Oak snake a real threat?

[breakfast crew]

I just came home to see a monster oak snake up in the top corner of the coop. He wasn't there the previous day and I'm hoping he just wants a few eggs and moves on his way. We live out in the country and we hate killing oak snakes because they keep the mice away but will the snake go after the chickens if he's hungry enough? I read a post that said to put moth balls in the top of the coop but knowing my chickens they will try to eat them and that wont work- any tips on making him moveelsewhere?

 

[av8torcrj]

Catch him, put him in an old pillow case and relocate him to a different area. I agree on not killing him but if he's on your coop he's likely up to no good. I carried off a big " rat snake" today that had been eating baby wild birds out of their nests and I'm sure he had his eye on my baby chicks. I never heard of an oak snake btw and can only assume it is capable of harming your birds.

 

[Naked Farm]

I found a 5' black snake in my nesting boxes today. My Husband was with me, thank goodness! We normally take the relocating mind set too, esoecially on these because they kill copperheads, but one of my chicks disappeared last week & my egg count has dropped from 11/day to 4 or 5 in the last 2 weeks. Once they get a taste & find a free meal it's hard to break them...

 

[chfite]

It seems unlikely that a snake would try to eat a grown chicken. I know a snake can take a rather large object into its mouth, but a chicken would be gigantic by comparison. If the snake is up in the coop, filling in the small holes might keep it out.

If it is unlucky enough, the chickens might just eat it.

I agree that they keep down the pests. We have black snakes here. They help keep down the supply of chipmunks and rabbits.

Chris

 

[Naked Farm]

I doubt they'd eat a full grown chicken too, but a chick, you bet! I know he ate eggs. There was quite obvious evidence...