian DNA Sexing (Feather)
https://www.animalgenetics.us/Avian/DNA_Sexing/DNA-Sexing-Feather.asp
Feathers must be Plucked.. FRESH and Allowed to DRY Completely.
Do Not Picked Up Feathers laying on the Ground.
No Loose Moulted Feathers.
The Test is Run on the Pink Skin Flesh that is inside the Quill.
Feathers MUST be Plucked-Pulled from the Live Bird.
Cygnets must be Old Enough to have Real-True Feathers.
Fuzzy Down is NOT Acceptable. True Feathers will start coming in
when they are around Two – Three Months Old – 60-90 Days.
Pin Feathers are New Growth Feathers.. They are Rich in DNA.
5-6 Pin Feathers are an Acceptable Sample. ( I have not Collected these. )
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These are Photo Images to help you see what needs to be done…
Pull 6-10 Contour Feathers from the Chest area…
A Slight Tug will be needed.. While Lifting Upward.
It Does Not Hurt the Swan to Pull these Feathers…
They will FUSS just being held..
The Breast Feathers are Contour Feathers..
NO Very Big.. About 3-4 Inches. They are Curved.
Get Control of the Cygnet/Swan. They may Fuss just being Held.
Gather a Small Clump of Breast Feathers – Pinch them..
Pull UPWARD Until they Come Out. No Need to Jerk them.
It is NOT Painful for the Cygnet/Swan.
You NEED 6-10 Contour Feathers with the Quill attached to the Feathers..
a Few Extra is OK to Submit..
Place Fresh Pulled Feather Sample in a ZipLoc Bag
Allow the Bags to Remain Open to Assure Feathers will DRY.
Close the Bags just before Mailing.
Label each Swan and Sample so you know which Swan the Results will Correspond to.
You will Receive a DNA-Sex Test Result Certificate for each Cygnet/Swan.
This Certificate should stay with the Swan through its Life.
This is much like their “Birth Certificate” – “Hatch Certificate.”
*************************************************
Since the SAFE Time to Pinion Cygnets is their First 10-14-21 Days..
It is not always possible to be sure what Sex the Cygnets are
when deciding which Wing to Pinion..
It is BETTER to Pinion A Wing by 10-14-21 Days then Not to Pinion.
Grounded Cygnets and Swans are Safer as Private Property Pets.
Consider Pinioning the Smaller Cygnets on the Right Wing..
– the Larger Cygnets on the Left Wing..
*************************
There are Instructions to Clip a Tiny Piece of Toe Claw for DNA-Sex Testing.
https://www.animalgenetics.us/Avian/DNA_Sexing/DNA-Sexing-Blood.asp
You would be Cutting into the Tip of the Claw Until it Starts to Bleed..
( Above ) We had One 10 Month Old Female Cygnet that was Missing a Toe Claw.
I Wondered if this was how she was Tested.. ??
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BIRD SEXING FROM EGG SHELLs
Animal Genetics offers DNA Sexing for Birds from the Vascular Material
found on the Collagen Membrane of an Egg.
There are Instructions for sending
– Egg Shells for DNA-Sex Testing…
https://www.animalgenetics.us/Avian/DNA_Sexing/DNA-Sexing-Index.asp
I am not familiar with Testing DNA using the Shell – Membrane..
The “Dam” will generally Ingest the Shell if a Cygnet Hatches.
Which Cygnet belongs to the Egg Shell Membrane ???
This might be Practical when Eggs are Hatched in an Incubator.
Making Sure which Cygnet belongs to which Shell would be Tricky.
Check HOW to Submitted this type of Sample Properly.
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IF YOU USE ANY TYPE OF ID BAND On Cygnet Legs.
Take Care to Adjust ANY Leg Band so it will NOT
Slide UP the Leg over the Ankle Joint.. The Joint Next to the Feathers…
Adjust to Minimize Catching on things.
BE SURE TO CHANGE ANY TYPE OF LEG BAND
As the Cygnet/Swan Grows. THEY GROW QUICKLY.
We have used Colored Cable Ties on Cygnets we are Hand Raising.
