GUIDE TO KEEPING SNAKES AWAY FROM POULTRY FARMS

Keeping snakes away from poultry is one of the most important steps in protecting eggs, chicks, and farm productivity. At My Goto Vet, we understand how stressful it can be for farmers when predators such as snakes invade chicken coops. Although snakes play a role in controlling rodent populations, they quickly become serious pests on poultry farms because they target eggs and young birds. To safeguard your flock, you need a combination of physical barriers, habitat management, and practical deterrents that make your farm unwelcoming to snakes.

Why Snakes Are Attracted to Poultry Farms

Snakes are not random visitors. They are usually drawn by three essentials: food, water, and shelter.

1. Eggs and chicks as food: Fresh eggs are irresistible to snakes, and species like rat snakes can wipe out a nest in one visit. Missing eggs, crushed shells, or chicks disappearing are telltale signs of snake activity. Although adult chickens are rarely eaten, a dead chicken with a wet head may indicate a failed attempt by a snake to swallow it.
2. Rodents and spilled feed: Where there are rodents, snakes will follow. Rats, mice, and other small animals are common around chicken feed. If feed is not properly stored, rodents multiply quickly, leaving behind droppings that snakes easily trace. This creates a cycle where poorly managed feed attracts rodents, and rodents invite snakes.
3. Shelter and water: Poultry coops provide warmth and shade, making them ideal snake shelters. Likewise, puddles, buckets of water, or leaky hoses create attractive water sources.

5 Ways to Keep Snakes from a Poultry Farm in Nigeria

1. Consult a Vet Before Setting up your Farm

Preventing snake invasions starts even before you build your poultry house. Many farmers rush into construction without considering environmental risks, but consulting a licensed veterinarian early helps you avoid costly mistakes. A vet can advise you on the best farm location, recommend housing designs that discourage snakes, and guide you on effective biosecurity measures.

Mygotovet lets you easily connect with experienced veterinarians who understand the Nigerian farming landscape. By consulting a vet through our platform, you not only protect your poultry from snakes but also get expert advice on feed management, vaccination schedules, and overall farm health.

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2. Building Strong Barriers

One of the most reliable way to keep snakes away from poultry is by physically blocking their access.

• Use hardware cloth, not chicken wire: Traditional chicken wire cannot stop snakes. Its large holes make it easy for snakes and weasels to slip through. Instead, use galvanized hardware cloth with ¼-inch openings for maximum protection.
• Seal every gap: Snakes can squeeze through holes as small as half an inch. Inspect the floor, roof, vents, and walls, sealing cracks with caulk or foam. Reinforce loose mesh with sturdy fasteners. For older coops, consider upgrading to stronger, predator-proof designs.
• Bury the fence line: To prevent snakes from digging under, bury hardware cloth at least 6 to 12 inches underground. For extra protection, extend it up to 18 inches or even line the coop floor with mesh.

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2. Managing the Farm Environment

Snakes thrive where food, water, and hiding spots are abundant. By reducing these attractants, you make your farm less appealing.

• Control rodents: Store feed in sealed bins made of metal or heavy plastic. Clean up spillage daily and use treadle feeders that release food only when chickens step on them.
• Clear clutter: Tall grasses, wood piles, or rock heaps provide perfect snake hiding spots. Mow regularly, trim overgrown weeds, and relocate storage areas away from the coop.
• Eliminate standing water: Repair leaky pipes, dump buckets, and level uneven ground where rainwater collects. Without a water source, snakes are less likely to stay.

3. Repellents and Helpful Animals

Although barriers and sanitation are the strongest defenses, additional measures can enhance protection.

• Natural repellents: Strong-smelling plants such as garlic, onions, lemongrass, and marigolds can discourage snakes. Homemade sprays made from garlic and onion water may also help around entry points. However, repellents often provide only temporary relief.
• Guard animals: Some animals act as natural snake deterrents. Guinea fowl are aggressive toward snakes and rodents. Cats help control rodents, which indirectly reduces snake visits. Dogs and geese can alert farmers and scare away smaller snakes.

4. Local and Natural Remedies Against Snakes

Traditional methods remain popular in rural areas of Nigeria. Farmers often use strong-smelling repellents such as kerosene, garlic, bitter kola or sulfur powder to discourage snakes. Some keep guinea fowl or cats, as these animals help control rodents and alert you to snake movement. Natural oils like clove or cinnamon can also act as mild deterrents. These remedies, while effective, should be combined with modern farm practices for the best results.

Emergency Response to Snake Encounters on the Farm

Despite preventive measures, snakes may still find their way into your farm. When this happens, stay calm and avoid handling the snake directly or killing it. As non-venomous snakes are important to control rodent populations. Instead, use tools to guide it out, or call local snake control experts for safe removal. If a snake bite occurs, provide immediate first aid and seek urgent medical attention. Quick response can save both human and animal lives.

Protecting poultry from snakes...

requires vigilance and a layered approach. By combining hardware cloth barriers, strict sanitation, and environmental management, you create a safer farm for your flock. At Mygotovet, we encourage farmers to stay proactive and invest in long-term solutions that keep snakes away from poultry.

Ready to secure your farm? Find a Vet  among our qualified providers or simply signup to Talk to a Vet Now and take the first step toward a snake-free poultry operation today.

Frequently Asked Questions on Keeping Snakes Away from A Poultry Farm

1. What is the best way to keep snakes out of a chicken coop?

The most effective method is using hardware cloth with ¼-inch openings to cover all gaps, vents, and buried fences.

2. Do snake repellents really work?

Natural repellents like garlic and lemongrass may discourage snakes, but they should be combined with physical barriers for lasting results.

3. Can snakes eat grown chickens?

Most snakes target eggs and chicks. While they may attempt to swallow adult chickens, they rarely succeed.

4. Will having cats or dogs keep snakes away?

Yes, indirectly. Cats reduce rodent numbers, and some dogs or guinea fowl actively deter snakes. However, they should not replace secure coop construction.