Snake killed chicken?

[Katieskerlong]

This chicken was healthy running around, eating fine just 2 hours ago. I took a nap and came back to this. I know what I think it is, but what do yall think? Whole body in tact and dry besides neck and head. I’m so sad about this little guy we killed a copper head behind the coop the other day after I nearly stepped on it. Wonder if there’s more then

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

That does look very much like a snake tried to swallow your chicken and couldn’t get it’s jaw around the shoulders. Never seen it personally but I have read it happens.

 

[Katieskerlong]

That does look very much like a snake tried to swallow your chicken and couldn’t get it’s jaw around the shoulders. Never seen it personally but I have read it happens.

I agree. So upsetting. I tried to look for the snake because when I found him it looked like it just had happened but no luck. Now I’m worried for my others

 

[Livia Ammon]

Do you have any cats? My cats go after snakes but are deathly afraid of chickens, making them ok protectors. I sometimes find snake pieces in the barn.

 

[Katieskerlong]

Do you have any cats? My cats go after snakes but are deathly afraid of chickens, making them ok protectors. I sometimes find snake pieces in the barn.

I have a juvenile cat. He’s mostly inside tho but I may consider getting a barn cat.

 

[Livia Ammon]

I have a juvenile cat. He’s mostly inside tho but I may consider getting a barn cat.

I would recommend getting a barn cat. Preferably one with outdoor experience: a proven small-animal killer. They are useful, and one of they learn that cars=death, pretty good at surviving.

 

[Eggcessive]

Very sorry for your loss. There was a similar death posted here the other day that sounded identical, and the consensus was that a snake had partially swallowed a chicken’s head, and possibly stopped due to a scare. Years ago I heard that minnow traps can be set out and baited for snakes to become trapped inside. Can you make sure that your chickens are locked up in a secure coop with 1/2 hardware cloth wire on all of the openings? Here is a search for minnow traps:
https://www.google.com/search?q=minnow+traps&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari

 

[WhatsUpDuck]

We have outdoor kitties and they pay for their keep!! They kill the mice! They have killed a snake. At least for us all five of our kitties do not bother our chickens. The dog wants to be friends, but the chickens aren't so sure of her haha I'm so sorry about your chicken


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