Huge Snake problems

[FortCluck]

Here are some plants that repel snakes

https://wiki.nurserylive.com/t/worried-of-snakes-these-plants-will-repel-snakes-from-your-garden/166

 

[KYfreerange]

Most young chickens are scared of a snake. But if you have an old flock like mine that's been around 50 years plus. (New members obviously but the roots are old and many generations experience in their blood i inherited my flock from my mother)My chickens have always killed a snake that's gotten into my coop. But I also have a young flock. Different coop. I haven't seen a snake in the coop yet but saw one outside they had seen also. They were all scared of it. Was it my old flock they would have charged and seen who coulda killed the snake first. Experience is key

 

[Baumshell28]

First year with chickens. I’ve seen a garter snake in my yard, but not in the chicken coop or run. Growing up, we used to “outline” the horse barn with sulfur to deter snakes. Never found one hiding in stalls or anywhere else in the barn after regular applications. Stinks to high heaven, but seemed to work...?

 

[KYfreerange]

I would suggest getting a few experienced hens and adding them to your flock.

 

[Sourwoodhill]

I’ve been told geese are great for snake patrol. I’ve also been told 5 miles is ideal for rehoming.

 

[reddogmaster2]

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?

I don't think its a plant but a .410 shotgun seems to work for me.

Also, get rid of your mice/rats and the snakes leave.

 

[Es_In_Miami]

I don't think its a plant but a .410 shotgun seems to work for me.

Also, get rid of your mice/rats and the snakes leave.

That certainly works

 

[Flockincrazy]

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?

Hot pepper trick i use ghost peppers but get the hottest peppers you can get your hands on and crush them especially the seeds put them around your coop and run it deters predators including snakes reapply every month or after a big rain

 

[Es_In_Miami]

If you have so many snakes they are breeding nearby. Address the behavior and resolve the problem.

Rat snakes are oviparous, like our chicken. Their peak mating period is late spring. Clutches hold 12 to 20 eggs +/- and hatch in 5 weeks. What you're seeing is seasonally correct. Find the den and eliminate the snakes.

At birth rat snakes are just over a foot long. They grow quickly too.

You can use pheromones to attract and trap males. It may be an option worth exploring. If you have an agricultural extension office or university nearby this may be a more economical route than doing it yourself or hiring a trapper. Look for herpetology clubs in your area too. They may be able to help out.

Dens can be found near water/moisture. Look for hollowed out logs, compost piles, leaf liter and similar. If you find eggs, crack em.

Snakes can come from above too. If you have tree branches you may have to weigh shade vs snakes.

Natural predators are lacking. A dog or even chicken friendly cat will do wonders. Terriers are good, chihuahuas are great at eliminating small snakes sorry, I got a visual.

You could try a new more secure coop for the night. Plywood is cheaper than new wire everywhere. You could incorporate most of your current coop into a new design. Lots of work but it may save your chicks.

Whatever route you take I hope it works great. Wishing you much luck.

 

[FathertoFeathers]

Maybe some ducks? My ducks eat just about anything.