⠀ Snakes

[isa andy]

Hey All, Don't know if I should be worried here so I'll state my problem to all you fine folks.... Had the ladies running around the backyard last night, and they were happily running around doing what chickens do best. Then I noticed two of my birds chasing the third. I wondered what was going on and noticed the one had caught a gardener snake about 6 inches long. Obviously a baby snake. Before I could get to her she had eaten the snake as if it were a limp spaghetti noodle! She is not a huge Isa brown, and she seems ok just wondering if eating a whole snake is going to be a problem? Any advice?

 

[sourland]

'Small snakes' - a favorite snack. She should be fine.

 

[DrPatrickBiggs]

Hey All, Don't know if I should be worried here so I'll state my problem to all you fine folks.... Had the ladies running around the backyard last night, and they were happily running around doing what chickens do best. Then I noticed two of my birds chasing the third. I wondered what was going on and noticed the one had caught a gardener snake about 6 inches long. Obviously a baby snake. Before I could get to her she had eaten the snake as if it were a limp spaghetti noodle! She is not a huge Isa brown, and she seems ok just wondering if eating a whole snake is going to be a problem? Any advice?

This shouldn’t be a problem for the chicken. This would be a common source of food for the chicken in its natural environment. Most animals aren’t going to attempt to eat something that they can’t consume and digest. If you are concerned, just keep an eye on her and make sure that she continues to behave normally. If you notice that she is in any distress, then it is time to contact a veterinarian to assess the situation.