worried moving my chicks outside

[tonim109]

My babies are almost a month old, so we moved them to the back porch buttttt in saying that we have become paranoid. We have them in a large dog kennel and wrapped in extra small holed chicken wire. But as the mess grows and they eat more...Im trying hard to move them to a cage in the yard. We sense the predators in the area quietly waiting. We have black racers that we have seen but, we feel like wrapping each one in chicken wire. We have grown to love my messy lil pets but how can we keep snakes away. Who would win the battle of a black racer and my one month old chicks. We are cleaning them every day, but not sure the patio is the right idea.The heavy black metal dog kennels work grate and the slide out tray makes cleaning easier.

 

[Latestarter]

A large black racer (or any other snake) would be able to eat a month old chick. No snakes that are native to FL would be able to eat an adult chicken. the illegal alien snakes though are another matter and there are boas and pythons now that live where you do. They would have no problem at all eating any chicken.

It sounds to me like their safety is your primary concern. Forget about chicken wire... It is completely useless for protection purposes. It is ONLY good for keeping the chickens or rabbits where you want them or out of places you don't want them (gardens). You need hardware cloth. I recommend the 1/2" over the 1/4" as it's a heavier gauge wire. Keep in mind that many snakes can climb, especially the constrictors.

BTW, Welcome to BYC! Glad to have you with us. Browse around and make yourself at home!