Hi All!
I agree on the health of hen-raised chicks versus people-raised ones. If I could, I'd let hens raise all my chicks!
On the fecal float, I'd call around to other vets. I have no idea why yours wouldn't do a float. If you have a microscope, you can make your own float solution. Not quite as good as the commercial, but a super-saturated solution of sugar or salt will work. Of course, you'd also need to know what to look for. Some things, like Giardia, are very difficult to find. A book will get some things, but ....
I agree on the health of hen-raised chicks versus people-raised ones. If I could, I'd let hens raise all my chicks!
On the fecal float, I'd call around to other vets. I have no idea why yours wouldn't do a float. If you have a microscope, you can make your own float solution. Not quite as good as the commercial, but a super-saturated solution of sugar or salt will work. Of course, you'd also need to know what to look for. Some things, like Giardia, are very difficult to find. A book will get some things, but ....