Monday, April 20, 2015

Snakes. Why did it have to be... snakes?!?

Megan, you probably don't want to read this post. ;)

Every spring, we have one or two rat snakes come hang out at Wyvern Oaks for a month or so. They usually hang out around the back shed/chicken coop, and when they move on, we have no more rodents. They're shy creatures, not at all aggressive, and are quick to move out of your way if you encounter one. Although it can be somewhat disturbing to find a 5+ foot snake hanging out in your shed, I'm always grateful for their presence.

Last week, Fuzzypony found one in the chicken coop. Apparently this one didn't get the message that he's supposed to eat rodents...

Well hello there!

Contemplating an easy snack...

Omnomnomnom.

Yes, rat snakes also eat eggs. And I'm more than happy to share if they also kill off a few rats! Good luck, little fellow!

23 comments:

  1. omg. NOPE.

    I'd die of a heart attack before my rational brain was able to convey they "they eat rodents!" message :)

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    1. Haha, yeah, the first time I see one it gives me pause every year. Then I'm on the lookout and it's a little less shocking!

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  2. Just be glad it's not a rattler. I've seen enough of those in the past month to last me a life time.

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    1. Oh if it had been a rattlesnake this would have been a different post. Did you hear they found some in the Capital building downtown and someone got bitten? EEEK!

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  3. I don't love snakes. But I'd be willing to tolerate them for a bit (and sacrifice a few eggs) to be rodent free :)

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    1. When a rat eats out the innards of your brand new Bosch dishwasher, you'll have a whole new appreciation for anything that eats rats. :)

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  4. I would definitely trade some eggs for rats, as long as the snakes didn't get too comfortable with eggs and forget the rats.

    then NOPE.

    Off with it's head.

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    1. Well we are now short the two rats that were living in the shed, and minus one snake. So, mission accomplished!

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  5. Eeep snakes are not something I'd like to happen upon - thankfully I don't know of any poisonous ones in this part of Europe

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    1. The only one found in most of Europe is the Common Adder. All the rest of them are just found in the south - Italy and Spain and southern France. You're quite safe. :)

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    2. One of the many reasons I have no plans to move from here ☺

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  6. No. Nononononononono! We also had a snake visitor in the arena this weekend. I didn't notice him until I was about 5 feet away which startled me. I don't know if he was as big as this one, nor do I know what kind he was, but he did not rattle anything at me and I retreated to a safe distance until he was gone. If I see him again, you can have him. :-)

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    1. Nah, you should keep him - he'll take care of the rodents for you!

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  7. As someone who has worked on educating the public on the value of snakes this post made me so happy. Happy hunting ratter.

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    1. Yeah, I grew up trying to help educate folks on the value of snakes too. Most folks are terrified of them, which is unfortunate. Certainly they should be treated with respect, but no need to kill them all wholesale.

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  8. Love me some rat snake. I have one residing in one of my hay barns. She can stay as long as she wishes, and if she wants an egg here or there that's fine too. :D

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    1. Oooh nice! Ours only seem to visit in the spring. Don't know where the spend the rest of their time, but I hope it's nearby!

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  9. we have a lot of rat snakes in maryland too - BIG ones, and i've always liked them. like, i don't want to *touch* them... but i'm happy that they're around lol

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    1. Well, any snake can bite (I've been bitten by a pet King snake) so it's best not to bother any of them. They're kind of cool to touch, though - they feel like petting a plastic bag. If you ever have the chance to pet a tame one, you should try it!

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  10. I haven't seen our rat snake in two years. I imagine he's really fat and happy living under our house eating rats?

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    1. OF COURSE he is. And he'll never bother you again. ;)

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  11. Wow that is a huge snake. Sheesh.

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    1. Lol, yes, he's a good-sized fellow. Hopefully all the better for killing rats!

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