hmm, no. I had chickens that would absolutely go nuts when they see rattlers. On the other hand, the California King Snakes (natural enemy of the rattler) will definitely absorb an entire nest of eggs. For some reason (possibly the constriction threat) chickens will back down from a king snake. I've seen hens surround a rattler and refuse to let it out of their sight and peck it to death (hen suicide).
Gopher snakes really love chicken eggs, (or maybe garden snakes?), Great defense against snakes is too throw Wet moth balls into your yard.
thanks, Supermom. I have hesitated to get chickens because of the rattlesnake issue. I get at least three of them in my yard each year and I was worried the smell of the chickens might attract the snakes looking for little animals to gobble up. Sounds like chickens are like cats; they put up a red flag when they see one so you know the snake is there and you can come deal with it.