Main predator in Northern Australia

[qldchook]

I live in North Qld, Australia, and deal with these guys all the time. Once my chooks are locked in their snake proof boxes at night, all is fine but I have had many casualties over the many years just on dusk. I have managed to rescue a lot but have lost others.

This guy (pictured with my dad) was one of the smaller ones I had to remove. As you can see no bulge so he did not get anyone. We relocated him many kms away in good rainforest.I had to catch 18 so far this year, the worst year ever due to the cyclones and floods according to the experts. They are actually beautiful creatures and are not out to hurt humans but I do not particularly enjoy having to catch them, I'm no Steve Irwin! When I go out in the morning the snake will usually just be patiently waiting on or near the sleeping box knowing the chooks are in there. If there is one in the coop when they go in at dusk my rooster usually alerts me. Anyway, I just thought some of you may find interesting as I have certainly been entertained by your predator stories

 

[chickenbythesea]

what breed of snake is it? I agree, it's beautiful but wouldn't like having to go after it

 

[TinaG]

Is that some kind of carpet python?

 

[qldchook]

Hi guys, it is an Amethystine python (similar to carpet). They are usually a lot thicker than this one and can grow to more than 24ft long. The biggest one I have caught was 15 feet. Usually they are quite docile but once they have a chook and are constricting it, it is a real battle to undo the coils and get it out especially if you are on your own. I have managed to do this on at least 3 occassions and actually resusitate the bird. Big goannas are another problem I have, though not as often and they scare me, they are dangerous to take on. Its strange, I cannot imagine things like raccoons and skunks and foxes (only in South Aust) coming after my chooks.

 

[TinaG]

Sorry, mate (correct syntax?) but I think a 24 ft predator trumps a skunk or raccoon anyday. I think you should definitely get the BYC creepy predator prize of the week! I think I appreciate rattlesnakes a whole lot more now. At least they usually let you know they're around. Then it's amazing to see how high someone can jump!

 

[qldchook]

Yes mate is correct for male or female. I would rather my big non venomous pythons anyday over a rattle snake! I wouldn.t be trying to cath one of them!