I'm completely new to all of this, but we desire to get some chickens within the next year. I'm currently in the process of reading as much as I can, but I just can't get past the thought of snakes right now. It seems like they are prevalent around chicken coops? Is there a danger of getting a snake bite? Part of the interest in chickens lies in teaching our children (and ourselves) to be more self-sufficient. I can see our kids (ages 6 and under) gathering eggs and going to see the chickens. Do I need to worry about snakes and snakes bites, especially with little ones running around?
It depends in part on where you live. Most places have snakes that could go after chicks or eggs, if they notice them. I think a lot of people who have snakes in their coops don't realize the snakes are actually after the rodents who come for the chicken feed. I haven't noticed an increase in snakes on my property since getting chickens, but I keep my grain in rodent-proof containers. I've never lost a chick or egg to a snake. I've also never lost a snake to my chickens, so far (knock on wood- I know a lot of people have had chickens kills snakes. So far the garter snakes I see around have evaded my chickens. I love having them around). As far as dangers of snake bites, again it is hard to give any advice there without knowing your area. If you live in an area with venomous snakes, I think it's important to teach your kids basic safety rules about them whether or not you feel like you have anything on the property that might draw them in.