Disappearing eggs :(

[BeetleChick]

We have 11 - 1 year old hens all productions reds except for a brahma bantam and 1 black cochin rooster. Their coop is built on top of an old boat trailer, so it is about 18" off the ground, their run is a 10'x20' chain link dog run. We have trees everywhere with squirrels and red tail hawks, therefore our chickens do not free range. So we noticed they were inconsistent with eggs from 4-10 per day. My mom found a 4' black snake in the nesting box on Saturday, my dad killed it. Today, there was about 3/4 of an eggshell out in their run. Could it be a squirrel? We've also seen cats and possums. Thanks for any advice.

Would it be safe to move my 5 week old barred rocks (5hens, 1 roo) out in their tractor with the egg thief around?

 

[Chickenfarmer54]

Hello BeetleChick,
I'm new to the back yard chicken adventure, but not snakes. They can get into many small spaces and if you are using dog kennel chain link fence, he can get through the links of the fence and eat your hardworking chickens' eggs. I have been reading about snakes and chickens and it seems as though they will only eat your eggs, not your full grown chickens, but I wouldn't put anything small out in your chicken house. Go to the link below to find out more about snakes in the hen house. Good luck.
Chickenfarmer




http://www.mypetchicken.com/backyar...eed-to-know-about-snakes-if-I-keep-H173.aspx?