how to get rid of snakes?

[wanttobefarmer]

Last night about 11 pm I went to check on the chickens because I have a new addition to my flock. There was about a 5 ft black snake in the coop. I went to get a shovel with the flashlight and when I came back he was gone. I'm sure he was eating eggs (I work at night) MY coop stays open o the run and the chickens go in the coop to roost at night. I don't close the chickens up before I go to work ( around 4:00 pm) because It's too early and REALLY HOT here in Texas. They have a pool in the run, frozen water bottles and a sprinkler. Any way I don't want the snake there. Is there a snake repellent to put out? Any Ideas? Thank you

 

[cindy99]

That would have scared me!

We have used blood meal in the past - around our garage door. It is great for keeping the snakes away but I'm new to chickens so not sure if it is safe to use around them. I'm sure you'll get some great advice here!

 

[wanttobefarmer]

I already have an unreasonable phobia of snakes so yeah I was shocked, especially when I was right on top of him without realizing it. I'm going to research the blood meal Thanks.

 

[wormy270]

Just let it be. It may eat a egg or two, but it also will eat mice and rats. It wont hurt you.

 

[Knock Kneed Hen]

Check out this thread!: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=389002

 

[teach1rusl]

Quote:

Although I can certainly understand you not wanting to stumble upon him in your coop...that can get the old heart a knockin...

But a rat snake/black snake does help with the rodents...

ETA: I just checked my bottle of Critter Ridder, but evidently it doesn't work on snakes...sorry.

 

[Turkeyrangler]

Most snakes are a good thing, let him be, he may eat some eggs, but the rats and mice will be a no show. Snakes are good!!

 

[imfowl]

Moth balls work great, and they've never hurt my birds.

 

[katdam]

here's an old wives tale..don't know if it works....put some ashes around the coop like a barrier..supposedly snakes won't cross the ashes because of fire

 

[Debbi]

I'm not a cat lover by any means, but if you can get a few cats, they will keep the snakes at bay. I haven't seen a snake here in years, except for the "prizes" that one of them insists I have. The last one this little cat brought home, was a four foot black snake. He has also caught his share of Copperheads, and wears the scars to prove it. Of course, the cats could also go after your chickens if they have access to them, and would definately snag chicks!