Black Razor Snake???

[aussiedude248]

So we have a Black Razor Snake he/she has been here for a while which is good because they keep other snakes away but I ordered 3 male mallard ducklings ( COMING ON WEDS.!!!!!!) from Metzer's and I was wondering would a black razor attack a adult bird once the ducks are older??? (He's been hiding in the lime green plants or under the coop) in my BYC page you can see. Any answers thoughts or comments will be accepted.

 

[katharinad]

We have those type of snakes on our property. They can get 6 feet long. So far they have only been hunting rodents. They are known to eat small mammals, like rodents etc. I'm sure they will eat ducklings, but I doubt that they will try an adult bird. My ducks have been free ranging in the large outdoor area with snakes since they are 12 weeks old. No problems at all. I actually think the snakes left that area, because my ducks are little trouble makers. The meadow still has them for sure.

 

[toadbriar]

They're lovely snakes! They'd surely eat a duckling or egg. But adult birds should be safe. I guess he'll be keeping rodents out of your feed too!

 

[treldib]

I'm assuming you mean a Southern Black Racer since their is no such thing as a "Razor Snake".

It could be one of two things:

Black Racer, Coluber constrictor priapus

Or


Black Rat Snake, Elaphe obsoleta (aka Black Snake by many people)

A Black Racer is a long and very slim snake (6' max and about as big around as one of those fat sharpie markers) which is jet black with big eyes and a blue-ish belly.

A Black Rat Snake is a very long and thick snake (officially the longest snake in North America, up to 8.5' and as big around as a coke can) which is usually jet black but, sometimes has a bit of pattern on its back. They have a black and white checkered belly.

Neither will touch an adult duck, but both will gladly take eggs and ducklings.

Have fun with the ducks and the snake! They're both amazing creatures.

 

[duckluck]

Always bear in mind that if the snake is going to hunt something, that something would have to be small enough for it to be able to swallow whole, and while snakes can swallow things much larger than their mouths, there are limits.

 

[swheat]

While I don't have the Black Racer(haven't seen one anyway), I do have the Black speckled king snake. I have seen them for years in my area, I have watched them many times in the chickens pens. They have never even looked twice at the chickens and the chickens did not seemed bothered by him. They did watch him but they were not alarmed or upset at his presence. However, I do keep eggs gathered and I do not brood baby chicks in the pens with adults. As others have posted I don't think he would be a threat to ducks as long as they are not very young.

 

[FenDruadin]

We have one of those resident here. He never approaches adult ducks. He will take a quail, though. I never worry about it--an occasional lost bird is minor in return for the rodent control services he offers. It's less than feeding a cat. They do eat eggs once in a while, but again, not enough to be worrisome--and they won't attempt eggs that are under a broody (likewise, ducklings that are under a broody).

But I would keep important ducklings in the house, or in snake-proofed brooders outdoors, because even a mother duck can't be on top of the babies all the time.

Enjoy!

 

[featherfooted]

This past summer we had 5 Black Rat snakes in our coop (not at the same time). One was about 6 feet long. They will go after eggs under a broody. I had been wondering what was happening to the eggs under a broody hen and found the snake in the nest with the hen one night when I went to lock up. After that my broody nest box has a wire door that is closed every night and open each morning.

 

[FenDruadin]

Wow--I learn something new every day. Thanks for the correction!

I guess if I had a snake stealing eggs regularly from under a broody, I'd probably relocate that dude. Not a good habit to be in.