NOT on Tiny Cygnets on the Pond with their Parents.
Tiny Cygnets are a Challenge to Catch.. Risking TIGHT Bands.
Most Hardware Stores have Multi-Colored – Multi Size Cable Ties.
ID Banding for Swans
https://swanlovers.net/category/id-banding-for-swans/
I have NO Suggestions on how to Label or ID Tiny Cygnets
that are on Ponds with their Parents.
ANY Thing Placed on their Legs will NEED to be changed as they GROW..
We WAIT for them to be 12-14 Weeks Old..and Band the Summer Survivors
when we Collect Feathers for their DNA Testing..
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One Lake Community Banded their Tiny Cygnets when they Pinioned them.
Then were Unable to Catch and Change the Tightening Leg Bands.
Two of the Fast Growing Cygnets had Severely Constricted Legs.
Once the Bands were Removed, it Took Months for their Legs to Function.
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I was Hoping to find a Safe Permanent way to ID Swans.
There are Metal Registration Bands for Trumpeter Swans.
These may not be used on other Swan Species.
There are Colored Bands for Domestic Poultry.
NONE are Large enough for Mature Male Mutes.
I made several Calls to Companies that make Bands and ID Tags
for Poultry and Farm Animals. Suggestion – This Clip MIGHT work.
June 2016 – After Evaluating these as Possible Permanent IDs
for Swans/Cygnets, a Veterinarian felt these might be OK to try on
Cygnets that are FOUR Months Old. Clipping ON Wing Skin.
(June 2016) More Information will Follow: SCRAP this Idea.
As of August 2018 We have NOT used the Ear Tags Below.
The Concern is that NO ONE will LOOK for the Tags Covered
with Fluffy Wing Feathers. A Good IDEA -But Not Practical.
NONE of the Suggestions Below.. are Really Going to Work.. (Sigh)
National Band & Tag Company
International Identification INC
https://nationalband.com/wingbands/
721 York St, PO Box 72430
Newport, KY 41072-0430
Phone: 1(859) 261-2035
Fax: 800-261-TAGS (8247)
E-Mail: tags@nationalband.com
Spoke with a Sales Person Natasha April 2016
She felt Metal Livestock “Tags” would work well put on Tiny Cygnets
Weighing One Pound that will Grow into Swans 25-30 Pounds.
These would be clipped into the Wing Skin.
TAKE CARE NOT TO Clip anything but SKIN.
https://nationalband.com/metal-ear-tags/
Metal Livestock Identification Ear Tag
Cattle Ear Tags Self-Piercing – Self Locking
Tamper-Resistant Light Weight Aluminum
Will Last for 20+ Years. Style 681
Packs of 100 Number or Letters as you Choose.
One Color add $10.00
There is an Applicator Squeeze Tool that Seals these Tags.
The Photo Images is on the same Page.. $25.00
One Investment should take care of 10-12 Years of Cygnets.
https://nationalband.com/products/tab-end-681-2/
2018 – For Now, we will keep Seeking for another Idea.
2023 – Still have NOT Found a Better ID then Colored Cable Ties.
*******************
I have Chatted with various Veterinarians about the Implanted
ID Chips used with Cats and Dogs..
I did read about a Public Park being able to Recover a Stolen Swan
because the Swan had an ID Chip.
Something to Think About..
Draw Back: You would need a Scanner to Read the Chip..
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In the END WE Continue to Use Colored Cable Ties.
If you have several Cygnets from One Brood that you are SURE
you can Monitor the Leg Bands.. DO NOT Allow to GET TIGHT.
Constriction Damage to their Legs CAN Cause a Lifetime of Limping.
AND CHANGE as they Grow…….
Have at least 4 Colors of SMALL Cable Ties…
OR four Colors of Light Weight Cotton Cord (Crochet Floss)…
You can ID a Total of 8 Cygnets.
One of Four Colors on Left Legs
One of Four Colors on Right Legs
IF you need to ID more then 8 Cygnets..
Use Combinations of 2 Colors… Place 2 Cables Example ( Red + Green )
Keep Careful Records..
CYGNETS GROW QUICKLY… Change Cable Ties OFTEN..
