(Oocyan) Blue eggs
Blue eggs are no accident. They come from a specific gene: the oocyan gene. Breeds such as the Araucana, Ameraucana and Cream Legbar are known for it, but not every hen carries it in the same way.
A hen with one copy lays blue eggs but passes the gene to only half of her offspring. A hen with two copies passes it to every chick. Our DNA test shows which of the two applies, so you can breed for blue eggs predictably instead of by guesswork.
One point worth knowing: the oocyan gene lays down a blue base throughout the shell. If a hen also carries brown pigment genes, that brown is deposited on top of the blue, turning the egg green or olive rather than pure blue. The test confirms the blue base and how many copies a hen carries; the visible shell colour also depends on this brown pigment.
Suitable samples
Feathers
2–3 tail feathers or wing feathers (small birds < 150 g)
4–5 freshly plucked breast feathers (medium-sized birds and parrots > 150 g)
Moulted feathers, down feathers, and blood feathers should be avoided. These sometimes contain insufficient DNA or can cause damage to the feather follicle when pulled out. Blood feathers are new feathers that can be recognized by the blue sheath at the base of the feather.
To avoid contamination, do not touch the shaft (the end of the feather protruding from the bird’s skin) with your hands
Blood sample
Small amounts (capillary tube) are sufficient for an accurate analysis
A drop of blood on a coffee filter or paper
Cheek swab from a nestling
A gentle way to collect DNA from young birds
Note: avoid contamination with food or food scraps
Eggshell with membrane
Have you recently had a nest hatch? If so, save the eggshells. Place the shell, with the dried blood vessels still attached, as completely as possible into a plastic zip-top bag and send it to us.
Prices
| Colour mutations for fowl | Excl. VAT (€) / price per item |
|---|---|
| Oocyan (Blue Eggs feature) | € 45,00 |
Request a test
STEP 1: Complete the request form
Choose whichever way of filling it in suits you best.
- Excel: fill in digitally.
- PDF: print and fill in by hand.
Then add it to the form below, or send it along with your samples.
STEP 2: Send us your samples
There are several ways to do this
- At our front desk* (during opening hours)
- Through the letterbox* (outside opening hours)
- By post*
- Through your vet
STEP 3: Payment & results
You will receive your invoice as soon as we have received your complete request.
Payment can be made on site*, by bank transfer or through your vet. Once payment is received, we begin the analysis.
You will receive your certified results by email, within the agreed turnaround time, unless stated otherwise.
* Our address: NeorniLab, Beverlosesteenweg 129, 3583 Paal, Belgium