Claire Thompson
Snakes are a common problem for chicken keepers, as they can eat chicken eggs, baby chicks, and sometimes even adult chickens. The most common type of snake found in chicken coops is the black rat snake, which can grow up to 8 feet long. To keep black snakes away from your chicken house, you can try to remove their sources of food and water, block all possible entrances, and use natural deterrents such as strong-smelling plants. Commercial snake repellents are also an option, but their effectiveness is debated.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chicken coop maintenance | Regularly clean the coop and surrounding areas to deter snakes |
| Seal all holes, cracks, gaps and possible entrances with 1/4-inch hardware cloth | |
| Bury hardware cloth underground | |
| Install predator-proof doors and latches | |
| Vegetation | Plant snake-repelling plants like mint, garlic, marigolds, lemongrass, onions, chives, and other strong-scented plants like ammonia and mothballs |
| Traps | Install funnel traps and glue boards to catch snakes |
| Professional help | Hire a professional if DIY methods fail |
| Rodents | Keep the rodent population under control as they attract snakes |
| Use mousetraps and keep a barn cat to control rodents | |
| Seal chicken feed and grain in rodent-proof containers | |
| Bring feeders inside at night or use feeders that rodents can't steal from | |
| Dump out water overnight and refill in the morning | |
| Other | Use commercial-grade snake repellents |
| Rehome snakes a safe distance away from the coop | |
| Keep guinea fowls as they are aggressive towards snakes |
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What You'll Learn
- Seal all holes and entrances with hardware cloth
- Use strong scents like ammonia, mothballs, or sulfur
- Plant snake-repelling plants like mint, garlic, and marigolds
- Keep the area clean and free of rodents and their food sources
- Use traps to catch snakes, such as funnel traps, and release them away from the chicken house
Seal all holes and entrances with hardware cloth
Snakes are always on the lookout for shelter, food, and water. They can easily squeeze through small holes and gaps, so it is important to seal all entrances with hardware cloth to keep them out of your chicken coop. Here are some detailed steps to do so:
First, identify all possible entry points for snakes. This includes doors, vents, openings around pipes or wires, gaps between walls, hardware cloth seams, and any holes or cracks in the coop and run big enough for snakes to slither through. Even a tiny gap gives snakes access, so be thorough in your inspection.
Next, seal these openings with hardware cloth. Use 1/4 inch hardware cloth, as this size is too small for snakes to squeeze through. You can use hardware cloth instead of chicken wire on coop walls, ceilings, and doors. Wrap the hardware cloth around high-risk areas, and bury it underground 12-18 inches deep around the coop perimeter to create an underground barrier that snakes can't penetrate. Use caulk, spray foam, or hardware cloth strips to plug smaller holes.
Additionally, maintain the coop by regularly checking for new holes or gaps that may develop over time. As your coop ages, small holes may appear that need to be filled, and mesh and fences may need to be replaced. Stay vigilant and consistently seal any new openings to ensure snakes cannot enter your chicken house.
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Use strong scents like ammonia, mothballs, or sulfur
Snakes are repelled by strong scents, so using ammonia, mothballs, or sulfur can be an effective strategy to keep them away from chicken coops. Here are some ways to utilize these substances:
Ammonia
Ammonia has a strong smell that snakes find repulsive. Soaking rags in ammonia and placing them around the chicken house, or spraying ammonia solutions near potential entry points, can deter snakes from entering. However, be cautious when handling ammonia, as it can be harmful if inhaled directly or ingested. Ensure proper ventilation during application and keep it out of reach of children and pets.
Mothballs
Mothballs are small balls or crystals made of chemicals, such as naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, that slowly release a strong vapour intended to repel moths. Some people advocate sprinkling mothballs around the perimeter of their property or placing them in small containers with holes around the chicken coop to deter snakes. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of mothballs as a snake repellent is disputed. Some studies suggest that they may not be successful in keeping snakes away. Moreover, the toxic vapours released by mothballs can be harmful to humans, children, and pets if inhaled or ingested. Always use caution and follow safety guidelines when handling mothballs.
Sulfur
Sulfur, also known as sulphur, has been suggested as a potential snake repellent. Powdered sulfur can be sprinkled around the chicken coop or mixed with water and sprayed. The strong odour of sulfur may act as a deterrent to snakes. However, it is important to ensure that any sulfur products used are safe for use around chickens and other animals, as some sulfur compounds can be toxic.
While using strong scents can be a strategy to keep snakes away, it is important to combine them with other snake-proofing measures for maximum effectiveness. This can include physical barriers, such as hardware cloth and predator-proof doors, as well as natural deterrents like snake-repelling vegetation and routine coop cleanings to remove potential food sources for snakes.
