Snake regurgitated two live Quail

[sarahb19243]

We had a snake crisis this afternoon. At about 3:00 I went to go feed our chickens and saw a black snake in our quail pen. It had already killed and ate one of our 10 quail. (We took this one down the road to relocate).We went to TSC to go get rabbit wire to replace the chicken wire on the quail cage (thats how it got in).When we got back there was ANOTHER snake in the cage and it had killed another 5 and was working on the remaining 4. When it saw us it spit out 2 quail it was trying to swallow. Miraculously the two it spit out were alive, they weren't very far down to begin with. My question is: do I need to clean off the remaining quail tonight? Im wondering if they have digestive materials on their skin. I was going to wait until morning, because they have been under enough stress for one day. There isn't really anything else like this that I can look up for the answer. Anything helps!! Thank you!!

 

[21hens-incharge]

First, I am sorry for your losses.

Second, um eeewwwwe.

Third, I would try to clean them up. It will also give you a chance to assess any injuries.

I really hope the snakes leave the rest alone.

 

[sarahb19243]

First, I am sorry for your losses.

Second, um eeewwwwe.

Third, I would try to clean them up. It will also give you a chance to assess any injuries.

I really hope the snakes leave the rest alone.

Thank you so much! Thats what I'll do then. We brought the survivors inside for the night, that's where they're gonna stay until we can get their cage snake proof.

 

[happyfrenchman]

I would start chopping some of those snakes..... that is terrible..... I agree with not traumatizing them any further... holy smokes. I would have killed the first one. If they kill one of mine, they are done and I don't care. That pretty much goes for any predator.

 

[sarahb19243]

I would start chopping some of those snakes..... that is terrible..... I agree with not traumatizing them any further... holy smokes. I would have killed the first one. If they kill one of mine, they are done and I don't care. That pretty much goes for any predator.

The second snake didn't get a happy ending like the first one did. The remaining 4 quail are alive and well today. Haven't had any trouble with those nasty creatures since the new wire was installed.

I appreciate your advice!

 

[happyfrenchman]

I am glad to hear that. Snakes are part of nature, but you don't want nature in your coop. And once in, they are hard to keep out. The quail he swallowed and then spit up.... they are still alive also? That is amazing in itself. The first couple of years having birds (back then it was racing pigeons) we (My dad and I) had multiple different incidents with snakes, possums raccoons.... eventually we got the coops secured.

 

[ChirpyChicks1]

Oh my goodness.

Hope it goes better with the new wire!