Snake proof fence

[CharlieTn]

I have read that one can make a snake proof fence by burying 3/8 mesh wire and pitching it 30 degrees out.

Does anyone have an opinion on whether or not it will work ?

If it is doable can anyone suggest a way to dig this 6 incb deep "trench" with a compact tractor?

I was thinking about a small 3pt plow of some sort. I see some for around $140.00


Thanks
Charlie

 

[Farwell]

Tractor supply sells a sub soiler that I use to trench for running wire and flex water pipe. It will cut a narrow trench that may take some cleaning out to get the fence in the trench. My soil is sand with about a foot of top soil on it and I can make a 10 inch deep trench if I weight the sub soiler down. Sounds like you may have a lady friend like mine, terrified of snakes.

 

[Tom_H]

Are there any power lines up above it? Just run a little connector between the two (make sure to wear gloves and rubber boots) and you'll have a fence that's snakeproof and everything else there is proof! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Sorry, it's late. I couldn't resist. Forgive me /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif.

 

[CharlieTn]

Thank you. I was hoping I could get away cheap. Dont laugh, can I use that sub-soiler to plant a garden?

Yes, my wife is scared of snakes and is terrified that one of my 6 dogs will get bit. We are moving from urban NJ to the mountains of Tennessee. Snakes and bugs and bears oh my.

Charlie

 

[CharlieTn]

My wife would be afraid the dogs would be toast. But then I would not need the fence. Maybe a plan here.

 

[Edge]

Welcome to TN. I live the other end of the state. Sorry I don't post very often, I read the board religiously (you know.. Chistmas and Easter) so anyway; As an FYI only, There are only a couple poisonous snakes out here; water moc's/cotton mouths, a coral or two, and the very occasional eastern rattler. I've got more (non-poisonous) chicken snakes on my little 5a mosquito farm than I could shake a stick at. Good thing, they keep the other vermin down. <gr> On another note, There are several trainers who can "de-snake" your dogs. I'd just ask around for any neighbor who hunts with his dogs. They'll probably either do it or know who can.

 

[hitekcountry]

CharlieTn

Maybe you should first look into what the real risk is of losing a dog to snakes. I don’t know that this happens very often because I’ve never heard of anyone having this problem. You could ask how many here at TBN has had this problem. Seems like the logical first step to me.

OH wait..... were talking about a woman's fears...... never mind.... do what ya gota do./forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[Farwell]

Don't think the sub soiler would be of much help in making a garden unless you have hard soil or lots of small tree roots you need to rip out of the soil.
On snakes in Tn or any other place, it takes a while to adjust to a new enviroment. Once you live in Tn for a while you will find that snakes are not really a big problem, you will learn to live with them in your life. If there are too many snakes, think of raising hogs, they love eating snakes plus raising hogs on enviromental food like grasses etc, they will plow your garden for you as well as fertilize it. Pen them in the area you want worked up and keep them there until the soil is clear of weeds and grasses and then move them to another area to repeat the process. If they have done all the work you need, you can butcher them or sell them.

 

[bigpete]

Hi, Charlie. I have lived in and own land in several states, but never TN. In each location, I have been fortunate to have worked with an Ag Extension Service representative from a State University Ag Extension Office to learn about soil management, pest management, and administrative property management concerns. In my experience, there is nothing too small or too large for these folks to consider--including identifying harmful pests.. My most recent consultation involves, "Ground Hogs" in Southern Delaware.

Here's a link to your local office. Remember, you pay direct or indirect taxes to suport these services:

Universirty of Tennessee Extension Services Website

 

[CharlieTn]

Thank you much. I had no idea that the dogs could be taught to avoid snakes. The wife is just soooo nervous.

Charlie

 

[CharlieTn]

"Maybe you should first look into what the real risk is of losing a dog to snakes. "

I did. Know it is VERY VERY LOW. Showed her the statistics.

CRAZY!! But if one of her babies gets bit I AM TOAST!!!!!

Thanks

 

[CharlieTn]

Thanks. I was hoping farm implements were multi-taskers.

