Wow, that is really scary. I would have wet my pants and left the chickens to fend for themselves if I ran into a poisonous snake in the dark! What a bad chicken mommy I am.
Im really glad that your hubby didnt step on that snake.
Look at this link. According to the NCSU Extension, although the Copperhead isnt the most venomous snake in the country, it is responsible for the most bites! Apparently, other snakes (including the Cottonmouth) give you some kind of warning. Copperheads warn you by biting you!!!
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/gaston/Pests/reptiles/copperhead.htm
(edited to fix link)
Chel

Look at this link. According to the NCSU Extension, although the Copperhead isnt the most venomous snake in the country, it is responsible for the most bites! Apparently, other snakes (including the Cottonmouth) give you some kind of warning. Copperheads warn you by biting you!!!
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/gaston/Pests/reptiles/copperhead.htm
(edited to fix link)
Chel