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Odd question perhaps

post #1 of 4
4/6/12 at 4:43am
Thread Starter 

I had an odd encounter with a squirrel in my run yesterday. It was acting very oddly.

It was not moving right and looked sickly. It was soaked from the lower jaw and down the front legs. Very wobbly and did not run away from me. I did dispatch the animal as I felt it was the kindest thing to do.

Just wondering if I should be more concerned about rabies or if it was perhaps poisoned.

I know the chickens cannot get rabies but are there other rodent diseases that they could contract?

The poor thing was very thin and could not climb  the post it was near. It was rather wobbly on its feet and fell over a few times while I was grabbing chickens to toss into the hen house.

Things I think could have happened to make it this way.

Could have been trapped in someones shed with no food or water for days.

Could have been poisoned.

Could have had distemper.

Possibly rabies.

 

Any other thoughts?

Life is to short to fuss and argue over the small things.
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Life is to short to fuss and argue over the small things.
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post #2 of 4
4/6/12 at 6:17am

If you still have the body, bring to a vet to have checked for rabies.

Forgive your enemies -- it messes with their heads.

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Forgive your enemies -- it messes with their heads.

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post #3 of 4
4/7/12 at 9:58pm

The best thing to do is just bury it and don't handle it.

Your chickens won't catch anything from it.

 

You won't accomplish anything by taking it to a Vet

Bear Foot Farm
Dorper Sheep and Maremma Livestock Guardian Dogs
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Bear Foot Farm
Dorper Sheep and Maremma Livestock Guardian Dogs
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post #4 of 4
4/7/12 at 10:07pm

I agree don't take it to the vet i'd either bury it or be real careful and not touch it directly and take it to your local dnr. They'll send it off for rabies testing. Either way it sounds alot like rabies so be sure your dogs and cats rabies vaccines are up to date. 

Father of 1 2yr old daughter, 1 beagle/basset hound, 1 pit bull/basset mix, 1 mutt chicken, and 2 dominique pullets, 2 rir pullets

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Father of 1 2yr old daughter, 1 beagle/basset hound, 1 pit bull/basset mix, 1 mutt chicken, and 2 dominique pullets, 2 rir pullets

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