So, this rat snake has been hanging out in the chicken house. The thing is, we’ve been getting plenty of eggs.
Kathleen and I agree that this snake can hang out with the chickens and take care of the mouse issue in the chicken coop. I have a feeling the fact that it scares away mice is a real bonus.
I just go in and pick up eggs, and the snake just watches. It’s fine with me. I took care of my son’s pet rat snake for years. It was always fine with me around. Snakes do their jobs!
So, I guess we have a partner in the chicken house. And that’s great.
In sad news, poor Betty got egg bound again. She managed to pass the egg, but it did her in. I really didn’t want her to live the rest of her life in pain, anyway. I sure appreciate her, though.
The Hermits' Rest 
I love that you and Snakey have developed an understanding. If there are enough rodents around, your eggs should be safe. Eggs are definitely second choice. Sorry to hear about Now Dead Betty. “Female problems” are the worst.
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Female problems can be deadly!
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Sorry Betty got egg bound again – sad that she it killed her. So – your reptilian helper… have you named it, possibly an androgynous name unless you’re a good chicken sexer and can tell the gender. Googling snake names was fun – but my faves would be Muscles and Slick because they’re easy to remember.
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I’ll think about naming ideas. Gender neutral would be good. Previous pet snake was Climber.
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