The subject of snakes is not a good read for many. However, if you keep chickens at your home or farm then you need to read this article. 

Snake encounters are very much common, moreso this rainy season when these reptiles move out of their habitats in search of food and warmer places to stay. If snakes find eggs, chickens, rats and mice around your yard, they will make that place their home.

In this article, I will cover some of the ways you can implement to avoid these creatures in your homesteads: 



1. Rodent control

Rats love chicken feed and snakes love rats and mice. If you have too many rats running around your yard, chances of sighting a snake are high. Rodent control is therefore important. Ensure proper waste management – burn or properly dispose of any litter far away from the fowl run.

Too much garbage lying around is food for rats and junk items around the yard such as rubbles, old roofing sheets and wood piles provide a safe haven for rats and snakes. As you may be aware, rats breed so fast hence attracting the attention of these reptiles which may end up in your fowl run eating the chickens and eggs.

2. Snake repellants  

Planting snake repellant plants also helps to deter the creatures. These plants emit odours that irritate snakes. Some common examples include marigolds, lemongrass, wormwood, rosemary, thyme, garlic, garden rue and onions. Plant these around the chicken run and yard to provide a protective shield for the birds.

Snake pills from most veterinary shops also help excrete pungent smell that deter these reptiles. Smoke from burning tyres also irritates snakes from settling in the yard. Putting diesel around the perimeter of the yard or fowl run also ensures snakes do not cross the line. You can also put broken bottle pieces around the fowl run to deter snakes from crossing. Spraying a concoction of mahogany tree barks soaked in water around the yard also repels the serpents.

3. Cut down tall grass 

Ensure grass around the yard and fowl run is cut short at all times. Tall grass and thick bushes provide a safe home or hideout for snakes and even mosquitos.



4. Cover any fowl run openings

With the rains around, snakes are constantly looking for dry and warm places to stay. Fowl runs, homes and storerooms provide these ideal conditions. Ensure the fowl run has no openings that allow snakes to enter especially from the roof.

Cover any openings with mesh wire or plaster any holes or cracks where possible. The fowl run should be snake proof to protect the chickens at all times. 

5. Prune trees

Snakes can climb trees and find ways to enter the fowl run through the roof. Ensure any nearby trees are pruned at all times.

6. Collect eggs regularly

Snakes are mostly attracted to eggs more than the chickens. It’s only when chickens seem to be a predator when snakes do attack the birds.

Ensure eggs in nesting boxes are removed regularly during the day and remove the ‘temptation’ for snakes to enter the fowl runs. 



7. Keeping guinea fowls

Those with guinea fowls (hanga) can testify these birds are very alert and make a lot of noise when they see intruders. Guinea fowls are not afraid of snakes and can fight off and kill these reptiles with ease.

However, guinea fowls can also end up bullying chickens hence you need to introduce them pretty early to ensure they can co-exist well.

8. Cats and dogs 

Cats are good at reducing rodent population and even fighting off snakes. Dogs too can help in spotting such intruders. Having these in the yard is a sure help when it comes to managing rodents and keeping snakes away.

Conclusion

In the event you find a snake in the fowl run, it is always advisable to enlist the services of Zimparks or professional snake handlers than trying to manage this on your own.

Some snake species are poisonous and can harm you. Snake handlers know how to catch and rehabilitate these reptiles. Snakes have a purpose in the ecosystem, there is need to preserve them hence the need to call professionals for help.

What other methods do you know that can help keep snakes away from the fowl runs? Feel free to post your feedback in the comment box below. Thanks!