Texas

[TherryChicken]

My mom moved the lawnmower and I found a nest of 6 baby rats. Sorry momma, but if I didn't take them, they would of been killed.

 

[Fire Ant Farm]

Quote:
OK, so here is what will sound like a stupid question.

I walk into my coop. I see this. Say it's a rattlesnake. I am alone. What do I do? I don't have a gun, and even if I did, I'm not sure I'd want to shoot out my nest boxes. Does one wait for it to move before going after it with shovel/other implement (or gun)? Do you try to dislodge it with the handle of a tool?

(I found myself asking these questions in my head after seeing this photo...)

- Ant Farm

 

[RoosterCogburn7]

I'd rather not get that close. Nesting boxes can be replaced. People can't.

 

[Fire Ant Farm]

I'd rather not get that close. Nesting boxes can be replaced. People can't.

So you wait until they come out?

 

[jtn42248]

So you wait until they come out?

If it is a rattlesnake or a copperhead or any other poisonous snake I would wait until it comes out and then do my best to stay safe and kill it. Anything else I might try to pull it out with a hoe or something and take care of it there and then. Most snakes, as soon as they see you/since you are there will make a run for it and once out in the open can be dealt with. Best advice though is for you to stay well away from it until you can safely kill it or just let it go and try again another time.

 

[needlessjunk]

I used 1/2 in hardwire cloth to. My mom used chicken wire this is what she found 2 days ago!

That can give you nightmares IMO. Someone near here was bracing piers under a shed (think cool, dark) and got bitten by a timber rattler. -- They are now in ICU in the hospital in Beaumont -- They were far awayfrom any help - and working alone. Our newspaper said that the rain has caused snakes to move out of their 'holes' and that is another reason why we are seeing so many.

OK, so here is what will sound like a stupid question. I walk into my coop. I see this. Say it's a rattlesnake. I am alone. What do I do? I don't have a gun, and even if I did, I'm not sure I'd want to shoot out my nest boxes. Does one wait for it to move before going after it with shovel/other implement (or gun)? Do you try to dislodge it with the handle of a tool? (I found myself asking these questions in my head after seeing this photo...) - Ant Farm

I'm not touching any poisons snake to move it. Too risky. Usually they make a break for it away unless it's cold out. If it isn't poisons I don't have any issues moving it. I'm not sticking my hand near its face but I also don't have an issues grabbing a tail or using a stick. Snakes don't bother me as long as I am 110% it isn't poisonous. If I have any doubts I will not touch it. I haven't enountered any snakes in my coops so I can't say if I would kill it or relocated it someplace far away. I'm in suburbia and while I have had a rattle snake at my front door animal control handled it and all the rest are so small they make treats for the birds when they find them.

 

[Fire Ant Farm]

Good tips! Thanks!!!

 

[RoosterCogburn7]

I have seen snakes. Without a gun I go and get one. With one I dispatch it.

 

[topdycke]

Having nightmares ...snakes in nest boxes ...yikes! And another nightmare to share... I pulled the nest boxes away from the wall with my husbands help as it was looking like a rates nest in the back with packed up shavings and nest material and feathers and sure enough pulled back and three rats run for it. I am running backwards as husband is asking for me to retrieve a shovel. GAH! Need more traps!

 

[hungnguyen]

Happy Father's day to all the ... brood roosters