First predator and a kill

[Sparrow]

Well I'd suggest not responding to posts where your opinion is obviously not wanted ("And no one better start the whole "black snakes are our friends" blah blah blah.

I hate snakes, all snakes, but I only kill if I have to."), and as you said it's a social forum and therefore I don't believe anyone is required to post

Believe it or not, there have been others on here who have actually appreciated the time and effort I put into identifying their mystery snake and telling them more about it. I am not required to post, but I am also under no obligation to stay away from something I feel needs to be addressed, even if for my own peace of mind. No need for the rude replies to someone who is trying to help.

Someone also mentioned relocating snakes. It works VERY well. They are not like mammals who will track their home area if taken well away from it. They can't use up the massive amount of energy it would require to travel back such a long distance. Many snakes live their entire lives in a couple square miles at most, and if relocated tend to settle into a suitable location and stay there. Reptiles here do not pose the threat that mammals do, they don't kill for pleasure, and won't keep coming back every night to decimate your flock. They kill out of absolute necessity, and no more than they need to sustain life. Garter snakes and similar pose absolutely no threat to chickens with any size on them at all. Their preferred prey is frogs and toads, and small rodents. Even an egg would have to be very small to be considered by all but the largest garter snakes(3 feet is a big one).

 

[SobbaChickens]

I'm sure your level of knowledge is very helpful to those looking for answers, I however am not.

 

[Shellz]

I appreciate the education & since I don't have any large enough snakes to warrant lethal action, the garters are safe here. Although they are harmless, I have been bitten by a large one. Served me right for catching it. Lol! I had no hard feelings towards it & I let it go. As a young girl, I loved catching them for sport. On the other hand, I do feel for those who have issue with these large snakes. Most folks aren't comfortable handling, let alone moving, such a large snake. I think we have to learn to appreciate each person's circumstances here.

 

[marktoo]

Having kept snakes as a youngster & even for a good part of my adult life, I would also relocate rather than kill, if the snake was nonvenomous. They do eat things other than eggs & chicks like mice,rats & other small mammals which from what I understand can be a problem for flock owners. I have even noticed on craigslist people wanting Kingsnakes cause they have a rodent problem. I assumed it was a farmer but I can't be certain, it is however illegal to be selling these things here in California unless they're captive bred. We all gotta do what we gotta do,I suppose, so kill if you must but they do have a niche to fill. Just my two cents.

 

[Shellz]

Yes, I agree marktoo. Animals have their niches in nature to fill. It's unfortunate that it's not always convenient for some to handle well. I respect both sides on this matter. It's not always easy to get assistance in relocating such snakes when we are reluctant to do it ourselves. I also appreciate education on the matter, but its really up to the individual to do what they feel is best.

I recently had a large snapping turtle emerge out of our pond & nearly bite my dog. This turtle ended up later in front of my coop readying a nest to lay her eggs in the compost pile. OMG NO! I suppose we could've shot her, but knowing the laws on endangered species, we legally couldn't. So...we managed to move her to where we've noticed others do it in years past. I watched her lay her eggs later near where we dropped her off. No, we weren't big fans of handling her with bare hands, so hubby got creative & loaded her up on a big scoop shovel. Sometimes you can get creative, or reactive. Everyone's choice & I won't put down anyone who makes either choice.

 

[V-NH]

Snapping turtles are horrifying. When I was a little bit younger, I came face to face with one as big as a laundry basket. Neither of us were happy to see each other.

Nice job on killing the snake. Relocation is a nice idea, but then it might just become someone elses problem. I would dispose of anything that was on my property and a potential threat to my flock.

 

[appps]

I remember reading once that more snake bites occur when people are trying to kill snakes than any other time. I think I'd have called someone to take it elsewhere

 

[SobbaChickens]

I think I'd have called someone to take it elsewhere

That would depend on your location I think. Being in the middle of nowhere and 9pm at night? I don't think I would of had any other takers lol, and if a friend or family member did come over they would have just shot it. And I'd never pay someone to come take care of it either

Snapping turtles are horrifying. When I was a little bit younger, I came face to face with one as big as a laundry basket. Neither of us were happy to see each other.

Nice job on killing the snake. Relocation is a nice idea, but then it might just become someone elses problem. I would dispose of anything that was on my property and a potential threat to my flock.

Thank you! It's not like the snake was just chillin out, it was trying to get into my run/coop and would have already found it's way in but thankfully it got caught in my netting.

 

[centrarchid]

Sobba,

Have you lost anything to a snake? I very seldom do, despite having a lot of birds and snakes. I am not scared of my snakes, are you?

 

[SobbaChickens]

Sobba,

Have you lost anything to a snake? I very seldom do, despite having a lot of birds and snakes. I am not scared of my, are you?

Well in my post I said this was my first predator "attack" so no I haven't lost anything to a snake, yet. And I'm not sure how to respond to your question, "I'm not scared of my, are you?" Can you clarify for me?