how to keep snakes out of chicken house

3 min read 25-01-2025

Snakes and chickens don't mix. A chicken coop, with its abundance of rodents (a snake's favorite meal) and cozy hiding places, can become an unwitting haven for snakes. This can lead to significant losses in your flock, not to mention sleepless nights for you. This comprehensive guide will provide you with effective strategies to keep snakes out of your chicken coop and protect your feathered friends.

Understanding the Threat: Why Snakes Target Chicken Coops

Before diving into solutions, let's understand why snakes are attracted to chicken coops in the first place. Simply put, it's a perfect hunting ground:

Abundant Food Source: Rodents, like mice and rats, are often found near chicken coops, attracted by spilled feed and the general mess. These rodents are a primary food source for many snake species.
Shelter and Protection: The coop offers snakes protection from predators and harsh weather conditions. The gaps and cracks provide ideal hiding places.
Easy Access: Lack of proper security around the coop makes it easy for snakes to enter.

Effective Strategies to Snake-Proof Your Chicken Coop

Now let's explore proven methods to deter snakes and keep your chickens safe:

1. Secure the Coop Perimeter: Prevention is Key

This is your first line of defense. Snakes are opportunistic creatures; making it difficult for them to enter is crucial:

Hardware Cloth: Replace chicken wire with hardware cloth (with smaller mesh openings) around the entire base of the coop and run it several inches below ground level to prevent snakes from burrowing underneath.
Seal All Gaps and Cracks: Carefully inspect the coop for any openings, no matter how small. Use caulk, expanding foam, or metal flashing to seal gaps around doors, windows, and any other potential entry points.
Elevated Coop: Raising the coop off the ground on sturdy legs or concrete blocks makes it harder for snakes to access the coop.

2. Eliminate Rodent Attractants: Starve the Snakes

Snakes are drawn to areas with abundant prey. Reducing the rodent population significantly decreases the attraction for snakes:

Proper Feed Storage: Store chicken feed in sealed containers to prevent spillage and attract fewer rodents.
Cleanliness is Key: Regularly clean the coop and remove any spilled feed, droppings, or debris that might attract rodents.
Rodent Control: Employ traps, poison (use cautiously and follow instructions carefully), or natural rodent deterrents to control the rodent population.

3. Natural Snake Repellents: A Complementary Approach

While not foolproof, natural repellents can add an extra layer of protection:

Strong Smells: Snakes dislike strong odors. Strategic placement of items with pungent scents like mothballs (use cautiously, as they are toxic to chickens), citrus peels, or commercially available snake repellents might deter them. Note: The effectiveness of these methods is debated, and they should be used in conjunction with other, more reliable methods.
Plants: Certain plants are believed to repel snakes, although scientific evidence is limited. Some options include marigolds, rue, and lavender. However, don't solely rely on plants for snake control.

4. Physical Barriers: Creating a Snake-Free Zone

Adding physical barriers can further deter snakes:

Gravel or Rocks: A layer of gravel or rocks around the perimeter of the coop can make it difficult for snakes to navigate.
Chicken Run Fencing: Ensure the chicken run is also securely fenced and enclosed, using hardware cloth, to prevent snake entry.

5. Regular Inspections and Monitoring: Stay Vigilant

Regularly inspect the coop and surrounding area for signs of snakes. Early detection is key to effective control.

What to Do if You Find a Snake in Your Chicken Coop

If you discover a snake in your coop, do not attempt to handle it yourself. Many snakes are venomous, and attempting to capture or kill them can be dangerous. Instead:

Contact Animal Control: Your local animal control services can safely remove the snake.
Relocate Chickens: Temporarily relocate your chickens to a safe place while the snake is removed.

By diligently implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of snakes invading your chicken coop and keep your flock safe and healthy. Remember, a multi-pronged approach is the most effective way to ensure long-term protection.