Rattlesnake in my yard

[jajahopkins]

So we have 50 chickens(free range) (20 being chicks or biddies) and recently a rattler was in our yard, we live in Darlington, SC. Along with our precious poultry, my husband an I have 3 small children, ages 4,5&6. Any suggestions on how to keep all of my babies safe??

 

[bowen012]

If a wildlife management person could get there asap and remove it, I would give the snake that option. If the arrival time of a professional that could remove the snake is significantly delayed, I would personally dispatch the snake seeing that there are children and pets in the immediate area.

 

[jajahopkins]

I am certainly not above killing a snake, especially when it's a threat to my children or my chickens... I just want it and any others (non poisonous is fine with me Im not scared of snakes) out of and away from my yard...

 

[chfite]

We have snakes around and about. They help keep the chipmunks and rabbits under control. I see one every now and then, usually a black snake.

The chickens ate one last year. This year they watched one slither through the yard, through the run, and into the neighbor's yard. All my chickens are mature. I doubt a snake would bother to mess with anything it could not eat.

You have to do what you have to do. If you feel unsafe with the rattler there, kill it or have someone else do it. Most people who are bitten by snakes knew the snake was there. In other words, don't mess around with the snake. If it feels threatened, it will bite. Get it on the first try.

Chris

 

[jajahopkins]

That is my thought, my father in law came and put sulphur down around the perimeter of our yard, so far we haven't seen anymore, but im sure they are there. A lot of our chickens are either babies or juveniles. We put small chicken wire around the bottom of the coops so they would be safe at night. But we are missing 3 RIR biddies. I'm not sure if the rattler got them or if something else did... I just want to make sure my babies (feathered or not) are safe, and you can believe I will kill it if I see it. Thanks for all the advice!