Last Updated on February 23, 2024 by AwesomeChickens
Table of Contents
Identifying the Culprits
Not all snakes are egg enthusiasts, but some certainly are. In the U.S., rat snakes, racers, and kingsnakes are notorious for raiding nests and making off with those precious eggs. They’re non-venomous, but the loss of eggs can be a real bummer for chicken keepers. If they are showing up to your chicken coop you may need help with keeping snakes away from your chicken coop.
Other Reasons Snakes Show Up at the Chicken Coop
But wait, it gets trickier. Enter the venomous snakes, like copperheads and rattlesnakes. Now, these guys don’t pursue the eggs; they are more than likely eyeing those fluffy chicks.
In addition, rodents, such as mice and rats, are a common food source for snakes. If a coop has a rodent problem, it will likely attract non-venomous and venomous snakes alike to that location to prey on these vermin. Moreover, coops, especially those with heat lamps or other sources of warmth, can be attractive to snakes seeking a cozy and sheltered spot, and coops with clutter, debris, or inadequate maintenance may offer snakes hiding spots, making them more likely to linger in such environments.
The Dangers and How to Spot Them:
The danger lies not only in the missing eggs but also in the potential stress on your hens. A snake invasion can disturb their peace, affecting their laying patterns. Watch out for unexplained disruptions in egg production and odd behavior in your chickens. In addition, snakes can also negatively affect your flock by eating small chicks.
Fortifying the Coop: How to Snake-Proof Your Chicken Haven
Fortifications are the most surefire way to diminish snakes showing up.
Seal Those Gaps: Snakes are masters of squeezing through tight spaces. Seal gaps or holes in the coop with hardware cloth or mesh wire. Sometimes, a foam sealant is necessary to close the gap. Focus on areas where snakes might slither through, like openings around doors or windows.
Elevate the Coop: Slightly elevating the coop can create a barrier for snakes. Ensure the space underneath is secured with wire mesh to prevent serpentine surprises.
Trim the Greenery: Snakes love a good hiding spot. Keep the area around the coop free from tall grass, weeds, or shrubs. A well-maintained perimeter reduces hiding spots and makes your coop less appealing to unwanted guests.
Install Snake-Proof Fencing: Consider adding a layer of snake-proof fencing around the coop. Quarter-inch wire mesh fencing makes it nearly impossible for snakes to slither though, adding an extra layer of protection.
Snake Repellents and Organic Solutions:
Essential Oils: Snakes detest certain scents. Essential oils like cinnamon, clove, and cedar can act as natural snake repellents. Place soaked rags with these oils around the coop.
Onion and Garlic Spray: Create a repellent spray by blending onions and garlic with water and salt. Spray the mixture around the coop perimeter. The pungent odor acts as a deterrent for snakes.
Other ideas:
Electric poultry netting can be an effective and humane method to deter snakes from approaching your chicken coop. These electric fences create a barrier that snakes find challenging to navigate, acting as a deterrent without causing harm. The netting delivers a mild electric shock upon contact, discouraging snakes from attempting to breach the protected area. Installing poultry electric netting around the coop perimeter and any vulnerable entry points adds an extra layer of defense against snake intrusion. It’s essential to ensure the netting is installed correctly and regularly maintained to guarantee its effectiveness in keeping snakes at a safe distance from your feathered friends.
Guinea fowl can be effective allies in keeping snakes at bay and managing rodent populations around your coop. Known for their natural hunting instincts, guinea fowl are adept at chasing down snakes and devouring rodents. Their vigilant nature makes them excellent guardians against potential threats. However, it’s important to exercise caution, as guinea fowl can be assertive, even bordering on bullies, especially towards smaller poultry breeds. Additionally, their vocalizations are notoriously loud, which can be a consideration for those seeking a quieter farm ambiance. Despite their quirks, integrating guinea fowl into your flock can provide valuable pest control benefits, contributing to a healthier and more secure environment for your chickens.
Maintaining a clean chicken coop and ensuring proper storage of feed is paramount in preventing snakes from being enticed by potential prey like mice and rats. A tidy coop promotes a healthier environment for your chickens and eliminates hiding spots for rodents, reducing the overall attraction for snakes. Regularly remove debris, spilled feed, and eggs to eliminate potential food sources that might draw rodents – and subsequently, snakes – to the vicinity. Additionally, store chicken feed in well-sealed containers to avoid spillage and limit access to vermin. By upholding cleanliness standards and secure feed storage, you create a more hygienic and organized coop and significantly reduce the likelihood of snakes making an unwelcome appearance.
Embrace the Good: The Role of Snakes on Farms
Before we sharpen our pitchforks, we must recognize the benefits of snakes on farms. They are crucial in controlling rodent populations and keeping pesky rats and mice at bay. Consider finding ways to coexist peacefully unless a snake is venomous or poses an immediate threat. If you encounter a non-venomous snake, the best thing you can do is safely remove and relocate it away from the coop. Following that, improve your snake security to prevent any return using the tips above. If a venomous variety shows up, for safety reasons, it may be necessary to dispatch it or call a professional removal service. You should never try to handle a live venomous snake if you are untrained in how to deal with them.
Conclusion
Creating a snake-proof chicken coop involves a blend of practical measures, repellents, and an understanding of these slithering neighbors. By implementing these strategies, you can protect your eggs, keep your chickens stress-free, and maintain harmony on your farm – even with the occasional serpent visitor.
