:eek:Our neighbours got a snake!!!!

[di]

Someone told Andi earlier in the week that they had seen a snake go under their shed,then today when I went up there our neighbour said it's living under/in his shed.When Andi first heard we presumed it to be a grass snake,however the chappie today is convinced it's an adder!He's actually really quite happy about it,as he sees it as rodent control...however I tried to explain to him that if it is an adder then it's venomous & could be a bit of an issue....he insisted they're not & having learnt his ways over the last 4ish years decided it really wasn't worth arguing,but suggested that if he were to get bitten then a trip to A&E may not be a bad idea!!
I'd love to say I share in his excitement...but I spent the whole afternoon jumping at the slightest thing!!!...& shouting at the kiddies for going anywhere near any overgrown grass!!!...to be honest..t'was a bit of a shivering wreck!!
I know it's more likely it's a grass snake~in which case I'll prob still jump a mile every time I so much as see a piece of string,but I could learn to live with that....but an adder????!!!!

[Finedon.Dandy]

hee hee hee - snake is meant to taste like chicken!!!! - GOOD LUCK!!!

[di]

hee hee hee - snake is meant to taste like chicken!!!! - GOOD LUCK!!!

Don't tempt me!!!!(& deffo not DD~she's on a new meat mission!)Apparently there's a rather huge fine for killing a snake!!!(but then who would know???)(for all those now concerned.....I promise I won't eat it!!)

[Finedon.Dandy]

Feather Boa?!!!!!

[di]

My belt has actually seen better days!

[lynda66]

well at least your chooks don't live at home, snakes are partial to eggs i think i'd be inclined to contact someone wildlifey to get it removed, i wouldn't be comfortable with it in the garden either.

can't wait to hear what snake tastes like

[firstimer1]

just check out the toilet when you go

Belle

[vicky]

It's highly unlikely to be an adder - they like much quieter places and scrub/ferny/forest clearings. Grass snakes are often seen close to humans and in habitats where there is water nearby as they eat frogs and slugs. At this time of year both types will hibernate - maybe inside a warm compost heap!
I imagine you all wear boots or wellies at the lottie (this time of year esp) and their teeth can't penetrate that sort of material. Also they 'hear' by vibrations so can move away from you before you get too close.
A dog of ours was once bitten by an adder and aside from quite a lot of swelling she was fine, they aren't that poisonous!
We have adders and grass snakes around here plus I used to work at the Reptile House at London Zoo and I used to keep lots of snakes so you can trust me that there's nothing to worry about! Enjoy your new visitor!

[di]

Cheers Vicky.We're still pretty convinced it's only a grass snake....in which case I'll still prob jump half a mile at any sounds/movements,but will also be excited at the prospect of the kiddies getting to see one for real...in the wild as opposed to at the zoo.Must say if it were to turn out to be an adder I'll probably be slightly less enthused
As far as the compost....pretty sure it's Andi's turn to turn it this year(again!!!)

[Hilary B]

Ask the shed owner how big his reptilian visitor is. Grass-snakes are usually a lot longer than adders. Either way it almost certainly was just looking for a nice warm place to hibernate, and won't stir until spring.
BTW, I doubt any snake in this country would be capable of eating a chicken's egg (unless they found a soft-shelled one). There is a particular type of snake which specialises in eggs (it is actually known as 'egg-eating snake', and is NOT found in Britain, or even Europe I think), others really don't have the capability to break the shell effectively.

[Birdie Wife]

Adders will only bite in self defence - and even then the bite is only as bad as a bee sting. Even if it is an adder (which it probably isn't), it will feel you coming and escape rather than risk a confrontation - they are very shy. The only time you'd find one out in the open would be if it came out to bask somewhere in the sun. So please don't worry! Snakes are fascinating creatures and in the scale of things that could hurt you, I'd be more afraid of walking down the road, or opening a can of beans. Don't know if that's any comfort to you, I know many people have snake phobias, but I hope it helps a bit

[SlugLobber]

Yep, adder bites are only dangerous if you have an allergy to them. We get lots of them on Leith Hill (nr Dorking) and my pony has nearly stepped on one twice. The second one was a right noisy little beggar, but very pretty. I got a fabulous pic of him, as he slithered into a nearby tree-hollow. I've found them under my wheelbarrow, near my feed room, out on the bridleways. They are shy, but do get caught out. The one I got the pic of was out on a cloudy day, so gawd knows where it was off to!

[moggssue]

I've had two adders on my lottie - both caught in my butterfly netting the daft things! The first time I was worried and called the rspca who freed him and let him go in the boundary hedge, the second time a friend was there as well and freed him carefully then took him home to warm up in his old reptile tank.

I was mortified that such a thing could happen and took the netting down - I wouldnt worry unduly about having a snake around myself, but maybe it would be more of a danger to youngsters? Certainly the ones on my plot weren't interested in causing me, or anyone around, any harm whatsoever. I was told they are quite rare as well?

[squashysu]

hey Di, you know the visit i was gonna make, well its off lol!!! snakes are the worst of the worst for me (well buttons too, but they dont move as much)

i really really really hate them! yuk i am scared for you and dont care if its rubber, i still hate them

[burnie]

Although the Adder is rarely a killer,people have died from their bites,though not in Britain in the last 20 years,medical attention is very important if you are bitten,their bite is certainly not like a bee sting,if you have certain health problems medical attention is vital."Google" them and you'll find they are interesting animals and not something to be afraid of,just treat them with respect.