DNA testing confusion

Question
Hi, we are the proud owners of a (suspected) 12 mth old female Sun Conure named Tango. The reason for the gender confusion is a little mix up we had at the pet store we bought her from. We were given a DNA sexing certificate with the incorrect 'ring number' on it (yes, we were naive and silly to not check on purchase - we were just so excited!), so we took the certificate back to the pet shop and waited for the breeder to send the corresponding certificate with the matching ring number on it. So now we have a certificate number that matches her ring number Phew! Now to my question, is each ring number unique, or can their be a number of birds with the same ring number? I am skeptical as to how accurate the DNA certificates are. Have you ever heard of mistakes occurring with this process? I know we will find out in another year as Tango reaches sexual maturity, for she'll either pop out eggs or not, but I would like to know for bonding and training purposes - don't want to teach her to say "I'm a pretty girl" if this is not the case, yeah? Look forward to your response, Thanks from a conure-loving family, Amanda

Answer
The leg band number SHOULD be unique, but mistakes do happen. DNA is about 99% accurate if they did a blood sample. If they did a feather test (used a freashly plucked feather), it can be contaminated, but it is still relatively accurate. If you are not planning on breeding her, the DNA results should be trusted. If you are still worried, I have always named my birds as girls unless they are already proven boys because NO boy bird will lay an egg, but not all females lay eggs. This way if she lays an egg, she's a girl but if she never lays an egg, she isn't necessarily a boy.