NEVER Let the Cable Ties get Tight on their Legs..
Before you Cut the Cable Tie – Slide a Folded Piece of Paper
under the Cable Tie then Put the Scissors between the Cable Tie & Paper.
This way you will Not put any Pressure on the Skin
when you Snip the Cable Tie Off.
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ANIMAL GENETICs
https://www.animalgenetics.us/Avian/DNA_Sexing/DNA-Sexing-Index.asp
ANIMAL GENETICs Main Office in the U.S.A.
Fax: 1-850-386-1146 . . . . . . contact@animalgenetics.us
Email: https://www.animalgenetics.us/about-us.php#contactform
*************************************************
MAIL SAMPLES TO THIS ADDRESS:
ANIMAL GENETICs AVIAN Biotech International
3382 Capital Circle NE
Tallahassee, FL 32308
*************************************************
ANIMAL GENETICs AVIAN Biotech Office in England
Animal Genetics (Europe)
1 Mount Charles Rd, St. Austell Cornwall, PL25 3LB ENGLAND
Telephone: 44 (0)1726247788
Email: Use Contact Form . . . . . contact@animalgenetics.us
https://www.animalgenetics.us/about-us.php#contactform
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If you are Lucky to know Someone who can teach you to Vent Check
the Swans/Cygnets, try to Learn..
Then when you are Unsure Send a Sample for DNA-Sex Testing.
Not Finding “Male Parts” does not mean you have a Female.
It just means you did not find a Penis.
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It is Surprising how Difficult it is to be sure if a Mute Swan is a Male or Female.
Look at this Breeding Pair – So Similar.
Cygnets of all Swan Species are the same Challenge.
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Size of Swan – Size of Cygnet – Not Reliable
In the Summer of 2015, we Rescued Three Cygnets from the Same Brood.
The Larger Smoky-Grey Royal Cygnet was the Female.
The Two Smaller Creamy White Polish Nest Mates were BOTH Males.
If we had just Guessed… we would be WRONG.
***********************************
Several Years Ago.. A Swan Breeder with 20+ Years of Experience,
Claimed two Mature Swans that were always together were a Male/Female Pair.
A Person in Texas Purchased this “Pair” and Arranged for them to be
Flown from Pennsylvania. Off to Texas they Flew by Air Mail Cargo.
By Good Fortune the two Swans Arrived Safe and Sound.
But, it only took the New Owner a Short Time to Realize Both were MALE.
He was NOT Happy…
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We met an Older Gentleman with a Lone Two Year Old Swan on his Pond.
We hoped to help him find a Mate. He was SURE “Swanie” was a Female.
“Swanie” had been Vent Checked Twice… by a Person Familiar with Swans.
I Remember Thinking, this Swan has a Very Large Knob and is “Busking.”
I thought… Hummmm.. Acts like a Male. (Not a Good Way to Guess Sex.)
I was told, “No.”
A Person who “knows” how to Vent Check, had done so Twice
and Determined “Swanie” was a Female.
I know “Looks” vary Greatly..
Lone Females may Behave more Aggressive as a Survival Tactic.
This Gentleman Purchased a Year Old Male Juvenile.
Four Years Passed….
The Swans Spent more Time with One Fussing and Chasing the Other
then being a Peaceful Bonded Pair.
No Mating was Observed – Nesting… Yes – Sorta. NO Eggs.
The Purchased Juvenile Male had Grown into a Large Dominant Male Swan.
He would Build the Nest and “Sit” on it..
“Swanie” was NOT Allowed Near the Nest. ???
The Owner was Bewildered and Frustrated at the Pair’s Behavior.
I Suggested several Times this MIGHT be Two Males.
But, the Owner was SURE he was RIGHT ! !
One Winter Day, we had a Chance to Pull several Breast Feathers from “Swanie.”
When the DNA-Results came back…..
“Swanie” was CONFIRMED a Male. The Owner was Shocked !!!
NO Eggs after Two Nesting Seasons
when the Swans were 4-6 years Old was the BIGGEST Clue.
Poor “Swanie” had been the Submissive Male
to a Larger Male who was often Nasty to him.
