Huge Snake problems

[Qualien]

I've got 4 week old chicks, and 6 week old jumbo coturnix quail (the coturnix are separated in an elevated cage covered with 1/4 " snake wire, which is not working) this past week I've pulled 5 different 6-8 ft Rat snakes out of my coop. They're decimating my eggs, they've gotten 5 of my chicks, today I pulled one out after it ate 2 of my jumbo coturnix, and found another one with it. As I was grabbing it the snake was going after another of my chicks. Luckily I got the snake before it got my chicks. I don't have a rodent problem, I stay on top of it with regularly baited traps. They're only there for the chicks and quail. I am beyond frustrated, and this many large snakes in such a short period of time tells me I have a huge issue. Not even my rooster or guineas are keeping them out. How can I keep them out of my hen house, and away from my chicks, and quail? Does anyone know of what I could use as a repellent? Is there a certain type of chicken that will go after snakes?

 

[Crestcrazy2]

You could get peacocks,haha .
I don't know of a certain type of chicken that will go after snakes but my guess would be some sort of game chicken , good luck

 

[333113]

I use hardware cloth, based on Robert Frost's poetic advice, "Good fences make good neighbors."

I do not rely on adult chickens or guineas to control rat snakes. I have heard that pigs are effective, but I don't have enough room for them.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Some stores have a snake away product that is supposed to federal them. Perhaps try that? It's usually a spray that you just put around the permitter

 

[raeanne]

That sounds horrible and you are brave to deal with snakes !!!

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Deter them*

 

[RaineyTN]

I usually let them go because I only see a couple a year but I had one in the run and one in the nest box the other day. And when I went in the barn to get a hoe to get the snakes out there was another one in the barn. Very weird

 

[raeanne]

Where is a hawk when you need one ?!

 

[Qualien]

Thank you all for replying. Keep the ideas coming. Unfortunately pigs, and peacocks aren't an option for me either. I'm a little worried about the cost of covering my entire coop in snake wire. But I'll definitely be looking into the snake deterrent products. Does anyone know if there are any plants that repel snakes?

 

[Qualien]

Thank you all for replying. Keep the ideas coming. Unfortunately pigs, and peacocks aren't an option for me either. I'm a little worried about the cost of covering my entire coop in snake wire. But I'll definitely be looking into the snake deterrent products. Does anyone know if there are any plants that repel snakes?