Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

ALMOST BEEKEEPING - RELATED TOPICS => FARMING & COUNTRY LIFE => Topic started by: Bee Happy on June 02, 2009, 01:45:14 am

Title: Is there a kind of domestic poultry that kills snakes?
Post by: Bee Happy on June 02, 2009, 01:45:14 am

...I guess the subject says it all. My wife is absolutely terrified of snakes. I'm sort of indifferent to them but if I'm going to have a bluegill/bream pond I better have an answer for why she needn't worry about moccasins or water snakes.

Title: Re: Is there a kind of domestic poultry that kills snakes?
Post by: wisconsin_cur on June 02, 2009, 02:42:16 am

Probably not water moccasins.  Some of the more aggressive chicken breeds will kill a mouse, chipmunk or even a small black or garden snake but probably not something as aggressive or poisonious as a cottonmouth.

I have had a couple of dogs over the years that would dispatch snakes of that size up to medium-small rattlesnakes.

Title: Re: Is there a kind of domestic poultry that kills snakes?
Post by: SgtMaj on June 02, 2009, 02:48:42 am

Water Moccasins are preyed upon by snapping turtles, alligators, bullfrogs, horned owls, eagles, loggerhead shrikes, herons, cranes, egrets, and other snakes (including other water mocassins).

Hope that helps more than it hurts.

Title: Re: Is there a kind of domestic poultry that kills snakes?
Post by: Michael Bush on June 02, 2009, 08:16:44 pm

I've heard that geese will chase snakes.  I have not observed that as I have no geese.  :)

Title: Re: Is there a kind of domestic poultry that kills snakes?
Post by: Shawn on June 02, 2009, 09:53:42 pm

Turkeys I think.

Title: Re: Is there a kind of domestic poultry that kills snakes?
Post by: Bee Happy on June 03, 2009, 06:19:54 pm

Thanks you guys; I think between the dogs, (who are already keeping us almost snake-free - compared to my neighbors'.) maybe a turkey or gander, and me occasionally relocating a non-venomous type, she should feel safe.