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Plant snake-repelling plants like mint, garlic, and marigolds
To keep black snakes away from chicken coops, planting snake-repelling plants like mint, garlic, and marigolds is an effective method. Snakes are repelled by strong aromas, and these plants emit pungent, spicy scents that snakes find irritating and will avoid.
Marigolds, in particular, have deep and aggressively growing roots that can reach areas where snakes may be hiding or burrowing. The roots emit a strong odour that repels snakes, making them an excellent natural deterrent. French and American marigolds are bright and attractive, but their powerful scent keeps snakes at bay.
Mint is another plant that is easy to grow and hard to kill, making it a great choice for a snake repellent. Its strong scent acts as a natural repellent to snakes, and it can be planted around the perimeter of the chicken coop.
Garlic is also a well-known snake repellent and can be interplanted with onions and chives within the run of the chicken coop. These plants have a strong aroma that snakes dislike, and they can be concentrated near possible entry points to deter snakes from entering.
By planting these snake-repelling plants, you can create a natural barrier that will help keep black snakes away from your chicken coop and protect your flock.
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Keep the area clean and free of rodents and their food sources
Snakes are attracted to areas where they can find food. They eat rodents, so keeping the area clean and free of rodents and their food sources is essential to making it less appealing to snakes.
First, eliminate easily accessible water sources for rodents. Rodents will walk through and drink from traditional waterers, contaminating them with their waste and disease-carrying mouths, feet, and fur. Remove traditional drinkers at night or switch to poultry nipple waterers to keep the chickens' water supply disease-free.
Second, keep the chicken coop and surrounding areas clean and clear of debris piles. Snakes can hide in tall grass, overgrown brush, wood piles, and accumulated junk near your coop. By maintaining a tidy, open space around your chicken coop, snakes will feel exposed and less likely to lurk around. Regularly clean up food spills and keep the area free from any other potential food sources for rodents, effectively reducing their interest in your chicken coop. This includes fallen fruit, spilled chicken feed, and broken eggs. Using treadle feeders reduces the amount of discarded or available feed on the floor. Rats are not heavy enough to activate the treadle plate.
Third, store chicken feed and bedding away from the coop if possible. Rats prefer to make their runs in overgrown vegetation next to buildings where they are out of sight. Keep plants and grass around the chicken coop to a minimum with regular gardening. Do not leave equipment standing for long periods, as this can attract rodents.
Finally, consider getting a cat or a guinea fowl. Cats and guinea fowls are both known to hunt and eat rodents. They can also directly deter snakes.
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Use traps to catch snakes, such as funnel traps, and release them away from the chicken house
Funnel traps are an effective way to catch snakes that may be invading your chicken coop. Snakes are attracted to chicken coops by the presence of eggs, baby chicks, and sometimes even adult chickens. They can wreak havoc on your flock and cause significant distress to your chickens. Funnel traps can help you catch these unwanted visitors and release them away from your chicken house.
Funnel traps, such as the Tomahawk Snake Funnel Trap 460, are designed to catch snakes alive so that they can be relocated. This trap functions as a funneling system, with a funnel opening of 1 1/2" in diameter, which can be adjusted to make it tighter. The trap also has two 24" wings that can be extended to funnel snakes towards the opening. The funnel opening leads to a pipe or tube that the snake will slither into, unable to turn around and escape. The trap is designed with a removable back door for easy release, allowing you to set the snake free away from your chicken coop without harm.
To effectively use funnel traps, you should place them strategically around the perimeter of your chicken coop. Snakes are crafty and can enter through small holes and cracks, so it is important to seal these entry points as much as possible. You can also use other methods in conjunction with funnel traps to further deter snakes. This includes natural deterrents such as planting snake-repelling vegetation like mint, garlic, marigolds, lemongrass, onions, and chives around the coop. Strong scents like ammonia and mothballs can also help repel snakes.
It is important to remember that while funnel traps can be effective, they should be used as part of a comprehensive strategy to keep snakes away from your chicken house. This includes maintaining cleanliness and removing potential hiding spots for snakes, such as tall grass, overgrown brush, and wood piles. By combining multiple deterrence methods and remaining vigilant, you can effectively protect your chickens from unwanted snake visitors.
In addition to funnel traps, you can also explore other types of traps, such as glue boards, which can be placed inside the chicken coop to catch any snakes that manage to enter. Remember, if you do catch a snake in a trap, it is essential to release it unharmed in a suitable location away from your chicken house.
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