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In article > ,
(-L.) wrote:

> Katra > wrote in message
> >...
> > In article >,
> > sf > wrote:
> > `````````
> > >
> > > On Wed, 31 Dec 2003 03:30:51 -0600, Katra
> > > > wrote:
> > >
> > > >
> > > > I tried live traps with the original rat infestation in the hen yard.
> > > > Really I did... It got out of hand swiftly so I had no choice
> > > > but to start poisoning. They ate eggs, killed young pigeons
> > > > and crapped profusely in the feed dishes, and attracted
> > > > rattlesnakes...
> > > >
> > > > Rodents are oh so prolific.
> > > >
> > > > You usually only visually see about 10% of your infestation.
> > > > I was forced to poison finally. You just have to be OH so careful!
> > >
> > > I don't know where you live, but it seems like you could use
> > > a neighborhood coyote or fox on permanent mouse patrol
> > > OUTSIDE the hen house. <S>
> > >
> > >
> > > Practice safe eating - always use condiments
> >
> > Texas rural... There are even deer on the lawns. <G>
> > Pretty wild.
> >
> > I wish it were that easy. I've actually considered rat terriers. <G>
> > There are nearly always shelter dogs available, but they can't be
> > chicken killers! :-o
>
> You need a good colony of Texas Glossy snakes. Set up a habitat for
> them (woodpile, area to bask, water nearby), and ask a breeder to sell
> you a mated pair or two. Once established, it is unlikely the
> rattlers will hang around for too long, and mice/rats will be
> non-existent.
>
> -L.

Are glossy's better than Texas Rat Snakes or Bull Snakes?
I'm regretting now relocating the Rat Snakes that I had here!
I trapped them and gave them away because they were killing my
baby pigeons! That is when the rat problem started... <sigh> And
since the rats kill baby pigeons too, I'm still in the same boat. :-(

Seems I just can't win.

I'd be interested in re-introducing a smaller snake that would not go
for birds?

I currently have a blue racer that eats my grasshoppers. :-) Funny, I
was having a problem with 'hoppers eating plants until this snake
appeared. He's been here now for abut 3 years and I see him/her from
time to time. I tried to capture it initially as that species also tends
to eat lizards and frogs, and I have a very nice population of med'
geckos and toads. (I'm very much into natural control/organic gardening
without the use or minimal use of pesticides).

When I finally managed to catch the snake one day, it had a very, very
large grasshopper in it's teeth so I told the snake that if it was
willing to eat 'hoppers, it could live here, then I tossed it back into
the garden! <G>

So, I more than welcome beneficial snakes here. I have no fear of them...

K.

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