DNA Testing – Bearded Dragons
$35.00
Bearded Dragon DNA Sexing Test
Determine the genetic sex of your bearded dragon using a simple mail-in DNA sample.
Bearded dragons use a ZZ/ZW sex chromosome system (just like birds):
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ZZ = genetic male
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ZW = genetic female
Our PCR test targets the W-specific region found only in female (ZW) dragons. This gives a clear, reliable genetic sex result long before visual sexing is possible.
This test is based on the modern H2/F W-linked assay, which produces:
This method is currently the standard in reptile genetics research for bearded dragons.
Important Note on Bearded Dragons:
Bearded dragons can experience temperature-dependent sex reversal at high incubation temperatures. This means a dragon may look female but still be genetically male (ZZ).
This is normal for the species, and the test reports genotype only, not phenotype.
Please read below for full details.
Tested in our own lab. No shipping charges, results post to your account in about 2 to 3 business days after your samples arrive.
How to collect a feather sample
- Pluck 3 to 5 growing feathers from the chest or back. Pull them out, do not cut them.
- Check that the soft quill tip is attached to each one. That tip holds the DNA, a cut feather will not work.
- Put each bird's feathers in their own labelled paper envelope or a small ziplock.
- Mail the envelopes to us in a regular stamped envelope.
Takes about a minute per bird. No vet visit, and nothing ships to you first.
This test identifies whether your bearded dragon is genetically male (ZZ) or genetically female (ZW). It works on dragons of any age, including hatchlings. Results are based on DNA only and are not affected by size, appearance, or behavior.
Accepted sample types:
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Tail shed
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Skin shed
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Nail tip (small clipping)
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Buccal swab (mouth swab) – Nylon Flocked Swabs ONLY
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Dried blood spot (optional) – On a plain piece of white paper or an index card ONLY
All samples must be clean, dry, and not stored in chemicals. Please put any samples in a labeled ziploc bag.
