DNA Sexing Service
Ratite DNA Sexing
Accurate DNA sexing for Emus, Ostriches, and Rheas. Know the sex of your birds with confidence, at any age.
Results within 72 hours of our lab receiving your sample.
Order Ratite DNA SexingWhy DNA Sex Your Ratites?
Emus
Male and female emus look nearly identical for the first 12 to 18 months. DNA sexing lets you identify sex from a young age so you can plan your flock structure, separate birds early, and make informed breeding or selling decisions without the long wait.
Ostriches
Ostrich chicks are monomorphic for their first year or longer. If you are raising ostriches for breeding stock, meat production, or sales, knowing sex early helps you price accurately, pair birds sooner, and avoid housing conflicts between males as they mature.
Rheas
Greater and Lesser Rheas show minimal sexual dimorphism, especially as juveniles. Breeders and ranchers raising rheas benefit from early DNA sexing to manage group dynamics, prevent aggression between males, and ensure balanced breeding groups.
Selling with Confidence
Ratite buyers expect to know the sex of what they are purchasing. Offering DNA-sexed birds builds trust, justifies premium pricing, and reduces disputes after the sale. A DNA certificate adds real value to every bird you sell.
How It Works
Order Online
Select your test from our shop. Choose your sample type and quantity.
Collect Your Sample
Pull 3 to 5 feathers with the pulp (root) attached, or use a blood card. For ratites, body or wing feathers work best.
Mail to Our Lab
Send your labeled samples to our lab in Bailey, Michigan.
Get Your Results
Results appear in your online portal within 72 hours of our lab receiving the sample.
Simple, Transparent Pricing
Per-bird pricing. No hidden fees. Volume discounts available.
Feathers
$9/bird
Most popular method
Blood Cards
$9/bird
Blot blood onto the card
Blood Vials
$8/bird
Veterinary collection
Eggshell
$10/egg
Sex before hatch
Bundle and Save: 8+ birds starting at $64 (Blood in vial) | Supply kits available for $15
Ratite Species We Test
Our DNA sexing test works across all ratite species, including:
99.9%
Accuracy Rate
72 hrs
Average Turnaround
2,000+
Bird Species Supported
500+
Breeders Trust Us
Frequently Asked Questions
How young can I test emu chicks?
You can test at any age. As long as you can pull 3 to 5 small body or wing feathers with the root (pulp) attached, we can extract DNA. For very young emu chicks, the small downy feathers along the body work well.
What sample type works best for ostriches?
Feathers and blood cards both work well. For adult ostriches, pulling body feathers is usually the easiest approach. For chicks, blood cards can be more practical since their feathers are very small. Either method provides the same accuracy.
Do you test both Greater and Lesser Rheas?
Yes. Our DNA sexing test works on both Greater Rheas (Rhea americana) and Lesser Rheas (Rhea pennata, also known as Darwin’s Rhea). The same sample collection process applies to both species.
Can I use eggshell testing for ratites?
Yes. Eggshell DNA sexing works for emus, ostriches, and rheas. After the chick hatches, send in a piece of the inner membrane from the eggshell. This lets you know the sex of your bird on hatch day without handling the chick.
What if my results are inconclusive?
In the rare event we cannot get a clear result (usually due to sample quality), we will notify you immediately and retest with a new sample at no additional charge.
Ready to Sex Your Ratites?
Stop guessing. Order your emu, ostrich, or rhea DNA sexing test today and get results in 72 hours.
Order Now — Starting at $8/birdNeed help with ratite genetics or breeding advice? Join The Silkie Lab Community for expert guidance from experienced breeders.