snake questions

[nursemeh]

I just posted in behaviors and egglaying- but I was in a panic and realized this area was better.

today, when we went out to let everyone out of the coop we found a 3 foot rat snake climbing up the outside wall. It curled up inside the tin roof(in a space) and we had to work to get it out and finally chase it away. the chickens were all fine, came out into the yard to free range. I sprayed some cedar oil around outside the coop to deter the snake from returning.

BUT, tonight at dusk the chickens did NOT go into their run as usual(they were free ranging) and later when we went to shut their coop door, they were all hanging out at the bottom of their coop ladder- they would NOT go up their ladder into the coop!

we took flashlights and looked everywhere- no sign of any snake.

They are all sitting in the door of the coop at this very moment- they will NOT go in to their roosts and go to bed.

Do they smell the snake's musk from earlier and are they scared?

should we bring them inside for tonight??
(its only 3)

 

[BorderKelpie]

Do they smell the snake's musk from earlier and are they scared?
I have been under the impression that birds (exception: buzzards) have little to no sense of smell. My guess would be that either they saw the snake this morning or maybe they sense (or just think) it's still there. If it's only 3 birds, I might consider bringing them inside and sprinkling flour around the roosts. The snake will slither through it and leave a trail. That way, you know if he's been back. Best wishes!

 

[mark3208]

If those chickens were raised outside they would leave their normal roost after being attacked or frightened away.They are probably still afraid that the snake is there.

 

[nursemeh]

well, at dusk tonight they would NOT go into their run AGAIN after free ranging all afternoon. they were acting so terrified and were hanging out at our back door.

I had taken a rake and messed around all inside the coop floor- I knew there was no snake there, so I picked up each panicked hen and shoved each one thru the coop door. They were in a terrible state and making such plaintive sounds.

I checked on them later and they had finally settled down and 2 were on their roost and one was nesting on the coop floor (?)

I am going to go out and check on them again.

thanks for the replies on this, it really has me upset.

 

[Judy]

Sounds like they are beginning to feel comfortable and safe again. Give them a little time.

And watch for snakes!!!