Peed. My. Pants.

[Sara Ranch]

I am nice to all of the animals...even the "wild" ones will make eye contact and linger for conversation. It's my way.

This snake was longer than 6' - so he probably did enjoy all 15 eggs or so that he took today. I've never known there to be just one black snake. Usually a nest of them, various ages. He's kinda trapped unless he can find a way past the roosters hanging around outside. Or unless there is a small hole that I didn't know existed. (Possible.) I figured he came in through the chicken door. Liked the daily buffet and stayed.

I've kept the area clear of weeds and tall stuffs and trash. I am on the property moving around most of the day. I maintain what I have. Haven't seen a snake before today. And I do rearrange stuff in the housing spaces often and clean daily.

Wish me luck. Got help coming to capture and relocate the guy. And out here, it's unlikely that anyone would notice or care what happens to him.

 

[Debs Flock]

at least it was a friendly one


@Debs Flock where is that emoji??

 

[Folly's place]

I loved it! Up here in Michigan, I've never seen a black snake or had a snake of any kind in my coop. Can you keep the birds in the coop and (hopefully snake-proof) run for a week or so? Would that discourage it, or is that a silly idea? If they come in family groups, how will that work out/ Can they be live trapped? Mary

 

[User395221]

He's HUGE. I was expecting some little itty bitty thing and then the PHOTO.
When I'm thinking how much I'd love to be out in the country with all that space, then I see these posts and am glad it's unlikely I'll ever encounter this.

 

[Folly's place]

I'm good with snakes, as long as they aren't poisonous! Long ago, in another place, I learned NEVER to put a body part in a place without seeing into it first. Not a hand, not a foot... Mary

 

[007Sean]

Yes, I did. Reached in - even looked first, but it was in the shade/kinda dark - grabbed THAT. No egg. But THAT.

Yeah, it's NOT that dramatic of a predator. But it was enough to make me scream and pee my pants. And I always look in before I reach in. (Darn hens keep rearranging the shavings in those nesting boxes! Will be converting to sand in nesting boxes, like in my other coop.)

And it hasn't eaten any animals. Just consuming (it and it's friends - I'm sure it has a partner!) 10-15 eggs a day.

I didn't capture it. When I screamed (and peed my pants) I let it go as I jumped about 5 feet away. Went back with GLOVES and a canning pot with lid to try to capture it. Naw. Wasn't happening. At the time, I couldn't be sure what kind of snake it was. Now I am pretty confident it was a rat snake/black snake. Not poisonous. Still scary! Snake climbed the wall and went into the rafters.

Note to self - a large, uncrowded space for hens may NOT be the best when you have to go looking for snakes.

The snake hunt begins promptly at 7 pm. Please bring courage, gloves, and boots. The winner will have the pleasure of relocating the snake miles away and a dozen FRESH eggs.

**shudder**

Know what ya mean. Had a 6' bullsnake getting my gambel quails one night. It had already swallowed 4 and when I went to grab the last bird to save it, the snake went for it also but bite my hand in the process. It didn't live long enough to tell it's buddies. Left a nasty bite on my hand, still have scars, 27 years later.

 

[Folly's place]

The joys of southern living! I'll take snow, thanks! Mary

 

[Flashpoint]

A snake can clean out a nest in one go if it's a big enough snake. As for how many snakes that one has told im betting every single snake it knows. You better be glad they don't have the internet. Oh I just thought about something! What if it liked it and you've just got a nest full of snakes in the morning wanting a squeeze.

 

[scottcaddy]

I do relocate critters back to state lands. We have 3 large areas that are state game/parks/forest and or recreation area's. This state claims ownership of all wild critters.
All I do is give said critters a safe, for all involved, ride back into the middle of a safe state controlled area.
Scott

 

[scottcaddy]

Chickassan said: ↑
A snake can clean out a nest in one go if it's a big enough snake. As for how many snakes that one has told im betting every single snake it knows. You better be glad they don't have the internet. Oh I just thought about something! What if it liked it and you've just got a nest full of snakes in the morning wanting a squeeze.

I am wondering the same thing! How many snakes will want a friendly massage to start the day?
Scott