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Size of Knob.. Not Reliable Only Mute Swans have Knobs.
The Knob of both Male and Female Mutes Changes through the Year
as the Swan’s Hormones Increase/Decease Annually..
The Knob on a Mute Swan will Change as their Weight Changes.
Healthy Swans tend to have Larger Knobs – Underweight Swans have Smaller Knobs.
This was a Lone Feral Mute we Visited often.
When this Swan was ca. 4 Years Old.. SHE Laid EGGs.
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Vocal Pitch-Sounds
With many Ducks you can Differentiate Males from Females by their Vocal Sounds.
But this will not work with Swans.
Listening to Cygnets and Adult Swans, I do hear that they all have their own “Voice.”
Each Cygnet in a Brood has a unique Chirp or Whistle.
But, which are Male Vocals and which are Female.. ???
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Behavior ??? Not Reliable
Some Females are Dominant when Alone – Survival Mode.
They Busk and Snort and Swim with their Wings in Full Display..
Swan on Left is Female. Swan on Right is Male.
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We were Fooled by a Large Swan Living Alone on the River near us.
But, Eggs in HER Spring Nest and we REALIZED this was a Mature Female.
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When Two Females Live Together
– One will be Submissive and the other Dominant.
There may be all Ranges of Behavior. They will Nest.
They may Both Build a Nest. Laying LOTs of Unfertile Eggs.
OR They may Build One Nest Together and put ALL their Eggs in One Nest.
A Nest with 10-15 Unfertile Eggs… Good Bet these are TWO Females.
Two Females are more Vulnerable to Predation.
One Swan may do most of the Nest “Sitting.” One may Patrol…
Depending on how closely you Observe them….
You might be Unaware they are Both Female.
Nest Failure is Common.. No Male = No Cygnets.
So when the Eggs do not Hatch after 42 Days ( Unfertilized )..
Owners may just be Disappointed. Blaming a Very Cold or Wet Spring..
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When Two Males Live Together
– One Male will be Submissive – the Other Dominant.
They may Behavior like a Pair most of the Time..
There tends to be more Fussing and Nipping and Chasing.
NestMates Males have the Best Chance of Living Together Peacefully.
When they Nest (at 3-6 Years Old) – NO EGGs. BIG CLUE. Two Males..
BUT, as I mentioned Earlier..
I am Learning of More and More (DNA-Tested) Females that Never Lay Eggs.
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An Online Story “Much Ado about a Mute Swan.”
2009-2010
The Website that Told this Swan Story is no longer Active.
The Story Summary:
“Prince” and “Princess” together for 21 Years on a Community Lake.
They Nested every Spring out on the large Community Lake.
Each Spring the Community hoped and watched for Cygnets.
In 21 Years there were NEVER any Cygnets. ??? 21 Years.
Some Years “Prince” and “Princess” Nested together.
Some Years they both Built Nests. ??? Never any Cygnets.
Boaters went out to Check the Nests… NO Eggs… 21 Years.
When “Princess” died.. she was taken to a Veterinarian for a Necropsy.
The Report – “Princess” was a Male.
– 21 Years and NO ONE GUESSED !!!
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We became Part of a Similar “Swan Soap Opera.”
In 1987, Two young Royal Mute Cygnets NestMates were Vent Checked.
Determined to be Females. Named “Angel” and “Princess.”
They were taken to a Large Golf Course Pond to Live.
For 26 Years, these Swans lived Peacefully. No Cygnets.
NO Aggressive Behavior – No Problems for the Golfers.
During the 2013-2014 Winter Months “Angel” was found Deceased..
A Young Female was Purchase as a Companion for “Princess.”
Two Springs passed.. Nests were Built with Unhatched Eggs.
THE Third Spring – 2017,
there were Seven Tiny Cygnets on the Golf Course POND !!!!
PANIC and Disbelief. . . .After Sorting some History and Known Facts..
#1 FACT – the New Polish (DNA-Checked) Female was the Cygnets’ Dam = FEMALE !
At the Age of 30, “Princess” had to be Renamed “Prince.”
(Photo from 2014) Had to be ReLabeled..
