Egg Thief - I got him this time!

as always i'm late to the party but I have had a dealing or two with rat/black/egg loving snakes in the past. I used to catch them behind their head and drop them into a pillowcase, tie it closed and drive them about 5 miles away up into the national forest. I never knew they were such strong constrictors until I had a couple wrap themselves around my arm/wrist and start to squeeze. purple hand thing going on till I got them unwrapped. I think there were some who beat me home so when JJ does the snake bark I now head outside with my 22 revolver loaded with rat shot since my old shaky hands don't want to do that nice clean head shot anymore. bad as I hate to do it they just won't leave the eggs and chicks alone.
 
goatgurl said:
bad as I hate to do it they just won't leave the eggs and chicks alone.
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You are so right @goatgurl
I've been watching for him. He had a sweet deal pilfering eggs from under a broody. :somad I've been watching for him for awhile now. Went out today and saw the broody jump off the nest. I had a feeling....and I was right. I caught the ba$t__d today. He tried every trick in the book - wrapping himself around a post in the barn, and again around a gate while I was carrying him up to the yard. I wanted to have a big open area to dispatch him with no chance of him running under something. I hated to do it - but I've relocated 'em before and they just don't learn. He's not gonna get anymore of my eggs....and the pigs were glad for the treat!

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Bay, my question, too! I mean, there are PLENTY of mice.

Good job FEM. About the size of the one I killed here last week in my barn, leaving a nest. At least not a broody nest!! Had that last year 3 days prior hatching. Yep, killed that one, too :somad

Those things are super good climbers. Bird nests, I'm sure. More "chicken" snakes than "rat" snakes.

I did see a young king snake last week, outside all barns, and he was not harmed. 18-24" long but, I will tolerate those kind as they go after venomous types. They are immune to the venom! If found taking eggs, I will relocate them. The others, dead.
 
I've had them turn and come back at me after giving them a way "out".....I've killed them with whatever is available....tho not venomous, they will certainly strike and bite....I've seen em 7-8' long....there was one that had over a dozen inside....ya could see them lined up....I asked Joyce if she wanted the eggs?....:lol:......she said NO!!....throw them out......I laughed all the way to the ditch.....:)
 
They really have a nasty temper. I've had king snakes on the place that you could just pick up and tote around and never worry about them being aggressive - not these rat snakes. I think they are born pi$$ed!

He decimated a broody nest. She was sitting on a dozen eggs and she finally abandoned it the day I got this guy. I don't think I'll ever give another one a free pass...
 
frustratedearthmother said:
They really have a nasty temper. I've had king snakes on the place that you could just pick up and tote around and never worry about them being aggressive - not these rat snakes. I think they are born pi$$ed!

He decimated a broody nest. She was sitting on a dozen eggs and she finally abandoned it the day I got this guy. I don't think I'll ever give another one a free pass...
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No free pass...off with it's head ! I feel the same way about racoons....snakes and racoons are fine...till they mess with my chickens or eggs, then it's game on...and I won't quit till I get them....hope he was the only egg eater around for your sake:(, sorry about your nest of eggs.
 
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