rescue ball python questions

I was given a sub adult ball python a few days ago It was a wild caught (i had to remove a big tick on its eye) anyway I have it in QT right now. my question is... how much does it cost to get a fecal exam done? and how fresh does the poop have to be? thanks JOHN

Fecal exam may run between $15-$35 depending on the vet and your area(they may charge an exam fee too). If you get a fecal sample during the night from the snake, place it in a ziplock baggie and put it in the fridge(not the freezer). It will be good for up to 24 hours.

thanks I want to try and do all I can. when I popped it to check the sex it squirted out some very runny poo. it was a light brown color and it was about as thick as ice cream? is that an indication of any certain type of parasite?