Low Cost Fecal Float in Colorado?

[MichelleT]

Sorry if this is posted in the wrong area... I'd be happy to repost elsewhere if someone tells me what is more appropriate.

After 2-1/2 years with our little flock, I have FINALLY found a vet that will see our birds, if necessary. Now that we have "invested" money in the practice , they will do a fecal float (without an exam) for $75. I'd like to do this as a proactive approach twice a year... Ouch. I have seen posts on BYC who have vets that will do it for considerably less, but no one in Colorado. So, my question is for Colorado folks:

I live in the Denver area but don't mind driving 45-60 minutes if I can find a vet that will simply do a fecal float for considerably less than $75. Do any Coloradans have someone? Feel free to PM me if so.

And thanks!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

2approaches would be less expensive.
Your state poultry lab.
Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab
Or buy a microscope and do your own - a one time cost for a lifetime of tests.

 

[MichelleT]

2approaches would be less expensive.
Your state poultry lab.
Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab
Or buy a microscope and do your own - a one time cost for a lifetime of tests.

I am definitely considering the DIY route... I work in a high school and the science teachers are open to me using their microscopes after school. I just haven't had the time to do that research yet.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

It isn't difficult.
The microscope should be between 100X and 400X.
You'll need some 3 ounce paper cups, wooden popsicle sticks, a small tea strainer, 15cc test tube, holder (or Styrofoam block), sugar, tap water, eye dropper, slides and cover slips, tweezers and an identification guide.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

they will do a fecal float (without an exam) for $75

Wow, that really is a lot!

Only about $15 here. I did spend the $ and bought a microscope and stuff to perform my own. But never having used one before has been a challenge to figure out. Looks like the same price on that CSU link, $15. That's reasonable.

Good for you for doing floats! I wish more people would.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

It isn't difficult.
The microscope should be between 100X and 400X.
You'll need some 3 ounce paper cups, wooden popsicle sticks, a small tea strainer, 15cc test tube, holder (or Styrofoam block), sugar, tap water, eye dropper, slides and cover slips, tweezers and an identification guide.

Are you using sugar as the flotation medium? I bough Epsom salt to make mine... but again, no actual experience yet.

ETA: I also thought it had to be purified water?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I was taught by my vet tech friend to use sugar and the method described in the Chicken Health Handbook (Gail Damerow) uses sugar. The first edition on amazon can be had for about $2.

 

[Kiki]

Have you all seen this thread yet?
Doing Fecal Floats at Home

 

[MichelleT]

Have you all seen this thread yet?
Doing Fecal Floats at Home

I have! And I've marked it for future use... hopefully!

 

[Kiki]

I have! And I've marked it for future use... hopefully!

Great!