So can five week old chicks eat snake bits?

[Phisch]

We have lots of snakes around here so the coop is getting outfitted to keep them out. But if a very small one were to make it through the hardware cloth (seems very possible), I’d like to know if, for the most part, they can hold their own. Sounds like snake can sometimes be on the menu for some chickens. We have lizards and geckos too and I hope they avoid the coop or they might end up on the menu too!

 

[Cyprus]

We have lots of snakes around here so the coop is getting outfitted to keep them out. But if a very small one were to make it through the hardware cloth (seems very possible), I’d like to know if, for the most part, they can hold their own. Sounds like snake can sometimes be on the menu for some chickens. We have lizards and geckos too and I hope they avoid the coop or they might end up on the menu too!

Where do you live?

 

[Fishkeeper]

IMO, don't feed live snakes to your chickens on purpose, it's a nasty, slow death for the snake and there is a risk it'll bite your chickens. Even a nonvenomous bite can be a site for infections. Kill it first if you're gonna give it to them.

 

[JanetMarie]

I've only had one chicken that would eat small snakes. With regards to larger snakes, all of the chickens will look with their necks stretched out, but leave them alone. They're not stupid regarding what is safe to eat.