What to do about snakes?

[Southern28Chick]

My roo Bok Bok got killed by a black snake this morning. I put down some sulfer. Is there anything else I can do? I think the worst thing I have seen in my life so far was catching that snake with my Bok Bok half way down it's throat.

 

[webdawg]

Is the snake getting in the coop?

Do you have chicken wire at least a foot up the sides from the bottom?

Snakes are good things, especially non poisoneous ones.

 

[birdlover]

Oh my gosh!!!!! I asked you if you'd seen it on your other thread. Now I know. I just can't imagine how horrible that must have been for you. I'm just so so sorry. I don't know how to deter snakes but I'm sure there's probably lots of information on the www. Take care, Southern. :aww

Ellen

 

[webdawg]

This species is a constrictor, meaning it suffocates its prey, coiling around small animals and tightening its grip until they can no longer draw breath, before eating them. (The process of constriction.) Though they do consume mice and rats, the Black Rat Snakes also willingly consume chipmunks, squirrels, birds, and bird eggs. In captivity, they have a reputation for being "vacuum cleaners," and will eat almost anything placed in front of them.

Adults can become quite large and are known to reach up to eight (8) feet, being the largest snake found in Canada. The record length for a Black Rat Snake is 101 inches, making it (officially) the largest snake in North America. Unofficially, Indigo Snakes are known to exceed them, and one wild caught Pine Snake with a portion of its tail missing measured 111 inches.

When spotted by humans, Black Rat Snakes may freeze and wrinkle themselves into a series of kinks. Black Rat Snakes are usually non-aggressive, but may strike at anyone who tries to capture or harm them. They are non-venomous, and bites are not usually serious.

 

[Southern28Chick]

Quote:
I have 3' of chicken wire around the perimeter of the yard of the chain link. I guess I need to cover ALL of the chain link fence.

 

[Buckguy20]

Quote:
No but they can sure hurt.

 

[webdawg]

Sounds like it crawled under. I put wire 12" up the inside of the fence, under the fence and out 18 inches and buried it. Keeps the diggers out also.
Quote:
I have 3' of chicken wire around the perimeter of the yard of the chain link. I guess I need to cover ALL of the chain link fence.

 

[bassfishrman]

I have used moth balls in my coop. Be careful to place them where the chickens will not get to them. I put them behind my nests and haven't seen any snakes. We live in the country where snakes sightings are frequent.