Yet more snake eating.....

[dalthauser]

My chickens found another snake.  I caught it on video, and I'm going to share it regardless of how redneck my porch and yard look right now (the video pretty much goes everywhere).  Also, the yard is so awful because there's a drought and I use all my water on my vegetables & fruits - none left over to support a lush lawn.

 I ran down the chicken who ended up with it finally and caught just the last seconds before she gulped it down.  I couldn't believe she ate the whole thing!!

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Comments

[madamealexis.livejournal.com]

It's so funny watching them chase after the one with the snake. That look of panic of having to have enough time to swallow it before it gets stolen.

At the end when the chicken ate the snake I wondered what she was saying to you.

[eats-veggies.livejournal.com]

I freaked out when I saw that - I'm so glad I got at least the tail end on film. She swallowed it WHOLE - I didn't know her belly was big enough.

[moon-child003.livejournal.com]

That's so funny how they all chase her. Are the snakes dangerous, do they bite?

[eats-veggies.livejournal.com]

The only snakes I've seen on my property are garden snakes, and they are harmless. We do have rattle snakes in this area - but I've never seen one. Yeah, whenever one gets something good - it begins a wild chase.

[kabuldur.livejournal.com]

That's good protein!

That chook really did seem to be replying to you!

What sort of chooks are they? They look a bit like Light Sussex, yet not. Are they pullets?

They are sure good company, aren't they?

[eats-veggies.livejournal.com]

They are Delaware's. It's an American breed originally a cross between a Barred Rock and a New Hamshire. They do look a little like Sussex though. There's 8 pullets and one Roo. They are the perfect pet.

[kabuldur.livejournal.com]

Thanks for telling me that. I looked them up on the net. They are certainly a breed I would consider having if I lived over there. I found out that they are on the critical list, so not many people must be breeding them or still have them. So good on you for getting some! They are also on the Slow Food (Ark of Taste) site, so you have chosen well! Or did they choose you?

I know you will have fun with them, and that they will give you lots of eggs!

[eats-veggies.livejournal.com]

Yes, one of the reasons I chose them was because they were a disappearing heirloom breed. They grow too slow for modern day greedy meat raisers - and they are too heavy & broody for modern factory egg farms. They are meant for the family farm - which there aren't many of nowadays.

[sahlah.livejournal.com]

I just love your chicken videos! They grown again - last time they were chasing a snake or worm, they were much smaller.

How much longer till eggs?

[eats-veggies.livejournal.com]

They say around 5 months old. So, we have about 2 1/2 months to go before egg videos! hahaha I really gotta get going on the nest boxes. Yeah, they've grown - and not as quite as friendly as they were before. A couple (including the rooster) are still very cuddily (sp).

[walksbeauty.livejournal.com]

They are SO funnyl. I love watching them run around after each other when one has a tasty morsel. I always love to see who 'win's' the prize! I love the look she gave you at the end as you're squealing! hahahaha

[joebanks.livejournal.com]

Reminds me of a scene from one of the Jurassic Park movies.

[bright-feather.livejournal.com]

These are great. They are soooo funny when they chase each other about like that.

[ex-kitschyhi349.livejournal.com]

Snakes ... they're just bigger worms. :)

Our neighbors keep peacocks because they keep the rattlesnakes away. Very useful indeed!

I buy organic, cage free eggs at the store & with the prices going up at the market, they are getting close to $5 a dozen. I think it would be wiser & much funner if we got a few of our own. Do you have to have a rooster in order to have the hens produce eggs?

[eats-veggies.livejournal.com]

I buy organic free range too, and I am paying over $4 a dozen. With the prices the way they are - keeping your own is practical. Remember though that feed goes up when everything else does (but you can free range and feed scraps when cuts down a little on grain bill).

You don't need a rooster for eggs (only if you want fertilized eggs). I got a rooster because I really liked the whole family idea. Roosters also look out for the hens as a leader. If you don't have one though - one of the hens will take on the job.