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?
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?