Finding a snake in your chicken coop can be scary and dangerous for your flock!
And it just makes you question, “How do you keep these snakes away from your chicken coops?!”
Snakes sneak into coops looking for eggs, baby chicks, or even a warm place to rest.
But don’t worry—there are many ways to keep them out.
This guide will show you how to keep snakes out of chicken coops and protect your flock.
Keep Snakes Away From Chicken Coops. But Why Do They Enter in The First Place?
Before we talk about keeping them out, let’s understand why snakes enter chicken coops in the first place.
Looking for food
Most snakes eat small rodents, birds, and eggs.
If your coop has a rodent problem or fresh eggs are left out, it could attract snakes.
They need shelter
Chicken coops provide a dark, warm, and quiet hiding place, especially in colder months.
Snakes may slither in to find a safe resting spot.
Water is available
Like all animals, snakes need water to survive.
If your chickens’ water bowl is easily accessible, it could attract thirsty snakes.
There are also other factors to consider. For example, if your coop has easy access, lots of rodents, or egg-laying hens, it could attract snakes!
Types of Snakes That Attack a Chicken
Not all snakes are a danger to chickens. Many snakes prefer to eat rodents, insects, or frogs.
However, some snakes will steal eggs, attack baby chicks, or even try to eat a full-grown hen!
Here are some snakes that could be a threat to your flock:
Rat Snakes (Non-Venomous)
- One of the most common snakes found in chicken coops.
- Eats eggs, chicks, and small rodents.
- It can grow 5 to 7 feet long and squeeze through small openings.
King Snakes (Non-Venomous)
- Eats eggs, chicks, and rodents.
- They are somewhat beneficial because they also eat venomous snakes.
- Usually docile but will attack if provoked.
Gopher Snakes/Bullsnakes (Non-Venomous)
- They are often confused with rattlesnakes because they hiss and shake their tails.
- Eats eggs, chicks, and small birds.
- It can grow up to 8 feet long.
Copperheads (Venomous)
- Found in wooded areas and tall grass.
- Eats small birds, rodents, and eggs.
- A bite can be dangerous to chickens and even humans.
Rattlesnakes (Venomous)
- Prefers warm, dry environments.
- Usually goes after rodents but may attack chicks or eggs.
- Can bite and kill chickens if they feel threatened.
If you live in an area with venomous snakes, be extra cautious when handling snake encounters near your coop.
How to Keep Snakes Out of Chicken Coops
Now that we know why snakes come in let’s go over how to keep them out!
1. Secure the Coop with Snake-Proof Fencing
A strong fence can block snakes from getting inside, but it has to be built properly.
Use ¼-inch hardware cloth (not chicken wire)
Snakes can easily squeeze through holes in regular chicken wire, so hardware cloth is the best option.
Bury the fence at least six inches deep
Some snakes can burrow under fences. To prevent sneaky intruders, make sure your fencing is buried underground.
Make sure there are no holes or gaps
Even small gaps in doors, walls, or windows can allow a snake to enter.
Inspect your coop regularly and seal any openings with wood, metal, or strong mesh.
2. Keep the Coop Clean and Rodent-Free
Snakes often look for rats and mice, so removing rodents will also help keep snakes away.
Store feed in sealed containers
Rodents love chicken feed, and where there are rodents, there are snakes.
Use a metal or plastic bin with a tight lid to keep food safe.
Clean up spilled food daily
Don’t leave scraps, crumbs, or leftovers in the coop. Even a small amount of feed can attract rodents at night, attracting snakes.
Keep the coop dry
Rodents and insects love damp places, and snakes follow them. Regularly check for leaks, wet bedding, or standing water inside the coop.
Set up traps outside the coop
If you notice mice or rats, place traps outside the coop to reduce the food supply for snakes.
You can use humane or traditional snap traps (keep them away from the chickens).
3. Collect Eggs Daily
Snakes love fresh eggs, so don’t leave them sitting in the nest too long.
Gather eggs every morning and evening
The longer eggs sit in the nest, the more likely they’ll attract a hungry snake.
Use roll-away nesting boxes
These are designed to move eggs to a hidden compartment when the hen lays them, keeping them out of a snake’s reach.
ALSO READ: Chicken Nesting Boxes 101 and 13 Best DIY Plans
4. Remove Hiding Spots Around the Coop
Snakes like to hide in tall grass, woodpiles, and old junk. To make your coop less inviting:
Mow the grass regularly around the coop
Tall grass is the perfect place for snakes to hide and hunt for food.
Keep the area around your coop short and tidy.
Move firewood, logs, and debris far from the coop
Snakes love hiding under logs, rocks, and piles of wood.
Keep these at least 20 feet away from the coop.
