RATTLESNAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[16 paws]

HI all,
At about 5 pm today I let the chickens out of the coop to free range for a couple of hours before bed. I noticed they were all gathered around the lemon tree looking a little spooked. I went over to investigate and there was this HUGE rattlesnake under the tree. I ran off yelling for my son to come out to help me and then heard the roosters warning call go out. I think the snake tried to strike.

My son took care of the matter but my question is, will a rattlesnake go after and or kill chickens? Will the chickens go after the rattle snake? I just didnt know what to expect. I am glad no one got hurt this time. Last year 2 rattlers got into my dog run and killed my little Yorkie, Abby. ( Love you Abby)
Thanks for any help.....
Marie

 

[chickencreek]

I would imagine that rattlers would kill a chicken but not eat it. But if it were in my yard the only thing that snake would be eating would be buckshot. GET RID OF IT

 

[iwiw60]

I would imagine that rattlers would kill a chicken but not eat it. But if it were in my yard the only thing that snake would be eating would be buckshot. GET RID OF IT

Yep! My motto is and always has been if you have a predator of any kind:

S - S - S

Shoot - Shovel - Shut Up

 

[enola]

Snakes will not hang around if there is no food for them. If you have mice or rats you will have snakes thst are trying to make a meal out of them. I don't think rattle snakes will attackchickens unless they are provoked. But I am not sure that my chickens are smart enough to know to leave rattlesnskes alone .....

 

[enola]

SSS would be my plan too

 

[16 paws]

SSS for me also.....

 

[MutzFarm]

Another for S-S-S. I have killed several predators and had the county sheriff called on me for shooting a stray dog the neighbor was feeding. Yes, what a neighbor. He was feeding a stray and it was chasing cows and chickens. I have shot up to 6 stray dogs in a month because the dog catcher wont do nothin. Sheriff said I have the right to protect my livestock and said he would do the same thing, but in the case of a rattler I wouldnt hesitate to give it lead poisoning.

 

[Aquajunky]

I don't do snakes! I had a black snake get some of my quail this year. I took care of that problem. Rattlesnake would be toast for sure. I prefer my trusty .22 over my shotgun but either works in a crunch.