snake proof the first time...

[bethinoklahoma]

THINKING of how to snake proof the new pen.
I want the new pen to be for younger chicks
and or smaller birds. In the past we have had
our share of snakes. So I need to find something
that will protect them and maybe even something
that I can use around the pens that I have birds
nesting.
I have thought of hotwire net around the outside of
older areas that are housing birds that are sitting on
eggs now. That is just t-post and horse fence with a
secure top that covers but in no way will it stop a snake.
Like I said tho a new pen is coming this spring and I
need to find the best option to start with.
Great chicken minds come together and give me your
thoughts or things that have hoked for you....
Thanks

 

[Chook-A-Holic]

The only true way to keep out a snake big enough to harm your birds is to wrap the whole pen in hardware cloth. If you are going to use electric to deter them you will need at least a 24" apron of hardware cloth around the perimeter of the pen. Then run your hot wire 3" off the ground and 11/2" off the side of the pen. You will need to keep the wire apron clean of any grass/debris to have enough ground to zap the snake. A snake is hard to zap on dry earth. I experimented with this for years and years before coming up with this technique. Keep in mind that you may not be able to put your hot wire an 11/2" from the metal pen due to current losses. You may have to run a wooden frame around the pen and then attach your insulators to that.

If you will notice the hoop house below, I also had snakes in mind also when I ran the electric around it. Even though they can't get in the pen, they will be discouraged from being around it.

 

[LynneP]

Along with everything else we have garter snakes up to 5' long- they like to birth live litters in places like stalls and coops- yep, 1/2" hardware cloth skirting, underground- ours is below in the link, with pics.

Nice setup, Chook-A-Holic.

 

[bethinoklahoma]

That is very good looking to!
I want to be able to handle chicks
outside. Does this design hold heat
in the back. I have some ideas for a
drop light brooder that is said to hold heat
under it.
Im off to feed, but would like to see a
inside pic if you have one.
Thanks for the imput !

 

[Chook-A-Holic]

Quote:
Beth, follow the link below to a recent thread I did on the hoop coop. I don't think the back will hold much heat with the top rear open and the whole front side open, however I put in a huddle box for the pullets to go in at night and during extremely bad weather. The brooder fixture you see hanging isn't being used for heat. For the first couple of nights I had a 20 watt red bulb in it while the little ones were getting acclimated to their new place.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=270088

 

[Manok-Tao]

I had 5 RSL hens two years ago, they were out running around down by the creek below my house, started making a huge commotion...I ran down there to find them tag teaming a 5' black snake. they beat the living tar out of ...killed it..began to eat it...ok that's enough girls back to the coop.
I had no idea they would do such a thing

Sorry about going on a tangent....

 

[1schaefermaqks]

Nice pen , really like the design.