Parasite Test - Fecal Egg Count (FEC)

Once you have purchased a FEC from our site,

1. You will be emailed a form and instructions.
   
2. Print and complete the form. Remember to use the same details as you do for purchase so we can find you.
   
3. Collect a sample of fresh droppings and place in a double zip lock bag or plastic container.
   
4. Mail the form and the sample to the address given.
   
5. Results will be sent to Avian Empire to interpret and
   
6. Avian Empire will then email the results on to you with a plan if needed. 
   

Note: The sample can be taken from a single bird or as a pooled sample, combining droppings from up to six birds in one bag/container.

• A faecal egg count (FEC) to be performed by Vet Path Labs
• Results interpreted by our avian vet, alongside suggestions of treatment if needed. 

Please note: this is a digital product. Nothing will be posted. Everything you need will be emailed to you after purchase (check spam/junk if it doesn’t appear).

What is a Faecal Egg Count (FEC)?

An FEC measures the number of parasite eggs/oocysts in a stool sample. For birds, this helps assess common intestinal parasites (e.g. roundworm Ascaridia, caecal worm Heterakis, hairworm Capillaria) and coccidia (Eimeria oocysts).

Why do one?

• Check if parasites are contributing to weight loss, poor growth, loose droppings, or pale combs.
  
• Decide if treatment is needed and avoid unnecessary worming.
  
• Re-check after treatment to confirm it worked and to monitor resistance risk.
  

Who is this for?

Backyard flocks, smallholders, rehabbers and breeders (chickens, ducks, pigeons/parrots, waterfowl). If you’re unsure whether an FEC suits your bird, our team can advise.

What’s included in your service?

• Lab FEC (McMaster/float) with identification of key parasite eggs/oocysts.
  
• Clear result report with vet interpretation and next-step guidance.
  
  

How do I collect a sample? (Poultry & Waterfowl)

1. Fresh only: collect droppings that are <12 hours old.
   
2. Avoid contamination: no soil, litter, feed or water mixed in.
   
3. Amount: ~1–2 teaspoons (5–10 g) of both regular and cecal droppings. For flocks, pool small amounts from 1 - 6 birds to get a representative sample.
   
4. Container: seal in a clean zip-lock x 2 or specimen pot, label with name, species, date.
   
5. Keep cool: refrigerate (do not freeze).
   
6. Send Mon–Wed via overnight courier with a small cold pack in hot weather, plus the completed submission form.
   

Turnaround time

Typically 1–2 working days from when the sample arrives at our lab. We’ll email you your results as soon as we get them.

How often should I test?

• 4 - 6 times a year or once a season.
  

Limitations to know

• Some parasites shed eggs intermittently; a single negative doesn’t always rule out infection.
  
• FECs don’t detect all pathogens (e.g. crop “canker”/Trichomonas needs a crop swab; bacterial/viral causes need different tests).
  
• Severe illness or sudden deaths may warrant immediate vet care rather than waiting for FEC.
  

Can you test individual birds vs pooled samples?

Yes. Pooled FECs are cost-effective for flock screening. But you are more then welcome to run a individual sample.

Do you provide treatment advice?

Yes, your report includes your results from the lab, vet interpretation and a management plan.

Data & privacy

With your permission, anonymised results may contribute to our national bird-health dataset to map parasite trends by region. Personal details are never shared.

• Disclaimer: Like any test, results are not 100% accurate. Factors such as the age of the sample or delays in delivery can compromise its reliability. If you’re noticing clinical signs, such as worms in droppings or messy bottoms, it’s often best to proceed with a worming protocol. If you’d like assistance understanding how to implement an effective worming program, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help! or check out our worming manual here
• For the New Zealand market only.
• As this is a digital product, all sales are final and non-refundable once purchased.
• You’re responsible for sending your sample to the lab. Please keep your courier receipt and tracking number.
• If a sample arrives leaking or contaminated due to poor packaging, it can’t be processed. You’ll need to re-submit at your own cost. Please package securely.