Crazy Hens!

Isaac and I went to check for eggs today as we do everyday. As we are approaching the nest, I notice there are three hens gathered around acting rather peculiar...even for hens. I saw one pecking around and thought, "Oh great...she's pecking at her egg." I went over and lifted the piece of tin and said "Whoa baby!!" A black snake was coiled up nice and snug in the nest and the crazy hen had scratched herself out another nest right beside him to lay her egg!! I guess she figured he could go ahead and help himself but she had business to attend to :) I ran to the house, got Malachi, Jacob, Sarah, and the camera and ran back. I told Malachi I didn't figure the snake would hurt him if he just reached in and picked him up...being that he was rather involved with something. :) Malachi reached in and grabbed him...the snake must've just got started on the egg, because when Malachi picked him up, the egg fell out. When I turned to get the egg, the chicken was already laying squatter's claim (hehe) on the nest so I guess I'll get the egg out later. Okay, funny thing, I guess the snake's jaw was in the open, big gulp position and when he was picked up by his head it stayed that way ~ because he had this pucker going on! Too funny! We all checked him out and then Malachi let him go in the woods. I walked back to the nest later to check on things and three of my hens were there....one sitting, two waiting in line. Guess the snake put a hold on the egg-laying. :)