Have to agree with Howard and Lindsay both. I believe a more balanced approach is preferred. Control the snakes prey (rodents) and the ecosystem they prefer and you should see a decline in their population. A couple of Guenea Hens will give you early warning if any remain. A good cat would take care of those that do remain. Good luck keeping them all segregated.
The cat is a good idea (if you don't mind the extra cost and care). According to our vet cats and snakes hate each other so when they meet up it's a fight to the death. One of my cats has a missing eye from a lucky rattler bite. Either way, cats control the rodents and seem to be a good snake deterrent. We don't really have either on our property anymore.
I know it's been awhile, but I just wanted to follow up and close out this thread.
Randy's suggestion seemed to work the best:
Quote: randy allen
If I had to leave my dogs under those kind of circumstances, a hours worth of pay for some hardware cloth and perhaps a weekends worth of part time work would be a small price to pay for my dogs.
Randy
Ps.
Cut off the nice smooth edge of the wire, and bend out the the remaining sharp points, no snake will go pass that cutting.
In addition to that, I have been aggressive with the weedeater between my fence and the drainage area. I have also imported some good snakes such as Red Rat Snakes and Common Black snacks. I think this has made a positive impact. I often see the good snakes now, but I haven't seen a moccasin in a long time.
Always looking for training avenues close to home. Any suggestions?
Even though the coral snake has a more severe bite, the chances of getting bit are much much lower as they tend to flee upon contact. The also have very short fangs and small heads which make it harder to get bit. Their bite affects the nervous system which makes it more severe.
The black snakes you speak about will eat other non poisonous snakes but they are not immune to poison like the king snakes or the indigo snake. From experience I can tell you that cottonmouths are just nasty. They will actually chase you. I encounter copperheads now and then when I'm in NC but they don't mess with you too much.
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