Trim bushes and weeds
Overgrown bushes and weeds provide shade and cover for snakes.
Keeping the area open makes it less appealing.
5. Install Snake Deterrents
You can use a few tricks to deter snakes from coming near the coop.
Get a Rooster or Guinea Fowl
Guinea fowl and roosters will attack snakes and sound the alarm.
If you have guinea fowl or a protective rooster, they will often chase snakes away before entering the coop.
Install Motion-Activated Lights or Sprinklers
Motion-activated lights or sprinklers can scare them away.
Snakes prefer quiet and dark areas. Installing motion-sensor lights or sprinklers around your coop can startle snakes and make them leave quickly.
Spray a Predator’s Urine
Predator urine (like fox or coyote) can help repel snakes.
Predator urine can be found at farm supply stores. Spraying it around the perimeter can trick snakes into thinking a bigger predator is nearby.
Spread Sulfur Powder
One of the most effective and safest ways to deter snakes is by spreading sulfur powder around the coop.
If you free-rage your chickens, spreading them around the perimeter, they roam is best.
⚠️ Note: Avoid mothballs! Many people think mothballs keep snakes away, but they are toxic to chickens and can harm the environment.
Signs That a Snake Has Been in Your Coop
Wondering if a snake has already visited? Look for these signs:
- Missing eggs (but no cracked shells)
Snakes swallow eggs whole, leaving no mess behind.
- Baby chicks disappearing
A snake could be the culprit if your chicks are suddenly missing with no feathers or signs of attack.
- Strange tracks in the bedding
Snakes sometimes leave wavy tracks in loose bedding or dirt.
- Shed snake skin nearby
If you find a snakeskin near the coop, it means a snake has been hiding somewhere close.
If you notice these, it’s time to strengthen your defenses!
What to Do If You Find a Snake in the Coop
If you see a snake inside your coop, stay calm and follow these steps:
Stay calm!
Don’t make sudden movements. Plan your next move and ensure you’re at a safe distance first.
Identify the snake
Is it venomous? Most snakes that enter coops are harmless, but some can be dangerous.
If you’re unsure, don’t try to handle it.
Find a stick or pole
Gently move the snake away with a long stick or snake hook.
If the snake is non-venomous, use a long pole to guide it away from the coop.
Call animal control
Call animal control if the snake is venomous or too big to handle.
If you’re unsure what type of snake it is, calling a professional is safer.
Check all possible access in the coop
Check for entry points and block any holes.
If a snake gets inside once, it can get inside again unless you seal its entry spot.
Natural Ways to Keep Snakes Away From Chicken Coops
If you want to add extra protection, here are some natural ways to repel snakes:
Eggshells and Garlic
Put crushed eggshells or garlic around the coop.
Snakes don’t like rough textures or strong smells, so crushed eggshells, garlic, or onion peels can help keep them away.
Marigold and Lemongrass
Plant marigolds and lemongrass. These plants naturally repel snakes and insects, making them a great addition to your coop area.
Sulfur Powder
Use sulfur powder and spread it outside the coop.
Some people spread sulfur powder around the perimeter, but be careful—it can irritate chickens if used too close to the coop.
These won’t guarantee snakes stay away, but they can help!
Will Chickens Fight a Snake?
Chickens aren’t defenseless! If a snake enters the coop, some chickens, especially roosters, might try to fight back.
Roosters protect the flock and attack snakes by pecking and scratching. They may try to drive the snake away to protect their hens.
Hens with chicks can also be aggressive. A mother hen will puff up, flap her wings, and peck at anything threatening her babies.
Some chickens ignore snakes, while others will panic and scatter. It depends on the chicken’s personality and experience with predators.
⚠️ Warning: Chickens are not always strong enough to kill large snakes. If the snake is big or venomous, it can bite and injure your flock.
ALSO READ: Most Aggressive (And Dangerous) Chicken Breeds to Watch Out
Do Chickens Eat Snakes?
Yes! Chickens can and will eat small snakes if they find one.
If the snake is small enough, a chicken will peck at it, kill it, and eat it.
Chickens see small, moving creatures as food so that a tiny snake may be no different from a worm.
However, chickens may stay away or panic if the snake is too big.
Eating small, non-venomous snakes does not harm chickens and can give them extra protein.
But it’s still best to keep large snakes away from the coop!
ALSO READ: My Chicken Ate a Snake: Here’s What You Can Do
How to Keep Snakes Out of Chicken Coops: Before You Go…
Now you know how to keep snakes out of chicken coops!
You can protect your chickens from unwanted visitors by securing the coop, keeping it clean, and removing hiding spots.
Most snakes aren’t dangerous, but keeping them out of your flock’s home is always best.
With these tips, your chickens will stay safe, happy, and snake-free!