I’m putting this information on this page because of the havoc snakes can cause livestock and when you’re dealing with your animals. I HATE snakes!! Randy is 6’6″, so you can see just how long this one is. It’s a Bull snake, which is non-poisonous, but can pack a mean bite…not to mention, it just puts me in “girl” mode…creepy! Here’s some general information on creepy crawlers:
Always be alert! Snakes are everywhere, yes, even in the city. When you’re outdoors, especially if you’re hiking in a wooded/grassy area, wear sturdy snake boots. Rattlesnakes can strike from a distance, half of their body length. Most snakes just want to be left alone, but if you invade their turf, they will protect it. If you’re doing any rock climbing, wear snake gloves, too. We have “walking sticks” when we hike and use them to clear the way in front of us when there is high grass and bramble.
Snakes like to be in wood piles, even near homes. Most snakes hibernate in winter, but if they’re sleeping in your wood pile when you want to fire up the fireplace or smoker, be careful where you grab. Scorpions and spiders love woodpiles too.
There are an average of 8 deaths a year, caused by snakebite, and that’s usually due to not getting treatment fast enough. Most venomous snakes only use a small amount of venom on humans, but depending on the person, that can be enough. Weirdly, older snakes generally use smaller amounts of venom than younger snakes.
Snake Bite Symptoms:
* Bloody wound discharge * Loss of muscle coordination
* Fang marks or swelling at wound site * Convulsions
* Extreme localized pain * Blurred vision
* Diarrhea * Nausea and vomiting
* Rapid heart rate * Burning sensation
* Fever * Numbness or tingling
* Weakness * Excessive sweating
All snakes will attack if they feel threatened or surprised, but only a few species that are indigenous to the US are poisonous:
* Rattlesnake * Copperhead
* Coral Snake * Cottonmouth/Water moccasin
Treatment for snake bits: CALL 911 ASAP! Familiarize yourself with species of snake to be able to alert medical personnel.
1. DON’T ENGAGE IN STRENUOUS ACTIVITY. It’s important to lower your heart rate to reduce the spread of venom in the body…KEEP AS CALM AS POSSIBLE.
2. DON’T APPLY A TOURNIQUET. When you restrict the flow of venom, it concentrates in that area.
3. DON’T CUT ACROSS THE BITE MARKS AND ATTEMPT TO SUCK THE VENOM OUT.
4. DON’T APPLY A SUCTION DEVICE. This is no longer considered safe treatment.
5. DON’T APPLY A COLD PACK.
6. DON’T ALLOW VICTIM TO EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING.
It’s best to let the wound bleed, allowing some of the venom to vacate the body. Keep calm, reduce physical activity, get medical attention immediately.
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(Photo by Tim Butler)
I love writing poetry…it’s my outlet, among other things. Yes, I can get a little (or a lot) quirky at times haha.
Hamburger On The Hoof
Another day, no rain in sight.
Oh, what are we to do?
Water rationing taking place.
Stumps, where trees once grew.
Even lizards keep under rocks.
Too hot where they once tanned.
Skillets of stone in sizzling heat,
Stretch across the blazing sand.
When will this “hell” freeze over?
God, I mean no disrespect!
But, we sure could use some rain right now.
Any time, that we can expect?
I was driving in the countryside,
Heat radiating off each roof.
Even the cattle were on charbroil.
Hey, it’s hamburgers on the hoof!
Debi Logan Nixon
No country home is complete without a cat…meet Thor! My “Pin Pal”, Tim rescued Thor as a storm approached, up in Pennsylvania. I’m partial to cuties like this black and white one. Cats are really essential around a farm for keeping rodents and snakes away. Be warned though…they DO “cat” around and put their Friskies to work…they procreate like crazy!!! Gotta love ’em.
http://MannaPro
We love our “critters”! Living on a small farm, we’re limited to the size of our “herds”, but it doesn’t stop us from loving every second of it. We raise chickens (love those farm fresh eggs!), goats, Miniature Horses, pigs and dogs. This section will highlight our experiences and lessons learned with our animals.
Our “Minis” are my pets. My little mare is Farrah…wanna guess why? Yep, that mane! When Randy gifted her to me for Christmas a few years ago, as soon as we put her in the pasture, she started galloping the entire length, throwing that white mane up like a diva. She is absolutely beautiful and a great mama! Our little stud is Stetson…he fits! By his attitude, you’d never guess he was about the same height as our HUGE Lab, Simba. Stetson may come up to my hips (I’m only 5’3″), but he thinks he’s a Clydesdale. Our youngest equine is Storm. He’s a spring baby. They are just adorable! Some of their favorite treats are apple flavored nuggets by MannaPro.
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