Look what my husband managed to trap under a salad bowl a couple of nights ago.
It's one of the sub-species of Vipera Palaestinae - the most dangerous venomous snake in our area. I believe this was the culprit behind some unexplained chick disappearances that happened in the previous days. We actually found it inside a nesting box.
Unfortunately, while we were thinking about what to do and whom to call (these snakes are protected animals, one isn't allowed to kill them), it managed to squeeze under the bowl's rim and escape.
I'm pretty sure it's still somewhere around, though. The pull of fresh eggs and young chicks must be strong.
Naturally, now I wear socks and shoes with thick soles when I make my evening round of the chicken coop. I also make sure all the chickens and chicks are on their roosts, or in their nests, before dusk. And naturally, no going barefoot outside for the girls after the sun has set.
It's one of the sub-species of Vipera Palaestinae - the most dangerous venomous snake in our area. I believe this was the culprit behind some unexplained chick disappearances that happened in the previous days. We actually found it inside a nesting box.
Unfortunately, while we were thinking about what to do and whom to call (these snakes are protected animals, one isn't allowed to kill them), it managed to squeeze under the bowl's rim and escape.
I'm pretty sure it's still somewhere around, though. The pull of fresh eggs and young chicks must be strong.
Naturally, now I wear socks and shoes with thick soles when I make my evening round of the chicken coop. I also make sure all the chickens and chicks are on their roosts, or in their nests, before dusk. And naturally, no going barefoot outside for the girls after the sun has set.
