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Eric85

Eric85

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Jun 14, 2015
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Hello Everybody,

Im not one for introductions but my wife and I recently started raising chickens and so far we have I believe 26 or 28 cant remember the #. They range from Barred Rock,Rhode Island Reds,Black Copper, Buffs, Lavander Buffs. I built a coop out of some old stuff I had around the house in my shop and had one question to start. What is the best way to keep snakes away, We live in South Louisiana and have had 1 Black Copper get killed by a 4ft grass snake. They free range the whole yard during the day and at night get put in my shed until I can finish my coop. Also how high should you put a roost? All feedback welcome thanks and God Bless!

Eric
 
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glad you have joined us.

There is no way to keep snakes away from your property, but 1/2 " hardware cloth covering all coop openings will keep them out of there. The main problem would be the chicken door - which you have to leave open so the layers can access those nests. People in my area use sulfur or snake rid products with sulfur ingredient - I don't know if that works, but would be worth a try surrounding the coop area with it. Old timers here really think the sulfur works. Make sure you don't leave feed out - it attracts mice/rats and those attract snakes.

You can search the forums, I have seen others from your area tackling the same snake issues.

For the breeds you have, I would place the roosts 24" high, those big BO's won't like taller roosts as they get older. Make sure you give plenty of room between roosts so they have room to make the jump with some wing flap.
 
Thanks for all the info so far, I read garlic is a natural deterent so I planted some of that and I wish I could get horses my daughter wants one bad but gota but the property next to mine in order to do that so hopefully one day. And ill get up some of those roosts here withing the next coupel days.
 
I wouldn't count on horses or garlic.

Years ago on BYC, someone posted on how they kept snakes away. He used long rolls of poultry wire laying on the ground, spiraled out like a slinkie toy, and forming a perimeter to where the birds would be. He said the snakes couldn't navigate thru the twisted wire and got stuck in the openings and either died outright or their predators would come and finish them off. If you totally free range in any area that has snakes - you take big chances. That's the price people pay for free ranging.

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