Chicken died suddenly :-( Suspecting snake

[Flock Leader]

So, two nights ago I heard disturbance and some urgent clucking in my chicken coop. I went out to see if it's a fox or a stray dog, and saw nothing in the area. All chickens appeared fine. After searching around the yard and seeing the chickens settle down I went inside. In the morning, I found my favorite Polish/Black Brahma pullet dead on the chicken coop floor with no visible signs of injury. I am so upset, she was just about to begin laying and was so gorgeous. My children were devastated, too.

Could it have been a snake? Can snakes climb up a roost?

 

[redsoxs]

I think snakes can certainly make their way up to the roost. Not sure, however, if one would take on an adult chicken, even a smaller breed like a Polish. I suspect something like you suggested may have injured her but she didn't pass until later. Sorry for your loss.

 

[Flock Leader]

I think snakes can certainly make their way up to the roost. Not sure, however, if one would take on an adult chicken, even a smaller breed like a Polish. I suspect something like you suggested may have injured her but she didn't pass until later. Sorry for your loss.

Thank you for your reply. Just thought I'd add she appeared perfectly fine in the evening, and was stone-cold by morning.