Skunk attack

[CaliFarmsAR]

I’m sorry about what happened.

 

[chickenenthusiasts5698]

I’m sorry about what happened.

Thank you!

 

[chickenenthusiasts5698]

I have to get a shot i’m so stressed i hate needles

 

[gtaus]

So sorry to read about this attack. Was the attack done at daytime or pre-dawn?

You were very brave to confront this skunk with a hoe! I think I would have run the other way. Makes me think again about buying a 12 gauge shotgun - just in case a normal, non rabid predator shows up and gets after my girls.

You said you have to get a shot. Was the skunk rabid? Usually it takes a bite from a rabid animal to spread the virus through their saliva. I was hoping they could verify if the dead skunk had rabies before you needed any shots.

Someone posted a warning on that video which stated:

"A reminder for those who are saying to shoot it:
You shouldn't shoot a rabid animal, because:
1. Once the rabies virus reaches the brain, it multiplies rapidly and quickly travels via nerves to other parts of the body. In the late stages of rabies, the body is filled with virus. If the animal's insides go about, a person or animal can be infected just as easily as they can be infected by the saliva, since the other body parts are also infected.
2. If you shoot it in the head, this may make it harder for the animal's brain to be tested for rabies.
If you see a rabid or suspected rabid animal, call animal control right away. They will euthanize it."

I think if I had a shotgun, I'd probably shoot first and ask questions later - especially if the skunk was killing my chickens. Wishing you the best.

 

[chickenenthusiasts5698]

So sorry to read about this attack. Was the attack done at daytime or pre-dawn?

You were very brave to confront this skunk with a hoe! I think I would have run the other way. Makes me think again about buying a 12 gauge shotgun - just in case a normal, non rabid predator shows up and gets after my girls.

You said you have to get a shot. Was the skunk rabid? Usually it takes a bite from a rabid animal to spread the virus through their saliva. I was hoping they could verify if the dead skunk had rabies before you needed any shots.

Someone posted a warning on that video which stated:

"A reminder for those who are saying to shoot it:
You shouldn't shoot a rabid animal, because:
1. Once the rabies virus reaches the brain, it multiplies rapidly and quickly travels via nerves to other parts of the body. In the late stages of rabies, the body is filled with virus. If the animal's insides go about, a person or animal can be infected just as easily as they can be infected by the saliva, since the other body parts are also infected.
2. If you shoot it in the head, this may make it harder for the animal's brain to be tested for rabies.
If you see a rabid or suspected rabid animal, call animal control right away. They will euthanize it."

I think if I had a shotgun, I'd probably shoot first and ask questions later - especially if the skunk was killing my chickens. Wishing you the best.

It was right at 5:30 so it was getting dark. Thanks lol it was all adrenaline I wasn’t even thinking about anything but stopping him. I ended up getting 4 shots 2 of which were very painful i’m going to send him out for testing tomorrow morning if he test negative I won’t have to get anymore shots but if he’s positive I have to get 4 more shots (yay) I’m not sure where my dad shot him I was far away so I couldn’t tell. It’s been such a long and sad day.

 

[chickenenthusiasts5698]

So sorry to read about this attack. Was the attack done at daytime or pre-dawn?

You were very brave to confront this skunk with a hoe! I think I would have run the other way. Makes me think again about buying a 12 gauge shotgun - just in case a normal, non rabid predator shows up and gets after my girls.

You said you have to get a shot. Was the skunk rabid? Usually it takes a bite from a rabid animal to spread the virus through their saliva. I was hoping they could verify if the dead skunk had rabies before you needed any shots.

Someone posted a warning on that video which stated:

"A reminder for those who are saying to shoot it:
You shouldn't shoot a rabid animal, because:
1. Once the rabies virus reaches the brain, it multiplies rapidly and quickly travels via nerves to other parts of the body. In the late stages of rabies, the body is filled with virus. If the animal's insides go about, a person or animal can be infected just as easily as they can be infected by the saliva, since the other body parts are also infected.
2. If you shoot it in the head, this may make it harder for the animal's brain to be tested for rabies.
If you see a rabid or suspected rabid animal, call animal control right away. They will euthanize it."

I think if I had a shotgun, I'd probably shoot first and ask questions later - especially if the skunk was killing my chickens. Wishing you the best.

Btw the shots were just a preventative. I watched the video and it’s hard to tell how he was acting but he wasn’t scared at all just kept killing. It’s all a blurr.

 

[DiYMama540]

Yikes...very scary! Glad he didn't turn on you or spray! sorry about your birds though...any loss is always hard

 

[Folly's place]

Because an animal may not act 'crazy' doesn't mean it's not rabid. Especially critters like skunks and bats, who can be contagious for a long time before getting actually sick. Don't take chances with wild life, and try not to shoot it in the head, if it needs to be rabies tested.
Mary

 

[azygous]

I'm sure this has been just like a horrible nightmare for you, but you are a very courageous person. You'll have an exciting story to tell your grandkids some day a few decades from now.

Your experience is informing many others who might some day have such an encounter, and while your are now in the process of saving your own life, you may also be saving a few others as well.

 

[aart]

I'm sure this has been just like a horrible nightmare for you, but you are a very courageous person. You'll have an exciting story to tell your grandkids some day a few decades from now.

Your experience is informing many others who might some day have such an encounter, and while your are now in the process of saving your own life, you may also be saving a few others as well.

Ditto Dat!!!