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?
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
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.
