Rat Snake hiding in my coop

[Spike4spurs]

Ok, yesterday I caught him grinning with an egg in his mouth. I thought I had the upper hand since his mouth was full and he was defenseless. Well, he spit the egg out and took off. This morning, all of my chickens were sleeping outside and I'm sure it's because of this snake. Today, only 3 eggs and I saw him disappear between the wall again. I have him trapped but would really like to catch him and move him to the woods down the road. I have already been bit once (which was no big deal) but that is not going to stop me from getting this egg eater! Any suggestions???

eeee

 

[Dragonfly Ranch]

Quote:
One time I saw a thread similar to this one and someone put golf balls in the nest instead of eggs to catch the snake - or at least it will give him a good stomach ache!

 

[Katy]

I wish my rat snakes would come back.....Had two big ones that lived under my biggest coop for a long time....they left or died, not sure which and then the rats moved in. I'll gladly lose an egg every so often to a snake over the nasty rats I've got now.

 

[punky rooster]

Quote:
get some buckeyes they should take care of your rat problem.

 

[Spike4spurs]

I did have one living under the coop and knew it was good to keep him around but he eventually left. My fear is since this one is laying in the nests, would he bother or hurt my chickens? Snakes are good but not if they will hurt my babies.

 

[Katy]

Quote:
get some buckeyes they should take care of your rat problem.

My chickens go after them when they get the chance and so do the barn cats, but they're getting out numbered.

 

[BayouPoules]

I know you want that snake out and I don't blame you,.. but this member might wish she HAD a rat snake in her coop today!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=399255&p=1

 

[punky rooster]

but they're getting out numbered

sorry but its funny​

 

[denim deb]

Quote:
get some buckeyes they should take care of your rat problem.

By buckeyes, do you mean the "chestnuts" from a buckeye or horse chestnut tree? If so, what do they do, and where do you put them? There's some rats in my friend's coop, and she's afraid to use poison. And, while neither buckeyes or horse chestnuts are native to this area, I do know where there's some horse chestnuts growing by the road.

 

[coq au vin]

Quote:
get some buckeyes they should take care of your rat problem.

By buckeyes, do you mean the "chestnuts" from a buckeye or horse chestnut tree? If so, what do they do, and where do you put them? There's some rats in my friend's coop, and she's afraid to use poison. And, while neither buckeyes or horse chestnuts are native to this area, I do know where there's some horse chestnuts growing by the road.

Buckeye is a heritage breed of chicken. They're reputed to be somewhat voracious rodent-getters. However, I agree with Katy on the snake thing. I have actually considered placing a little next box somewhere in/near my coop and stuffing it with gopher snakes that I find around here.