SNAKE, SNAKE, BIG SNAKE (PICS)

[ginbart]

I worked last night and have my chickens in the barn because I combined two hatches and wanted to keep them in for a week so the newer ones would know where to go at night. I was walking to the barn to feed them with my dog, she was ahead of me, I saw a large stick in the yard that was not there yesterday. I yelled at the dog to come to me and when I did she was right by the snake the snake jumped and she jumped. I ran to get the camera with the dog right behind me. This is what it was. Black snake I hope but it was at least 5 feet long.

Should I worry about it going in the barn?

I think black snakes eat mice and rats. Am I right on that? I havn't seen any rats but?

I don't want to kill it but if I need to worry about my chickens maybe I can move it to the woods. My DH would have been in the house hiding.

I love snakes

Wait till my DH sees these pictures. He won't come outside again for the rest of the summer.

 

[roosters97]

rat snake there good to have around

 

[Feathers Acres]

It looks almost like a water snake, like it belongs in a pond somewhere. Not sure but most snakes eat meat so I would guess this big guy would try to take on your girls, but really its funny if you have alotta hens they'll all take em' on and have a little snack

sometimes they have a hard time so what my friend does is cut the head off and let all of the hens run around and have fin with it.

 

[BeckyLa]

Yes, they are good to have around except for the fact that they do eat eggs and chicks. I had a snake just like that that was only about 2' long devour one of my month old chicks before it was dispatched.

 

[CrowinKing]

Thats a black snake the only thing you have to worry about is them getting your chicks! He'll not try to get the big girls cause they won't eat anything they think they can't get past there mouth! I'd let it there its prob eating the rats!

 

[Parson's Wife]

They will eat the rats, but they are just as likely to eat eggs and chicks. ( Not your chickens) Take your pick.

 

[CrowinKing]

I'd let it there its a cheap xterminator!!

 

[ginbart]

I have chicks in the barn that are a month old, will they be ok? I have a perch for them to get on.

Added, I don't think its a water snake. we have no ponds on the hill.

 

[kees]

Whoa, that's one heck of a big snake! I've only seen of them, twice when I was in a lake and and the other time when my ex-husband was stepping on it's tail (lol). They're considered shy but I can understand your concern about them being around your chickens. They eat mainly rodents and are considered beneficial but I'm sure that that doesn't make you feel any better.

If I were your husband, I'd be scared too.

 

[kees]

It might be a good idea to hire someone to relocate the snake as they can travel a good distance. That person can use a noose and then stuff the rest of the body into a pillow case and bring it far away from your chickens.