At 30 Years Old, “Prince” had his first Cygnets.. ALL Beautiful and Healthy..
All Seven Cygnets were Removed, Hand Raised and are now on New Home Ponds.
In Memory of “Angel” – Posthumously Renamed “Luigi” by his Friend Pat L.
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Swan / Cygnet Coloring is NOT Helpful – Polish vs. Royal
Mute Swans – Royal vs Polish Cygnets
https://swanlovers.net/category/mute-swans-royal-vs-polish/
Old Published Information was Misleading.
All Polish Cygnets are Female.. > > > > Surprise.. This is NOT True.
Black Feet – Brown Feet – Dark Orange Feet – Pink Feet.
Pull a Pink or Blue Slip of Paper out of a Hat Full of little Pieces of Paper.
With Lots of Experience you get better at Guessing.. GUESSING.
FROM an ARTICLE Published around 2000
**** ALL Creamy White Cygnets will be FEMALE… (WRONG)
They can be Pinioned on the Right without worrying about Vent Checks
or DNA-Sex Tests. (WRONG) Very Wrong !
This Information does NOT Hold TRUE.
I have heard others use this OLD Information with the Polish Cygnets.
I had Read an Article about this, but that was found NOT TRUE.
That Article has been Removed from the Internet.
Replaced with the Current Information..
Polish Cygnets can be Females or Males.
This Brood of SIX Polish Mute Swan Cygnets
DNA-Sex Tested Four Female – Two Males…
************************************
From the RATTLING CROW June 2012
Conover MR, Reese JG, & Brown AD (2000).
Costs and Benefits of Subadult Plumage in Mute Swans: Testing
Hypotheses for the Evolution of Delayed Plumage Maturation.
http://therattlingcrow.blogspot.com/2012_06_01_archive.html
This Article Corrected the previous Information about the Polish Mutes.
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We decided it is BEST to have All Swans and Cygnets Regardless of Color
– DNA-Sex Checked.
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There will be some Cygnets that will be a Silvery-Grey with Grey Feet and Beaks.
Some are Male – Some are Female.. WE TEST – NOT GUESS.
The Swan Below was Purchased as a “Known” Female Polish Cygnet.
By the Age of 5 Years Old.. NO Nesting, NO Eggs.. ????
Feathers were Sent.. Surprise.. FEMALE..
This is One of Three Females we Know that NEVER Lay Eggs.. ???
*************************************************
SO… We Send Samples for DNA-Sex Testing on ALL Swans and Cygnets we do not know.
I would rather be sure then to “Guess.”
Enough Examples – Each Year there are MORE Mis-Sexed Swans.
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WONDER DUST – Farnam Company, Inc.
Please Read the Ratings and Reviews..
I am familiar with this Product.. Use this when I Pinion Cygnets.
It does STOP Bleeding and Treats Minor Scrapes and Cuts on the Skin of a Swan or Cygnet.
I do know other People who have used Wonder Dust and Recommend it.
TRACTOR SUPPLY, Co. Check – Available in Store.
WONDER DUST WOUND
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/farnam-wonder-dust-wound-powder-4-oz
Wonder Dust is a Dressing Powder and Blood Coagulant for use on Certain Types
of Minor Wounds, Cuts and Abrasions. Please Read Complete Product Information.
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SMARTPAK Farnam Wonder Dust Powder, 4 Oz.
https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/wonder-dust-223
Information from this WebSite…..
Wonder Dust is a Dressing Powder and Blood Coagulant for use on Wounds,
Cuts, Abrasions, and Capillary Bleeding. Will Stop Bleeding Fast,
Dry up the Wound, and Help Control Granulated Tissue Formation
– A Must for any First-Aid Kit!
Wonder Dust contains Activated Charcoal to Help Prevent Proud Flesh,
and Serves as a Caustic and Drying Agent for Slow-Healing Sores
and Infected Lesions. Wonder Dust may be used with or without a Bandage.
Proud Flesh Looks like a Pink Bubble Gum Bubble.
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This is a Work in Progress..
Information Collected and Organized by L.M.Sweger
UpDated AUGUST 2023
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