Ribbon Snake Vs. Broody Jap Bantam

[amazondoc]

There ain't no such thing as either a ribbon snake or a garter snake that's 4 feet long. However, there are several other species of snakes that have longitudinal striping.

If you tell us where you're located, we might be able to ID the snake or you. Yellow rat snake or striped king snake come to mind, but we need more info about location and coloration.

 

[Catersun]

I'm in coastal SC. I've looked into the local snakes we have. The pic of the ribbon snake black body with yellow longitudinal stripes is exactly what it looked like. it was about as round as a half dollar and minimium of 4 feet long, husband and father say it was 5 foot. and yes.. that is WAY too big to be a ribbon or garter.. but the markings were dead on... so if you can find me a bigger snake that looks exactly like a ribbon snake, then you have your offender. I was very puzzled when I IDed it as a ribbon snake because of the size and it's eating habits as well. But I was unable to find a better anwser as to what type of snake it is. We have a pond across the street in lowerlying areas, and the property behind the farm is becoming developed, we are noticing increased predator activity in the area.

I hardly believe the hen died of dehydration. The floor of the hen house was still soaking wet when I saw it some hours later. I'm told the snake had some wounds and chunks of flesh missing that were fresh.
EDIT:
I looked at the pic of the yellow rat snake and it very well could have been the snake I saw. So what do I do to keep this from happening again? Other than No More Bantams? I spoke to some other chicken keepers in the area and they said they have been having problems with Rat snakes coming and taking eggs. None of their hens have been broody though. Had the hen not been sitting on the nest would the snake had bothered her? If that is the case, I'll make sure I move any future broody hens and their charges.