Testing Droppings

[Duif man]

How many of you have your own Microscope?

 

Do you test your birds dropping?

 

Do those of you that do NOT have your own microscope - get your birds dropping tested? And if so When and for What?

 

Chreers

[dal2]

How many of you have your own Microscope?

 

Do you test your birds dropping?

 

Do those of you that do NOT have your own microscope - get your birds dropping tested? And if so When and for What?

 

Chreers

I have yin...I test them to the best of my ability before I pair up in December /january and then hopefully won't need it for another year

[frankdooman jnr]

I ve got one and use it to test every few weeks just to check for cocci and canker and worms I also send droppings away twice a year once before start of the season and once four weeks before the Nationals start

[Guest IB]

I have a microscope but haven't used it. I prefer to take pooled samples and have them analysed by the local vet who knows what they are doing (lack of confidence in my own ability) and they keep a running record of results, year on year.

 

For the last 5 years, that result has been negative for all internal parasites (cocci & worms). But this year I wasn't happy with the droppings I was getting particularly from the cocks and as I'd brought new cocks in I went a stage further and agreed the vet send the rest of the sample to a lab to be cultured and analysed. The cocks and hens were still separated then, and in two different sections. What I got back really surprised me.

 

In both cocks and hens samples the gut yeast content was around its normal 50%, but the cocks had a slightly lower % than the hens. In the hens the 'bad bacteria' was 10% but in the cocks it was 20%. There was an obvious gut imbalance and I was told to give them a probiotic.

 

Up until around 2 years ago I gave flightpath on the food once a month. For reasons I can't remember I stopped it. This will be their 3rd month back on it!

[dal2]

I have a microscope but haven't used it. I prefer to take pooled samples and have them analysed by the local vet who knows what they are doing (lack of confidence in my own ability) and they keep a running record of results, year on year.

 

For the last 5 years, that result has been negative for all internal parasites (cocci & worms). But this year I wasn't happy with the droppings I was getting particularly from the cocks and as I'd brought new cocks in I went a stage further and agreed the vet send the rest of the sample to a lab to be cultured and analysed. The cocks and hens were still separated then, and in two different sections. What I got back really surprised me.

 

In both cocks and hens samples the gut yeast content was around its normal 50%, but the cocks had a slightly lower % than the hens. In the hens the 'bad bacteria' was 10% but in the cocks it was 20%. There was an obvious gut imbalance and I was told to give them a probiotic.

 

Up until around 2 years ago I gave flightpath on the food once a month. For reasons I can't remember I stopped it. This will be their 3rd month back on it!

What would you have done about the bad droppings if you had no access to a microscope or a vet?

[William Reid]

How many of you have your own Microscope?

 

Do you test your birds dropping?

 

Do those of you that do NOT have your own microscope - get your birds dropping tested? And if so When and for What?

 

Chreers

Got a microscope from a friend a short time ago used it like a maniac and told a couple of the members on this site with the over use I felt that somebody had hit me in the eye with a hammer . But what I would say just looking at the birds droppings the texture, shape, and colour, will let you know what's going on. . Would also like to add have never sent droppings away to be tested and I never will. If my birds are not right I definitely don't need to pay somebody to tell me so.

[gulkie]

I have one I only test if I'm not happy with the birds or droppings.

[Roland]

Haven't one. Think it is, and would be, a bit to complex for me. A little knowledge is dangerous as they say. Could therefore and easily do more harm than good, in my opinion only. I feel that when I see vets showing signs and photos etc. and how they even often get it wrong, then what chance have I! Cocci is easily remedied. E. Coli easily prevented - takes 24 hours in the damp to start it of. Canker have very many strains and a little is needed and is actually good for the pigeon as it will stop any other strain being active. J.M.O beliefs granted.

If loft is dry birds able to have fresh air, it may be ONLY airborne ailments that one has to worry about ... or race panniers!

If it isn't any of the above, or one that you aren't sure of... pay the vet a visit.

Having spouted all that I also believe that many can, and do put testing themselves to good use and are more than capable ... Me? I have a job recognising the choc ice to a strawberry one lol.

[Guest IB]

What would you have done about the bad droppings if you had no access to a microscope or a vet?

 

I don't usually have health problems with the birds so anything that does crop up between preventative tests is 'out of the ordinary' and I will remove the bird.

[REDCHEQHEN]

I have a microscope and used it for a couple of years. At the same time I also had their droppings tested now and again by the vet. The last 4 years I have not bothered testing them myself and only had the vet do them.

[dal2]

I don't usually have health problems with the birds so anything that does crop up between preventative tests is 'out of the ordinary' and I will remove the bird.

Whats the point in testing if ye dinny have health problems?? Is it for an edge on race days or is it because you feel you are behind on race days? Surely 'out of the ordinary ' is when you should be testing??

[Guest IB]

Whats the point in testing if ye dinny have health problems?? Is it for an edge on race days or is it because you feel you are behind on race days? Surely 'out of the ordinary ' is when you should be testing??

 

It's just the way I prefer to work - test routinely and treat only if a problem is found - I haven't had to treat for years, so my health management must be OK. If the team is normally healthy then one 'out of the ordinary' becomes one too many for me.

 

Racing to be honest has been awful the last couple of years. I'm now retired, recently moved home and I'm trying to 'change back' to the bits I was getting right a few years back. Settling the birds here hasn't gone as well as I'd hoped, and I don't expect to see any OB racing this year.

[Guest bigda]

Easy test as you go about your week get a jam jar half full with water sit on window will or such place put a few droppings. In. Each day of the week. Then add blue stone powder, and then you will see worms. Wriggle about if you have any they show. White color.

[barry65]

Easy test as you go about your week get a jam jar half full with water sit on window will or such place put a few droppings. In. Each day of the week. Then add blue stone powder, and then you will see worms. Wriggle about if you have any they show. White color.

[barry65]

What is blue stone powder n wer can u get it from? Cheers