Eastern King Snake tried to eat my babies!!

[Chickenfeet]

Just killed a 5 foot Eastern King Snake in my chicken run. He was after my babies. I hate snakes. Thank goodness DH was home or I don't know what I would have done. Is there anything I can put out to deter them from coming around my chickens and turkeys?

 

[bigjohn]

I am wondering the same thing. I am out of town on vacation with a friend taking care of my quail while I am gone. They are all in 1/2" x 1/2" wire cages outside. Somehow a huge rat snake gained entrance to the cage and devoured one of my A&M hens. Luckily my friend arrived in time to remove the snake before it ate more. Not sure how it got into the cage but it makes my skin crawl to think that it got in and terrified the other birds (probably licked each birds head before he decided to take one!). My pet rabbit was also dead the day before from "unknown" causes, but guess the snake had it's way with it also. I hate snakes 'cause they are so sneaky and vicious. And this is in a nice subdivision setting. Not sure where he came from.

The only way I can even think he got in was pushing hard against the wire door and it had enough 'give' to get him inside.

And to think, I just go outside each day and reach my hand in the cage to gather eggs. No more! I will look carefully before I open the cages.

I was more concerned with cats, rats, or other critters, but not a huge snake.

 

[Chickenfeet]

I'm sorry for your loss. Thank goodness I had already picked up eggs earlier and normally wouldn't go back up until I lock them up for the night. Just went up because I had an extra few minutes before I started supper. He could have eaten half my flock. I heard Mothballs deter them. Have you heard anything about it?

 

[Chickenfeet]

What part of Georgia are you from Bigjohn?