To Kill or not to Kill?
 

We're talking snakes here rather than chavs, politicians, family members etc., etc., .:p

Here's the situation, I have a 5 - 6 black rat snake that's been getting in and eating eggs that I have a hen setting on to hatch (~ 4 or 5 eggs each time). I have tried to leave eggs in another nest free for the taking but she would rather eat the nice warm ones.

I really hate to have to kill it. I have spent a few midnights relocating her way off into the pasture. However, she keeps returning. I also believe she has gotten into a couple of bluebird boxes and eaten the babies.

The family all wish/beg that I kill her. She does have a ravenous appetite but then again, rat snakes supposedely keep the Copperheads away.

So, waht would my Accyweb family suggest?

Brian

Re: To Kill or not to Kill?
 

Is there nobody you could call out to remove the snake?
A professional snake catcher or something like that?
That way you don't need to harm the snake and it could be released somewhere far away from you?

Re: To Kill or not to Kill?
 

i suggest kill the thieving git.;)

Re: To Kill or not to Kill?
 

Nah, no professional snake removers around here Loz. I could relocate it but it would end up smashed on the road like so many of it's brethren. Plus, not many folks around here would appreciate a snake this size nabbing it's kittens or baby squirrels!

Re: To Kill or not to Kill?
 

Fair enough!
Just a thought!
Really can't think of anything else sorry!
It would be a shame to have to kill it though:(

Re: To Kill or not to Kill?
 

Gosh, just read through the General Chat threads. Maybe should have titled this: A poll about whether I should capture and detain this snake for more or less than 42 days?

Then again, good thing I support our death penalty eh? :p

Brian

Re: To Kill or not to Kill?
 

are these things like rattlers , they partner up for life , if you find one there is usually the mate/partner not far away , and probably a nest of eggs (with snakes inside) not far away. ..........Kill it .......

Re: To Kill or not to Kill?
 

The little ones aren't a bother at all. They keep the mice, voles, moles, in check. It just when they get this big and visiting young children go missing that it becomes a little unnerving! LOL

Brian

Re: To Kill or not to Kill?
 

don't think the death penaty applies in this case .... don't see any murdering going on here, just nature taking it's natural course, even tho that course often offends human sensibilities ....

As an aside, the ministry of environment in Ontario, is reintroducing wolves in areas where the deer population is expanding at too great a rate. The idea of wolves ripping Bambi to shreds is not attractive to most humans, but it does make for a healthy deer population .... and I'm sure you will agree with this. Nature red in tooth and claw, eh;)

Re: To Kill or not to Kill?
 

Think the same applies to little Foxy Woxy in this country Eric, country folk want to hunt it with dogs, townies are against blood sports, for me I have never had much opinion about it as not to many people on horseback ride through Ossy wearing red coats, but I have seen first hand what the fox can do in a hen house, it kills the lot gust for the fun of it, I'm talking 30 hens here, not much love for the fox from the owner of these hens

Re: To Kill or not to Kill?
 

Can you not Snake proof teh hen house overnight?

I'm comfortable with killing it if necessary( nature works both ways, its nature for it to kill the eggs buit its also nature for us further up teh food chain to kill it to protect our food source) but if you can persuade it to desist then thats teh preferred solution.

I think you should eat it if you kill it though! :D

Re: To Kill or not to Kill?
 

Do you not have an SPCA in your area they would take care of it and re home it
for those that dont know its lke the RSPCA here.

Re: To Kill or not to Kill?
 

Thanks for all the thoughts and suggestions. I guess I know what needs doing. I believe that extra shot of whiskey in my grapefruit juice was making me a bit soft last night:p.

These snakes are very common. Not something the SPCA would wish to deal with. (Too many cats and abandoned dogs filling their cages already).

Ian, it's not just the small barn. These snakes are very clever. This is the same size snake I caught (and killed) 2 years ago inside a "very tight" turkey pen, just after it had swallowed it's fifth 3 - 4 week old chick for it's evening meal.

Thanks again, pictures to follow!

Brian

Re: To Kill or not to Kill?
 

If you kill it could you skin it and send me the cured skin? ;)

Re: To Kill or not to Kill?
 

Send it up here, bud ... school's out and the neighbour's kid is a tad to loud ... :D

By the way, we are starting to have a problem with Fishers up our way, cats are disappearing .... do you have any in your neck of the woods? I suppose I could google "Fisher" and find out what their range is, but I'm feeling lazy and would rather do it the old fashioned way.;)