So, yesterday I went out to take care of my 4 week old chicks in their outdoor brooder. Well, one of the NHRs was dead. All I noticed was some wounds to the head area, so I figured they must have pecked at it after it died. I took care of it and checked on them throughout the day...no other issues.
This afternoon, my DSS went out to feed them and caught a 5 foot yellow rat snake in the act of eating a 2nd NHR!!! The chick was too big for it and it couldn't get more than the head down.
DAMN IT!!!! How did it get in there and how did I not notice it yesterday??? Explains the head wounds...
So, DH took care of the snake. We usually just move them but he was afraid it might come back again.
Have NO idea how it got in. Brooder/coop is TOTALLY predator proof. Any spaces are way too small for a snake this size to fit into, much less a worm. Must have come in when I opened the door one day while changing food/water. Won't leave the door open again for any amount of time.
SO sad!!
This afternoon, my DSS went out to feed them and caught a 5 foot yellow rat snake in the act of eating a 2nd NHR!!! The chick was too big for it and it couldn't get more than the head down.
DAMN IT!!!! How did it get in there and how did I not notice it yesterday??? Explains the head wounds...
So, DH took care of the snake. We usually just move them but he was afraid it might come back again.
Have NO idea how it got in. Brooder/coop is TOTALLY predator proof. Any spaces are way too small for a snake this size to fit into, much less a worm. Must have come in when I opened the door one day while changing food/water. Won't leave the door open again for any amount of time.
SO sad!!
