Snakes - Waaaaaay Too Many Snakes

[Eggcessive]

Look up "minnow traps" and" use of bird netting for snakes" on this website, and you will find 2 very different but interesting methods of catching snakes.

 

[gjensen]

The best and most practical way to exclude snakes is to make adjustments to the enclosure that does in fact exclude snakes. A snake proof enclosure is that, snake proof. I am not trying to sound condescending, but it is the best advice one can give to keep them out of your coop.

 

[12304]

use a minnow trap to catch the snakes

 

[Cass]

I have to agree with those advising making the coop snake proof.

I have a pond out back so I knew I had to make my coop bullet proof. When I made my run I put harware cloth on a frame for the bottom of it and filled on top of the hardware cloth. Call me lazy but I didn't want to have to go down and open and close the poop door in the warmer months, so I made the run varmit proof. So far so good.

I do know that mice can get through a hole the size of a quarter. The snakes are probably following the mice inside, through the same holes. Close the holes, solve the problem.

 

[ricaluanna]

How much is snake away?

 

[Muggsmagee]

I don't mind snakes...when I KNOW they are there! The surprise of finding one would make me jump a bit! Someone else asked, and I didn't see a response...are these snakes poisonous? My husband would NEVER go into the coop again if he thought a snake would be in it!

Seems you were given good advice...I would try the mothball method. I can't imagine being able to completely close off a coop and seal every little crack. I give props to those who have accomplished this!

Good luck to you...I hope you fix your snake problem!

 

[effie]

OK --dumb question---so you put their waterer and feed outside---so I take it you don't use the feeder I have hanging in the coop --so are you just feeding them once a day what you think they need or what???? I know it draws in mice and rats(which I have a dirt floor now and they continue to dig under to get in)...I hate snakes and I find my 357 with birdshot does just fine---I don't care what kind they are!Apologies to the snake person--but I don't look at them any different than a dog that would get into my pen---so we are building a new coop and I have it 3 feet off the ground and it is gonna be snakeproof ---I am hoping I can let them out late morning after they have laid their eggs and keep them out till evening with the door shut so nothing gets in---underneath the coop will be shade and shelter during the day and they will have a huge run fenced in.

 

[Animalian]

Moth balls do repel them but need to be replaced so you would be better off 'building' them out. Fine mesh, 1cm by 1cm, at least around the bottom metre (height) of the coop. fine mesh on the floor or put it on a slab of concrete. These are snake proof and vermin proof (except baby mice) I know these are advertised as aviarys not coops but perhaps you could replicate and modify the design. http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/4384114232_6f9a2a8662.jpg

I have one with quail in it and have never EVER had a snake (or rat or mice) get in even though I live by a creek in Australia and see them at the park all the time. My chicken coop has the same fine mesh and is also on a concrete slab. Never had a problem with them either.

If it's pythons I'd cut the vegetation away from around the coop if there is any so it's harder for them to climb and gain access

 

[aggie9296]

If your snakes are not poisonous, you're not putting your family in danger. I'd rather have snakes than rats anyday.

You can relocate them easily with a broom and a bucket if needed to get them out of the coop and to somewhere else.

 

[SoORchick73]

I have no advice but im shuddering literally after reading this. I despise snakes and they are clearly stealing the joy of having chickens. I hope the problem resolves ASAP!