SUNSHINE COAST DAILY (Maroochydore, Australia) 01 December 10 Feathers fly as python drops in (Kathy Sundstrom)
The first fright was the sight of a five metre python hanging over the rim of the chicken coop.
The second was finding out how much it would cost for someone to relocate the python to a new home.
Buderim’s Sheinker family was alerted to something amiss in the backyard chicken coop on Sunday night when the “chickens were screaming”.
When she went outside there was a giant python on top of the coop with its head through the wire fencing trying to nab itself its next meal.
The family managed to distract the snake – which already had a mouthful of feathers – using a water hose and evacuate the chickens and lock the snake in the coop.
Their attempts to find someone to remove the snake on Monday morning proved to be almost as challenging as locking up the snake.
“To my surprise, to remove the snake was not cheap.
“The bottom line was the snake could be removed for $50 to $60,” Mrs Sheinker said.
Also, one of the snake catchers wouldn’t be available till the next day and the last thing the family wanted was another night with a snake in the coop.
Thankfully, Australia Zoo came to the rescue.
“Smart advice came from a lady at the information desk at the council – she said to try calling Australia Zoo,” she said.
“In 10 minutes time two guys from Australia Zoo knocked at my door. Luckily they were in the Maroochydore area and came to help us for free without hesitation.”
Mrs Sheinker said the family wanted to thank Australia Zoo and the lady from the council.
Feathers fly as python drops in