WOOD County, Texas (East Texas News) – The East Texas park’s traditionally hottest and driest summer has arrived, drawing wildlife into inhabited areas in search of food and water.
Chicken keepers know it’s like ringing the dinner bell for any wildlife hoping for an easy meal.
The most common raiders are raccoons that chase chickens and snakes that hunt for eggs. Snakes are especially unsettling, sometimes even waiting in the nest for an egg to be laid. The visitors most often encountered are rat snakes and chicken snakes.
Some use sulfur powder or snake repellents to keep snakes away, but Shanequa Davis, a Texas A&M AgriLife extension agent, says there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to the problem.
It’s something to keep in mind. Check the coops and pens, make sure there are no burrows or digging beneath them, and install barriers or netting beneath the foundations, Davis advised.
She noted that several animals can attack chickens, especially those that roam freely, but snakes tend to be especially elusive.
“It’ll be a bit harder to keep them from getting into the pens,” Davis said. “But you have to clear brush, debris, logs, etc. If there are areas where mice or similar pests can hide, that’s where the snakes will enter.”
While these egg- and chicken-eating snakes can be a nuisance, Davis said relocation is the appropriate course of action.
“Snakes play a very important role in our ecosystem, as they help control pests. They eat a lot of mice, rats, and similar creatures. Therefore, it’s not a good idea to kill them,” Davis said.
She also warns to stay alert for snakes when checking for eggs.
“Sometimes chickens may be sitting on a snake while it is consuming the eggs, so simply pay attention to what’s happening inside the nest,” Davis said. “Be mindful of your surroundings. Stay aware so you don’t injure yourself or your animals.”
Although rat snakes aren’t venomous, Davis noted that a bite could become septic if not properly cared for.
