Black Snakes

[dwgov]

The other day I got quite a surprise. I went out to collect the usual eggs and was surprised by a 4 ft. Black Snake curled up in 1 of the nesting boxes. I am not afraid of snakes so I stuck my hand in and pulled him out. As far as I could tell he swallowed 1 egg (could see the lump). I put him over our fence. I'm having trouble deciding if it's a good thing to have him around to keep the rodent population down forgoing the loss of an occasional egg. Decisions, decisions...

 

[boskelli1571]

Hi there,
They definitely have a place in my heart for the 'rodent patrol' duties they perform. However, they will eat eggs and small chicks. So, if the occasional egg is not a big deal to you, keep him nearby. If you are planning on chicks in the future, you will have to snake proof their enclosure until they get too big for him. Good luck,

 

[dwgov]

Hey thanks alot. I do have some youngons but I keep them in my garage till they get older.