Pullet killing snake paid the price. Help identify!! I vote Cottonmouth

[MortyschickenShack]

Graphic of deceased predator Posting a few pics of the snake I went to war with at about 1 in the morning. Reminder: sharpen machete. I think it was a cottonmouth ( North Texas )

 

[Smokerbill]

I believe that's a black rat snake.

 

[MortyschickenShack]

I believe that's a black rat snake.

That was my second choice, only lost one pullet and he paid for it. Had light shorts and flip flops and my machete protecting the rest of the babies.

 

[Geena]

Water Moccasins have a triangular shaped head.

 

[Jackie dhare]

I believe that's a black rat snake.

Rat snake good to have around. They eat rodents and eggs. Harmless. If you have stuff around it will move in as this provides a perfect place for rodents. You have a rodent problem. He will take care of it . Totally harmless. Sad to see him dead, . There a million snake identifiers out there. Maybe next time look it up before killing. Spray with water hose and they will go on their way.

 

[MortyschickenShack]

Rat snake good to have around. They eat rodents and eggs. Harmless. If you have stuff around it will move in as this provides a perfect place for rodents. You have a rodent problem. He will take care of it . Totally harmless. Sad to see him dead, . There a million snake identifiers out there. Maybe next time look it up before killing. Spray with water hose and they will go on their way.

No rodent issue with two prolific mousers around. They earn there keep. In the dark with one of my birds dead…did not hesitate to take it out. Should have stuck mice and rats.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Not a water moccasin. It's not just the shape of the head, a moccasin has a short stubby body compared to that snake.

Rat snakes will eat baby chicks as well as eggs. I leave them alone as long as they stay out of the eggs or baby chicks. If I can catch them I have permission to take them to a friend's place, she believes they will eat poisonous snakes and keep them away. Some snakes will, like a King snake, but I don't believe a rat snake will unless they are really small. Still, if I can catch them she gets them. I keep a pillow case, glove, and snake catching stick by the coop so I can be ready.

If I cannot catch them I will kill them if they are eating eggs or baby chicks in my brooder. But if they are not bothering my eggs or chicks I'm glad to have them around.