Is the voltage in my electric fence high enough for foxes?

[Orca5094]

Hi everyone! Just wondering how much voltage is required to keep out foxes?

My fence used to give off 5000 volts, but recently has gone down to 2000 volts after a nearby lightning strike. Is this still enough to keep the fox out? (I have tested the box itself, without the wires attached to confirm it wasn't just an issue with the fence wires somewhere along the line.) Do I need to buy a new box? They are expensive and I've only had this one for 6 years. I figured it'd last longer than that?

A little more info:
My duck yards are 6 feet high and fenced in with chicken wire up the sides, out from the bottom, and also wired over the top. I've then had electric fencing up the sides of the pens, and one wire going around the top in some areas where needed. I've had this set-up for 6 years and nothing has ever gotten in. Recently, we had a storm and a lightning strike which fried my computer's harddrive, our modem, and seems to have lowered the voltage in my electric fence box. I test it every single day and it's always gone up to the highest reading (which is 5000 volts), but now it only goes up to 2000 volts and I'm concerned it is not strong enough to keep out our resident fox? She's been around for years and has alot of respect for the fence and keeps her distance (we see this in winter with her prints in fresh snow always a meter away from the fence; we also see her out around the property often). Anyway, just worried if she decides to "test" the fence again at some point. Will the 2000 volts be enough to still keep her out?

 

[Trish1974]

That particular fox may not test the fence again if she's been zapped already.
But I would be worried about new predators coming in. Two thousand volts isn't very strong; I think you should get a new charger.

 

[Araucana Nest]

I lost my electric fence to a lightning strike on a tree nearby. It fried everything, like happened to you, except it blew apart my fence charger. Afterward I learned the lightning can hop the fence and hit the animals inside and considered myself lucky that my livestock wasn't killed. I took it down.

That said, you have a fox which will kill all your ducks in one evening so it is good to be well-prepared and if your fence kept her out for six years, I would replace the charger. There are lightning arresters you can add on but I have no experience with those.

 

[aart]

(I have tested the box itself, without the wires attached to confirm it wasn't just an issue with the fence wires somewhere along the line.) Do I need to buy a new box?

Sounds like it.

 

[cmom]

It appears you need a new fence charger. My wires average around 8000 volts. Nothing has gotten past them. I lost too many birds in years past. Once a predator tests the wires they usually avoid it. I have had coyotes too and I think the parents teach the young.

 

[cmom]

I have replaced a fence charger but it had been up for many years. When I replaced it I put a stronger charger up. The plug ended up being the part that failed on the original charger. I put a new one on and put that charger on my chick/grow-out coop and it's still there many years later going strong. I do keep the weeds down around the fence lines. Good luck...

 

[Orca5094]

Ok, thanks everyone for confirming that I do need to invest in a new box. I wasn't sure if it was warranted or not, but now I know it is! This has been my first experience with electric fencing, so I am still learning. Thanks all!

 

[cmom]

It appears you need a new fence charger. My wires average around 8000 volts. Nothing has gotten past them. I lost too many birds in years past. Once a predator tests the wires they usually avoid it. I have had coyotes too and I think the parents teach the young.

They know the electric wires are there.

 

[TARDIS37379]

If you are using the built in voltage reading, it may be a lie. Those panel meters are notoriously inaccurate.
Get the highest voltage you can afford. Voltage drop on steel wire is pretty high.
Yes, I’m an electrician

 

[Orca5094]

They know the electric wires are there.

Wow, scary video so close to your pens! But great that they do respect the electric wires like that! Our resident fox is also very respectful of the fence. Thank goodness!

If you are using the built in voltage reading, it may be a lie. Those panel meters are notoriously inaccurate.
Get the highest voltage you can afford. Voltage drop on steel wire is pretty high.
Yes, I’m an electrician

I use a handheld tester where you stick the metal pin in the ground and touch the wire with the end of the tester. Are those fairly accurate? It's also obvious the voltage is lower than it used to be because the fence no longer "pops" when grass is touching it. It used to be very sensitive and pop every time a blade of grass fell on it. Now it is too quiet! lol! I am headed to the store to get a new box tomorrow. Thanks for the info! I will get the strongest one they have!