Snake Proof Kennels

[courtatlawjudge]

I built my kennels on concrete slab with metal roof and side walls with partial back wall. The actual dog pens sit on the slabs. They are 6'X10' pre-fab models. One of my dogs still got bit by a rattlesnake that cralled up on slab and into kennel. Hard to blame dog for defending itself. Thought about buying plexiglass and running it partially up sides and door, but make it hard to wash down on the occasion that you need to. Any ideas out there?

[deerdhunter]

How about using some of the fine plastic mesh you see at the garden center of Lowes? It would may be keep the snakes out and also let the wash off out.

[lesson 101]

Use a roll of screen like on a screen door. Did the dog make it? I sure hope so.

[courtatlawjudge]

Dog survived this time. Have already lost two to snake bites. I vacinate, but even with that lost a miniature australian that was like one of my kids. My lab has been bitten 3 times. The aussie died the third bite. I hate rattlesnakes and my ranch is covered with them. Good idea fellows. Thanks for help. By the way, annual vacination is not enough the vaccine reaches it's most effective period in 45 days and wains. I have started vaccinating every 3 months

[fishstix]

You can put chicken wire up about 2'.. It won't keep the small snakes out but it will keep the rest out and you can still clean the kennel... Be ready to replace it because the snakes will get caught up in it when they try to go through it.

[k9trainer]

Sorry to hear that Lee. That's strange that the snake would approach with the dogs in the kennel. Could there possibly be a den under or around the kennels? Have you tried the snake away stuff spread around your kennels?

[Palmetto]

You can put chicken wire up about 2'.. It won't keep the small snakes out but it will keep the rest out and you can still clean the kennel... Be ready to replace it because the snakes will get caught up in it when they try to go through it.

This is a good idea. There is also the pet cage wire at TSC & Lowes. They make several different size meshes, and its pretty stout compared to chicken wire. I have been using this wire for varmint cages on my feeders.

[gander]

Or plexiglass on hinges that you lift when you need to clean out and fasten down at all other times?

[denimdeerslayer]

Try hardware cloth. Its what is used on rabbit cages. I put it around my chicken/turkey pen and have never had a snake get in.

[courtatlawjudge]

There must be a den nearby. The ranch is thick. Since I posted this, my wife kept one at bay for 25 minutes until I could break land speed records getting home. He was right outside the kennels. She figured out to grab a shotgun and not the .38 next time. Killed 3 in 47 hour period. All about the same size (4ft) but big around as popeye's forearm. I put the snake away out and I just can't testify one way or another. The aussie was bad about baying them and bayed two or three behind the kennels. Of course she also bayed an otter in the kennels. I miss that dogs terribly and she's been dead since October 6, 2012. As I said in another post, I wrote what I thought was one of my best articles about her and Texas Trophy Hunters absolutely ruined it. I can't figure out how to post it here. If someone knows how, I'll send it as an attachment to an email and you can post ity for me if you think that it's worth the effort. ANy of you snake hunters, please feel free to pm me.