Dire warning after 'guilty looking' snakes found in bird cages
A Queensland reptile catcher has urged bird owners to snake-proof their aviaries after a number of people found serpents in their cages, but no sign of their pets.
The Snake Catcher Brisbane shared pictures of an “incredibly guilty looking culprit” coiled up inside a lovebird’s cage after being called out to a home in the southwest suburb of Durack on Saturday.
“Another reminder to snake-proof your bird cages so they don’t become an easy meal like this little Lovebird did,” the catcher wrote while sharing the images.
“It is far too easy for snakes to fit through these bars! Although, it’s not so easy for them to fit back through with that full belly.”
The grim find comes weeks after the same snake catcher reported removing three snakes from residents’ bird cages in the space of 24 hours.
Sharing images of the well-fed snakes, the catcher warned followers the predators were slithering their way into bird cages which were “inadequately housed to exclude snakes”.
An older post also called out brown tree snakes for being “notorious” for taking birds from aviaries and bird cages.
“Regardless of how they are positioned they seem to find some way of getting to the aviary,” the catcher wrote.
How bird owners can snake-proof their cages
“It is important to reinforce these cages with a fine wire mesh and bring the birds inside at night,” The Brisbane Snake Catchers urged bird owners.
“You must ensure that your cage is snake proof. You won’t stop snakes finding your aviary but you can certainly stop them from having access to your pets.”
The reptile experts suggested fitting cages with small gauge mouse wire or a mesh finish, coupled with tight fixings and finishes around doors is critical to excluding snake entry.
“Clean any spilt seed or faecal material in and around the cage regularly to avoid attracting rodent activity in proximity to the cage,” they advised.
The warning came as another Queensland reptile catcher shared a heartfelt plea begging others not to try and kill snakes after a factory worker fatally stomped on a “harmless” species.
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