Snake proof brooder options?

[Ohsrsly]

I am picking up chicks in three weeks and planning to brood in my basement (I have dogs with high prey drives so the main floor is not an option). Unfortunately, we spotted a large snake in the basement today and now I'm a worried mess.

My brooding set up is not snake proof. I am on a very tight budget as well, and trying to figure out how to keep my chicks safe.

Would one of those collapsible pet play pens that are covered in mesh by snake proof? What is a snake-proof option for 8 chicks that doesn't cost much?

 

[SandyRiverChick]

Oh I hate snakes so much! Absolutely baby chicks will attract snakes so make a fort knox with Hardware cloth. I do not think play pen mesh is snake proof. U can build a wooden box with hardware cloth windows for light and ventilation for little cost.