Skunk attack

[Diana_burns04]

I also collected feathers off the wings from the attacked chickens.

I keep my feather too

 

[Sheltiepawz]

The skunk came back rabid. Three more shots for me...yay....

I am so sorry! I just read your story!!! You are so brave!!!

 

[chickenenthusiasts5698]

I am so sorry! I just read your story!!! You are so brave!!!

Thank you!

 

[azygous]

I hope your family is planning on a celebration after that last shot. You and your family have actually managed to stay one step ahead of certain disaster.

As you get each of your next three shots, meditate on what it would be like to actually develop rabies. Lying in a hospital bed suffering brain inflammation, fever, tingling, acute anxiety, hydrophobia, paralysis, confusion, coma and knowing you will likely die.

Those next three shots start to look like a walk on the beach in comparison.

I wouldn't be surprised if a news reporter comes knocking wanting to interview you for the local news. This is and should be news to the people in your county.

 

[Folly's place]

I'm totally with @azygous on this! Injections? Piece of cake! Sore arm? Who cares! Look at the other choice here.
Over 50,000 people die of rabies EVERY YEAR, mostly children, mostly in Africa and Asia. We do very well here, and would do even better if everyone had their critters vaccinated!!!
You were smart, and acted, and will be just fine.
And you did that poor sick skunk a favor too.
Make sure all your critters are vaccinated, ask about boostering your dog, at least, and watch out for the wildlife!
Mary

 

[Folly's place]

Friday the 13th? A very lucky day for you, because you are going to be fine!
Mary

 

[gtaus]

Sorry to hear that the skunk tested positive for rabies and that you have to undergo more shots. Happy that we live in a day where you can get shots and live to tell about it.

If you can, could you please explain why you need to rabies shots even if you did not get bitten by the skunk? Are the shots more preventative - just in case?

 

[Folly's place]

Because the saliva from that skunk was on those chickens that the OP handled bare handed, so exposure occurred. Nobody can be sure that there's not tiny break in their skin, as a hangnail, scratch, or whatever. Would you risk your life? Not me!
This is an issue often forgotten by dog owners, especially, who clean up their pet's wounds after an encounter with a critter outside. That saliva could be poison!!!
Mary

 

[chickenenthusiasts5698]

I'm totally with @azygous on this! Injections? Piece of cake! Sore arm? Who cares! Look at the other choice here.
Over 50,000 people die of rabies EVERY YEAR, mostly children, mostly in Africa and Asia. We do very well here, and would do even better if everyone had their critters vaccinated!!!
You were smart, and acted, and will be just fine.
And you did that poor sick skunk a favor too.
Make sure all your critters are vaccinated, ask about boostering your dog, at least, and watch out for the wildlife!
Mary

Every time I have a dreadful feeling I re-read this post! It’s very true I keep reminding myself I get to live through this experience and i’m very grateful for that.

 

[sciencegrrrrl]

So sorry you had to go through this! Skunks have very poor eyesight, I've walked up to them before and they walked toward me, curious. It is strange that you had one take part if your flock, I totally agree with testing! How did it get in? I may have missed that part of the thread. Possum and raccoon are more of a threat here and will take advantage of any unsecured part of my run to try and get into the coop at night.