I lost my sweet 12 year old bantam silkie.

[Elle111]

Hi everyone,

I lost my sweet 12 year old bantam silkie to avian tuberculosis. 3 years ago I moved to a slightly more rural area with a big backyard, and some months ago she must have caught TB. The vet said likely from water fowl flyng over or other wildlife. I feel so guilty for not keeping her inside the house, but on the other hand, she wouldn't have been very happy (she was an only chicken, the last one left). I wasn't aware of how dangerous it could be for an older chicken, and was only focused on predators/droppings of animals, with no thought of aerosols. Has onyone had experience with avian TB?

 

[CherishedFowlGuardian]

Welcome to BYC!



I really sorry to hear that you lost your chicken and I know what you are going through.


No, I have not dealt with avian TB.​

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome, and I'm so sorry for your loss. She lived a very long life, and had the best care, including getting to be a chicken outdoors.
Mary
Is this a sure thing diagnosis? If yes, you should contact your own doctor, and your health department.

 

[Elle111]

Hi, thanks for your response. Yes, it is a sure diagnosis. She was my only chicken, and she's already cremated. I'm in the Netherlands, just realized TB's more prevalent here than in the States, so I don't expect many reactions here of US members...
It's such a shame though, autopsy revealed she was totally healthy otherwise. I wa sure she'd make it to 16 or so. Goes to show, you never know...

 

[AnneGirlGG]

I'm sorry for your loss!

 

[Elle111]

Thank you.