Snake proofing my run

[StepfordCuckoos]

Curious how you all snake proof your run? My coop is very secure itself, and the run is secure against large predators. However, there is definitely a snake living under it. I know this because I saw it slither under my coop (just a black snake) and also, a short bit back we have two eggs disappear that were almost ready to hatch. I've also seen a few snake holes around. I would like to snake proof the run. I read online about planting marigold, so I plan to do that (it's supposed to ward them off because of the smell). I put mothball bags under my coop and next to it (where chickens cant access). We put snake away around my coop. I know a lot of people say it's better to keep a snake because they ward off rats but we really need this snake gone. It took two eggs that were very close to hatching.

Is there a way to snake proof the run? Could I dig up the run and lay down some mesh that is too small for it to get through?

 

[aart]

Pics of your coop would help here.

Instead of digging anything up......use 1/2" hardware cloth for an apron:
Good examples of anti-dig apron installation.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/wire-around-coop.1110498/#post-17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

 

[StepfordCuckoos]

Pics of your coop would help here.

Instead of digging anything up......use 1/2" hardware cloth for an apron:
Good examples of anti-dig apron installation.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/wire-around-coop.1110498/#post-17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

Thank you! If I put this in the run around the front part of my coop, will it be okay with the chickens? I know that the edges can be sharp and I don't want to cut their feet.

 

[aart]

Thank you! If I put this in the run around the front part of my coop, will it be okay with the chickens? I know that the edges can be sharp and I don't want to cut their feet.

Bend over the sharpies and/or put pavers over the edges.

 

[StepfordCuckoos]

Bend over the sharpies and/or put pavers over the edges.

Thank you again! I'll def be picking some of that mesh up on Friday.

 

[Huntmaster]

Thank you! If I put this in the run around the front part of my coop, will it be okay with the chickens? I know that the edges can be sharp and I don't want to cut their feet.

Apron goes on outside of run not inside I would dig it down for front of coop inside run not as a apron but strait down so you don't have to worry about them walking on it or digging on it.

 

[StepfordCuckoos]

Apron goes on outside of run not inside

I want one to put at the very front of my coop because there is a gap.

 

[Huntmaster]

Apron goes on outside of run not inside I would dig it down for front of coop inside run not as a apron but strait down so you don't have to worry about them walking on it or digging on it.

yes I edited post

 

[rosemarythyme]

Depending on the size of the snake, any gaps big enough for it to fit its head through need to be covered up. The hardware cloth apron prevents other animals from digging under the run and the snake using those holes, but if your fencing has openings that are too big, or if you have gaps around the door or between fencing panels, the snake will simply go through those openings. Only way to completely exclude it plus most rodents that it would be after is to cover up any gap larger than 1/2" with hardware cloth or welded wire of that width.