3 snakes in 3 days and now low egg production

[Flamens Farm]

I do have snakes here also, never found one in the hen house, I have too many cats, dogs, and guineas! LOL, if a snake comes anywhere near the house, yard or pens one of my animals is going to let the whole world know about it. They all get involved! The guineas are the main ones to own to help control snakes, they will circle it and kill it. The cats will taunt it and the dogs raise holy you know what at it. I definitely live in the woods and have seen plenty of snakes but few ever decide to come in my yard.

 

[Crow-ded house]

Welcome!!!

 

[RWise]

I found a snake one night with its head in a nest box, and was swallowing a golf ball. 2 golf balls disappeared from this nest over a week or so, then no more, later a big rain and 2 golf balls washed out of a hole in the ground near the coop. (snake den)
I keep a shovel handy for just such occasions.
I know where my snakes come from, there is a creek that flows across my place,,,,

 

[Nardo]

I found a snake one night with its head in a nest box, and was swallowing a golf ball. 2 golf balls disappeared from this nest over a week or so, then no more, later a big rain and 2 golf balls washed out of a hole in the ground near the coop. (snake den)
I keep a shovel handy for just such occasions.
I know where my snakes come from, there is a creek that flows across my place,,,,

Ew.

 

[TejasJeff]

First egg in WEEKS to be found in the nesting area. YIPPEE!! I'm up to 2 whole eggs now and will have a delicious breakfast in the morning! My orpington and bantam are still holding out on me. Doing my best this coming weekend to secure the coop. Thanks everyone and hope you all have a great weekend!

Edited for spelling.

 

[pennyJo1960]

very glad to hear that @TejasJeff now you can post how many eggs today

 

[Patty724]

Snake update . . . I placed a golf ball in the nesting box yesterday. I was told that when the snake tried eating it and realized it wasn't good that they'd leave and not return. So far the golf ball is still there and no snake has returned.
Now, for the million dollar question. My hens seem nervous about going in to roost at night. Is this typical summer behavior, or can they be afraid of the snakes return?
Or am I totally making too much out of this all together LOL

 

[Lazy Farmer]

An abundance of snakes can mean an abundance of rodents.

 

[pennyJo1960]

quite probably because of the snakes they worried
give them time big ordeal

 

[coach723]

Snake update . . . I placed a golf ball in the nesting box yesterday. I was told that when the snake tried eating it and realized it wasn't good that they'd leave and not return. So far the golf ball is still there and no snake has returned.
Now, for the million dollar question. My hens seem nervous about going in to roost at night. Is this typical summer behavior, or can they be afraid of the snakes return?
Or am I totally making too much out of this all together LOL

Do you have a light in the coop in the evening when they are going in to roost? If not, adding one may make them less reluctant since they will be able to see better. It can be as simple as putting a small LED lantern in there before dark, and removing it or turning it off once they've all gone inside. Might be worth a shot to see if it helps. I have one on a timer, I rarely have a bird not want to go in anymore.