Snake!!!! (Graphic for some)

[Dive_hive]

First time for everything I suppose. I've had lots of snakes in the layer house before and eathen eggs but have never had any bother chicks before. I have my meat babies right on the front screen porch. I'd checked on temp not 10 minutes before and then I started to hear chicks peeping while I was washing waterers. Low and behold I found this 5'1" western rat snake. I immediately grabbed it by the tail and flung it out of the brooder. Personally, I usually like snakes, and relocate when given the chance, but this guy is now a gonner. I reinforced around any holes on the porch to try and help deter any further snakes. It had one in it's stomach (you can see the bulge) and had killed the second and was trying to swallow. I'm just glad I heard them peeping. Today was not a great day.

 

[Ihavesomechickens]

Poor chicks. . Try and block off any ways it could’ve gotten in.

 

[Dive_hive]

Poor chicks. . Try and block off any ways it could’ve gotten in.

Now have blocks, bricks, and hardware cloth covering all holes. There were few to begin with. The biggest gap was 1/2".

 

[Ruby Rogue]

You got him.

 

[Ihavesomechickens]

Now have blocks, bricks, and hardware cloth covering all holes. There were few to begin with. The biggest gap was 1/2".

Those pesky snakes can fit through 1/4 inch gaps if they are small enough!

 

[aart]

There were few to begin with. The biggest gap was 1/2".

A snake that big can fit thru a 1/2" hole?

 

[Ihavesomechickens]

A snake that big can fit thru a 1/2" hole?

Snakes can collapse some of their ribs in, making it easier for them to fit through small holes.

 

[Kajoda929]

Yup, they can fit through the smallest gap that you would never think possible...Hopefully you find a solution

 

[Dive_hive]

A snake that big can fit thru a 1/2" hole?

Yep, it was 1/2" gap between the bottom of the screen door and the concrete floor.

 

[aart]

Yep, it was 1/2" gap between the bottom of the screen door and the concrete floor.

Ah, gap.... not 'hole'.
Probably wouldn't have been able to get back out tho with 2 chicks in it's belly, eh?
Glad you got it...sorry for your loss.