Yep a snake. I know there are 2 more i've seen still out there. ONe is a copperhead and the other a rat snake. This one I got yesterday was a different colored rat snake. I don't know if it's their "official" name but we call them chicken snakes.
Yep a snake. I know there are 2 more i've seen still out there. ONe is a copperhead and the other a rat snake. This one I got yesterday was a different colored rat snake. I don't know if it's their "official" name but we call them chicken snakes.
Rat snakes can be all black with a pale grey to almost white underside or a patterned top that is greenish to yellow with a darker pattern on it and they are a problem once they find a coop. Sometimes the ones with patterens are young one that turn black as they get bigger. We have tried relocation but that does not always work as we have had some return after being taken 2-5 miles away. Of course those that returned were 4-6 footers so maybe they can find their territory easier then the smaller ones. We did put a harmless mark on those relocated so we know if they return. I have seen a few copperheads around here but never when there was a rat snake in the area. I tend to leave the king snakes here as they will eat other snakes including copperheads. So far we have not had a problem with copperheads in the coops or pigeon lofts. We have tried sulpher around the coops and it seemed to work for a few weeks but then you have to put it down again and of course after any rain. I hope you have good luck in keeping your birds and family safe