Ancestry DNA advice
 

Yesterday, I sent off my DNA sample to Ancestry and I want to use the time until I receive the results constructively. Currently I don't have a tree on Ancestry, would it be helpful to put one one? If so is a Public or Private tree the best to have? I would be interested to hear what type of tree members here have. Any other advice would be appreciated. Thanks

Yes, you should put a tree on Ancestry with at least your direct ancestors on, ready for you to link your DNA test to. It won't make much difference to you whether it is public or private (as long as you make it searchable) but it will be helpful to your DNA matches if it is public. Mine is public.

I have a public tree on Ancestry, but I suspect it would be more useful were it private. Nobody ever contacts me, but I have noticed that unique, recent research is copied mercilessly. It would be so much more interesting if there were discussions and genuine collaboration.

btw I posted a test on 16 December. It has yet to be logged as arrived, and they are saying that this may take five weeks, so a fortnight or so before I can panic.

Yes that's why mine is private but searchable, it encourages people to contact me if they are really interested. I then check, if I can, if they are really connected before I reply. 8 times out of 10 I then invite them to my tree.

Thanks for your replies. I have my tree on FTM, is it easy to transfer it to Ancestry, whilst removing my husband's side of the family?

Pheonix, that is depressing, I hope yours shows up as having arrived soon

I sent off my daughter's DNA kit on Thursday 5th January.

The kit is showing as activated and the little line has reached half-way between Kit activated Jan 4 and Sample received, but under Sample received it says "in progress". So does that mean they have it or not?

You can download your tree from FTM by clicking on Family Tree > View all trees then when it shows your tree click on the second icon on the right (Export tree). And you can then upload the file to Ancestry. But you would need to use a family tree program on your computer in between to remove your husband's side.

Pass. I cannot remember if the activation key is on the outside of the packet. If it isn't, there is no way Ancestry could know the packet was on its way, and I can't think it your daughter's kit would have actually arrived by now.

Phoenix, does your kit show something similar?

At least we know we have set everything up correctly as my daughter's kit is showing in my account with "1 Order in process" showing at the top left-hand corner. It also displays her name.