NATIVE HARDBILLS
PG: SO HOW do you sex your mealies?
JD: The best way to be accurate is to have their DNA checked. If you send one or two it costs about £8 each, but send a lot away you get them tested for £6.50 each. It saves a lot of heartache. You know every one will be right, so you don’t waste time on guesswork.
PG: What procedure do you use to have their DNA taken?
JD: During 2022 I sent off more than 50 packs of feathers for a DNA test. I pluck a few feathers from just below the bib on the chest. Each set of feathers is placed in a reusable plastic strip bag, which we buy in. These are easy to get the air out of and easy to seal.
Every bird has
