Snakes

[BantyHugger]

This is the first year that we have ever had 2 snakes. We had a large 43 inch female about 9 weeks ago and then today (in the middle of the day mind you) we had a large 54 inch male. They both were Texas Rat Snakes and really pretty representations of the species. I was going to keep the male alive and take him to a friend who has lots of rat snakes as pets, however he tried to bite (instead of just running away he chased me down) so i killed him. Is there any way i can get the snakes to go away? I don't really like killing them and the fake rattler noise they make scares the crud out of me.

ETA: Just want to clear something up before people start asking questions: 1) We do not have a rodent problem - we own 6 cats that are all very good mousers. The snakes show up after the mice disappear because crops have been harvested and what not. 2) I am not misidentifying the snake. They make a rattling noise w/their tails. Apparently all rat snakes shake they're tails when agitated and when they hit the straw it makes the rattler noise.

Mariah

 

[Yankee Chicken Ranch]

Don't know much that keeps snakes away. But I have had the same problem this year with snakes. The last one I seen was a copper head two years ago. This year I have had Three.... Two in one day.... one of them was almost 7 feet long. It killed one of our banty hens. Girlfriend shot it before it could do any more damage. Must be in the water..... Its kinda weird, Last year I hached more roosters, This year More hens. If you find something let us know! Good luck

 

[write2caroline]

I don't know if it is safe around chickens but - Moth balls will deter snakes.
Cal
Jax FL

 

[Iowa Roo Mom]

Quote:
Actually, there are quite a few snakes that do that- especially if they live in a common area with rattlesnakes. It is a defense mechanism, mostly for alot of species. If you hear it in the fall- when the leaves have dropped- it's even creepier! As far as how to rid your property of snakes- I really can't tell you! So sorry! I keep snakes as pets... I'm glad to hear that you don't want to run right out and kill them when you see them. That's always good for a snake lover to hear!

 

[gypsy2621]

Sorry that happened but snakes this year seem to be more than abundant. I am not sure why either, but everything that was the "Norm" doesnt seem to apply to this year.
Seems there are more coon than normal, more snakes, more hawks .
Maybe we think there is more and they were actually there and just not seen as often I dont know.
I would have handled the situation the same way, aggressive non venomous snakes are not normal honestly. usually they go in a different direction and avoid the big people. not sure what was up with the one you had to deal with.
again sorry for you and sorry for the snake.

 

[StupidBird]

My friend whom I give my captured rat snakes to told me this last one was probably a male and its near mating season, due to its attempt at aggression = striking and "rattling". I don't know. It was cornered and rather on the skinny side, even for a rat snake. Well, it sure can go fatten up on her barn rodents and not my eggs.

 

[mikesbigroo]

i had a ole timer tell me to use moth balls to keep snakes away, seems to have worked for me, had alot of copperheads and a few rattle snakes, but don't let your birds get the moth balls,, may not be good for them,, good luck

 

[Oosik]

Today I went to turn the heat light out in the coop and discovered a 4 1/2 foot rat snake in with my chicks. One was obviously inside the snake and two of the chicks were dead. I am not sure if the snake killed them or if they were smothered when the crammed all into one corner.

The sad thing is that I saw the same snake the day earlier but thought they would be handling mice. Well, I did have to physically inspect the deceased chick inside the snake and he didn't seem to fare too well during the inspection.

My chicks have now faced raccoons, foxes, opossums, hawks, and a snake. It's hard to believe that we live in close proximity to a major metropolitan area. I had finally put up an electric fence after the raccoons massacred my entire flock. I guess I need to put an electric wire at snake level.