Chickens and Snakes

[Hummingbird Hollow]

I had just let my 10 week old pullets out for a little free ranging when one came running up with something hanging out of her beak. At first I thought it was a big earth worm but when I looked closer I realized that it was a tiny snake. She was beating it against the ground, probably trying to break it into bite-sized pieces. I was rather amazed because I've never seen snakes around here. Should I have taken it away from her? I kind of figured that chickens generally know what is edible and what isn't and left her to it.

 

[ChickenPeep]

Yeah, im not sure, but i think they give up after a while. thats totally normal for chickens!
Once my chickens found a toad. a little while later the toad was no more.

 

[lovinlife]

Good chicken! I wish they would take on a 4' rat snake...

 

[Frogdogtimestwo]

Ours took care of a three footer two days ago

and mice that's another story

 

[SunnyCalifornia]

My Delaware is an expert mouser and lizard catcher. I'm sure the flock would attack a snake. I try to spare and relocate the snakes.

 

[galanie]

My broody has been finding 6 inch snakes for her 8 week chicks lately and they go crazy over them. Suck them down like spaghetti

 

[turbodog]

Quote:
LOL yeah, I've got some beautiful black racers here that I would hate to see my girls get ahold of.

 

[superchemicalgirl]

Mine thought it was a novelty item. This chicken actually got bit by the snake. She limped for days. They do, however, love mice and toads.

 

[Hummingbird Hollow]

Thanks for the input folks. I was actually away from my computer for almost two days! WOW, that must be close to a record! I think the snake got eaten because I couldn't find any remains.

Great photo superchemicalgirl!