We have black rat snakes on our farm, and this has been in the back of my mind, since I started thinking about getting chickens. We are fine with the snakes, but I just have to be sure to provide secure housing for the chickens. I'll be keeping my new chicks indoors until they are 6 to 8 weeks old, then put them in secure outdoor housing.
These are some amazing snake pics, though. I will attest that the couple of rat snakes I have gotten close to have been very docile. I am also looking forward to them keeping the rodents out of my garden this spring/summer.