Frequently asked questions

Colour mutations

What exactly is tested in a colour mutation test?

At NeorniLab, we use a DNA test to check whether a bird is a carrier of a particular colour mutation (the so-called 'split birds'). We distinguish between mutation and colour or phenotype. In most cases, only 1 mutation is responsible for a colour. In certain cases, however, several mutations, singly or in combination, may be responsible for a colour. 

For example, in the Orange-winged Parrot (Amazona amazonica) and the Eclectus (Eclectus roratus), 2 blue mutations occur, namely blue1 and blue2. We also find an SL ino1 mutation and an SL ino2 mutation in the Alexandrine Parakeet (Psittacula eupatria). At NeorniLab, we therefore do not test for the phenotype, i.e. the colour, but for specific mutations. This allows us to guarantee a 100% sure result. 

Good to know

  • The mutations we test for are always listed on our website. You can have a bird tested for a specific mutation, or for colour. In the latter case, we test for all mutations. 
  • If you are not sure about the exact mutation, you can simply note the colour on the application form, and we will test for all mutations detectable for the colour in question.
  • When you have a chance split bird tested at NeorniLab, you can always send along samples of a split or mutation bird of the same bloodline. This way you can be sure they carry the same colour mutation. In most cases, this will be the case. 
Phenotype (colour) Mutation(s)
Blue blue1, blue2
SL ino (= lutino) SL ino1, SL ino2
Opaline opaline1
... ...

How much does a colour mutation test cost? 

The price of a colour mutation test depends on the bird species and the specific colour mutation. Before developing a new colour mutation test, our lab needs to do research. The price of a colour mutation test therefore depends on the investment required to conduct the research and develop the test. All current prices are available at info@neornilab.be.

I cannot find my bird species or colour mutation, now what?

We are constantly developing new colour mutation tests. If you do not find a certain colour mutation on our website, this test has not yet been developed and/or further research needs to be carried out. You can participate in our research by sending in reference samples. We will then keep you informed of the test development. If you are interested, please contact us at info@neornilab.be stating the bird species and colour mutation.

What do we need to start a new investigation (reference samples)

  • A blood capillary and 4-5 breast feathers of 3-5 birds expressing the colour mutation (=mutation birds)
  • A blood capillary and 4-5 breast feathers of 3-5 birds that are 100% carrier/split (= split birds)
  • A blood capillary and 4-5 breast feathers of 3-5 birds that do not express the colour mutation and are 100% non-carrier of the mutation (e.g. both a wild colour and a lutino bird can be used as a reference for the blue mutation; Likewise, a blue and lutino bird can be used to investigate a dun fallow mutation; ... Or, simply, 3-5 wild colours that do not carry the mutation)

Important to know

  • If possible, take the samples of mutation birds and split birds from at least 1 related female, 1 related male and 1 related young so we can establish a genetic pedigree. Crossing between mutation birds and split birds is allowed (e.g. 1 mutation female, 1 split male and 1 split young).
  • Always mention the ring numbers on the reference samples so that we can ask specific questions about a bird if necessary

How do I apply for a colour mutation test? 

Follow the steps below to request a colour mutation test. To submit reference samples, please contact us first info@neornilab.be stating the bird species and colour mutation.

STEP 1: Collect your samples (2 options)

  • One set of 4-5 freshly plucked breast feathers or 2-3 tail or wing feathers
  • A blood capillary

STEP 2: Fill in the application form

  • Download the application form for parrots
  • Fill in all details
  • Tick 'Colour mutation' and specify the mutation (e.g. blue1, SL ino2 ...)
  • If you are not sure about the specific colour mutation, you can simply note the colour (blue, lutino, opaline ...), then we will test for all mutations detectable for the colour in question

STEP 3: Submit your application

  • Via our front desk or mailbox
  • By post: send the parcel to NeorniLab, Beverlosesteenweg 129, 3583 Paal, Belgium

STEP 4: Payment

  • As soon as we receive your request, we will send you a confirmation with the invoice via email
  • You pay by bank transfer

STEP 5: Log in to your personal portal

  • As soon as your results are known, you will receive an email
  • To consult the results, you will need a login. You will receive this login from us in the form of a registration email upon receipt of the first results.

Features

What does the certificate look like?

Upon completion of the test(s), you will receive a certificate with the result, the animal's details and, if desired, your personal details. This certificate always contains a unique certificate code. Using this code, you can later verify the authenticity of the certificate with us using the identification (ring/chip) of the bird. If the sampling was carried out by a veterinarian, your certificate also carries a seal of approval to prevent fraud. You can download your certificate on your personal portal.

What is the processing time for testing?

Once the results are known, your certificate with the results will appear on your personal portal. You will be notified of this through email.

2 to 3 working days

  • Sex determination
  • Disease testing
  • Performance genes

5 working days

  • Species determination

5-7 working days

  • Kinship analysis
  • Colour mutation testing (not applicable to tests not yet developed, or still in development)

Sampling

Who can collect the sample?

You can take the samples yourself or have them taken by a veterinarian. If the sampling is done by a veterinarian, your certificate will bear a seal of approval to prevent fraud. Are you a veterinarian? Please contact us.

Collecting samples

Proceed hygienically when collecting samples. You can request the sample material below from us via our contact form. To avoid contamination, all samples are preferably collected in our zip bags.

  • Zip bags for feathers
  • Blood capillaries
  • Swabs

Submitting samples

Send us your complete request via our desk *, by post * or via your vet. For more info, see Request your test. Request your sampling material via our contact form.

* Address: NeorniLab, Beverlosesteenweg 129, 3583 Paal, Belgium