I did not know that hogs could be raised that way. It is an idea.

 

[CharlieTn]

Thank you for the advice and the link. A call to them is definitely in the "master plan"

Charlie

 

[Partsman2]

I've never seen a problem with dogs getting snake bit. I live in an 80,000 acre state forest with thick woods all around me. Typically the dogs will keep them away. I always try to have at least 1 dog around that will hunt snakes. I don't have one of those right now though.

We have copperheads and eastern rattlers. The rattlers are endangered and therefore it is illegal to kill them and the forestry service is actually setting aside special habitat areas. They are also breeding them in a lab environment and bringing them into the area to increase the population.

I have only seen a poisenous snake around my house on 1 occasion. It was a 5' long rattle snake in my garage several years back. I can't remember what happened to that snake /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif.I do watch the ground when walking through the woods and around grown up areas.

I understand the wife being afraid. Mine is terrified and says the only good snake is a dead snake. Even a garter snake doesn't stand a chance around my place. Then she complains about having mice and will not listen to reason. Go figure and good luck with your debacle! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[have_blue]

Hi Charlie,

I know this isn't what you're looking for, but snakes are very acrobatic and resourceful. It's nearly impossible to fence them out. They will climb trees and drop down on the other side of the fence.

The cheapest, quickest, and best solution is to teach your wife to not be afraid of snakes.

 

[Partsman2]

Charlie,

Not to add to your problems, but, see this related post. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[LarryRB]

We bought an abanndonned farm just outside of Ironton Ohio. Thought it would be better living there than at the time in Massachusetts.. Anyway, bought a 14 X 75 mobile to have something immediately to live in.... After one year there, we sold the 133 acre farm in three separate parcels.. I never in my life see so many copperheads. It was so bad, we had to take a step at a time walking to the car... The neighbors, which are quite far apart, told us it was a huge problem for them too and they were born and raised there,,,After that year, enough was enough....We returned to New England area.

 

[LarryRB]

I forgot to add in, the one person who bought the largest part, mobile home and 70 acres, loved it... He was there to collect the copper heads and whatever else... Said he brought them to his church across the river near Ashland KY somewhere... I thought he was kidding until on the 60 minutes program maybe a year later,, here they all were, including kids, in a church with snakes hanging all over their necks and the rest of the place.... I am not trying to knock religion or even their religion although I find it odd and peculiar... Not a congregation that I'm willing to join anytime soon.

 

[Slamfire]

First off welcome to TN. We've been here 10 years now, having moved back east from L. A. County, yes, that one. I spent 30 years out there with an electric utility and the suggestion to hook your fence up to the power lines sounds like it was NOT made in jest. Californios do that kind of thing. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif. My dogs love snakes, they make the greatest pull toys. I don't think they'd have much fun pullin' the Eastern Diamondback just donated to the Knoxville Zoo though it was 7' long and weighed 79 lbs. I haven't seen a whole lot of copper heads here in the Smokies, just walk slow and make a lot of noise. The snakes will move. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[getut]

Do what I do occasionally to reinforce the natural timidness of a dog or cat towards a snake. When I see them, I catch a black snake and show it to the dogs.. hold it by the tail and don't let the dogs hurt the snake, but encourage just enough curiosity so that they get bit on the nose. After that they usually keep a nice distance from all snakes. Then turn the non-poisonous snake loose in your flower beds or garden or wherever close to you. Snakes are territorial, a non-poisonous snake in an area keeps other snakes away regardless of type. Most people think that is true of only King snakes because they eat other snakes, but it does work to a lesser extent with ANY non-poisonous snake.

Once you get used to rural living you will love it. I always got a chuckle with city people moving to the country. They think it is dark, and thus put alarms and lights and missile launchers /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif sticking out of their house because they think it is so dark that thieves are everywhere. Its usually so lopsided in the other direction it isn't even funny (MUCH MUCH more likely to have crime in an urban area). Take it easy and have fun in your new home. ENJOY the farmers if there are any, and don't try to turn your beautiful rural area into the city.