An electric zapper can be a useful deterrent, if you are willing to take certain risks.
First, check with your insurance company and local housing codes to see if you will be in violation "don't take 'old joes' word for fact". If everything is ok, i would suggest putting one strand 6-9 inches off the ground and the same height above the run. Having the wires tight is needed to keep the fence from grounding out from wind blowing it, plus it will help prevent your birds from becoming entangled in the wires.
The power of the shock should not matter that much in this situation. The sudden "shock feeling" is what deters the animal, not the power of the shock. " much like the feeling of static shock, when you touch someone after walking on carpet". Having a more powerful charger means more risk from fire, grounding birds to death if entangled, human injury from response to shock and a bit higher electric bill.
Always unplug your charger on rainy, snowy, wet, or stormy days when working around the coop. Water conducts electricity, and even a wet part not meant to be charged may become charged. If snow accumulates near the wires, unplug the charger, clear the snow or leave the charger unplugged until the snow is gone.
Post signs that clearly states "electric fence" on all sides of the run. You are responsible for all damages, human, animal, or property in a court of law.
Before anyone posts flaming remarks about my post, i co-own a fence company. I have graduated from the American Fencing Association school and been in business for over 20 years. We are no longer install charged fencing due to insurance regulations or possible lawsuits.
A zapper will not be 100% effective. i would suggest using 1/2 inch hardware cloth buried 4-8 inches in the ground and up 2-3 feet from ground level. You could also enclose the whole run with hardware cloth if funds allow.
First, check with your insurance company and local housing codes to see if you will be in violation "don't take 'old joes' word for fact". If everything is ok, i would suggest putting one strand 6-9 inches off the ground and the same height above the run. Having the wires tight is needed to keep the fence from grounding out from wind blowing it, plus it will help prevent your birds from becoming entangled in the wires.
The power of the shock should not matter that much in this situation. The sudden "shock feeling" is what deters the animal, not the power of the shock. " much like the feeling of static shock, when you touch someone after walking on carpet". Having a more powerful charger means more risk from fire, grounding birds to death if entangled, human injury from response to shock and a bit higher electric bill.
Always unplug your charger on rainy, snowy, wet, or stormy days when working around the coop. Water conducts electricity, and even a wet part not meant to be charged may become charged. If snow accumulates near the wires, unplug the charger, clear the snow or leave the charger unplugged until the snow is gone.
Post signs that clearly states "electric fence" on all sides of the run. You are responsible for all damages, human, animal, or property in a court of law.
Before anyone posts flaming remarks about my post, i co-own a fence company. I have graduated from the American Fencing Association school and been in business for over 20 years. We are no longer install charged fencing due to insurance regulations or possible lawsuits.
A zapper will not be 100% effective. i would suggest using 1/2 inch hardware cloth buried 4-8 inches in the ground and up 2-3 feet from ground level. You could also enclose the whole run with hardware cloth if funds allow.
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