Anyone can do a fecal float and CBC competently, you just need the right equipment. You really don't need a fecal float done if you have no other animals. If you still want to test them, buy a standard microscope, some glass slides with cover sheets and some red and/or blue stain. Study the morphology of all the pathogens and you'll know 'em when you see them. For a CBC you will need a centrifuge(very costly investment), hematocrit tubes and something sharp. Study how each coat is supposed to look and apply comparative analysis. I know it seems daunting and scary but it really is doable. Just to be safe, my little guys get routinely tested every 60 days by a professional vet. A fecal float can be done by mail order. I once caught a mycobacter infection before it could do any permanent damage. The buffy coat was way too large. It saved my birds life and kept my family from getting sick. My entire family had to do a six week course of antibiotics. As strange as it seems, my bird caught the infection from drinking aquarium water. The tank needed to be medicated too. Zoonotic diseases are REALLY nasty. Open top aquariums are a no no with birds anyway. There a drowning hazard as are toilets. If your going to utilize a vet with any regularity ask them for a package deal. Taking blood and preparing a slide is major time suckage for a vet. You can save a large amount of money by doing the prep work yourself. Learning the process is so much better than having regrets. All the materials are available through Carolina Biological. You have to represent yourself as a university or non-profit org to get a catalog. I ordered a copy of the catalog for my local library and I use it often. I've prattled on long enough. Be brave and good health to all your companions.
Firethorn
Firethorn
