(1) Label microcentrifuge tubes on the side of the tube - Bird Identification, Date, and sex (if known)
(2) Take blood using one of the following methods:
a. Toe nail clipping
i. Swab the toe nail with isopropyl alcohol
ii. Cut the toe nail with clippers
iii. Drip blood into the labeled microcentrifuge tube
iv. Stop the bleeding
v. Place the microcentrifuge tubes in cool location out of the sun
vi. Clean the clippers with the DNA Away solution to kill any DNA and to prevent cross
contamination
vii. Put tubes in a freezer box in the freezer. Keep frozen
b. Wing Vein
i. Use a needle to draw blood from the brachial vein of the wing
ii. Gently remove the needle while applying pressure on the puncture location to stop the
bleeding
iii. Squirt the blood into the labeled microcentrifuge tube
iv. Place the microcentrifuge tubes in cool location out of the sun
v. Cap the needle and place in a safe location until it can be properly disposed of
vi. Put tubes in a freezer box in the freezer. Keep frozen