Barbed wire

[Jessica89]

Hey guys,
I have just ordered a roll of barbed wire and going to put it on the top and bottom of the fence.
Has anyone used this and have they found it successful?
Thanks

 

[sunflour]

No experience using barbed wire, but would make sure it is not accessible even accidentally to your flock…..wouldn't want them getting cut.

 

[Jessica89]

Ah yes that's true!
Maybe I should just put it on the top instead?

 

[sunflour]

As long as your chickens don't or cannot fly to the top then it should be ok. If you are adding to a perimeter fence, could but along bottom outside of the fence?

 

[Jessica89]

Yes,I think that's what I will do.
I only have four fat ducks that can't fly so it will be okay.
I am going to get some Silkie chickens in the spring though.
I can't wait!

 

[aart]

What is the purpose of the barbed wire?

I believe it's usually used to keep large livestock in, might help deter predators but probably not much.

 

[Jessica89]

Yeah, my uncle who is a farmer uses i t to stop cows eating the other side of the grass.
Surely, it would defer a fox? I am hoping so anyway.
Worth a try. I wouldn't like to land on barbed wire if i was a fox. Haha

 

[bobbi-j]

It helps keep cattle, horses, or other large livestock from reaching over or under a fence because they lead with their noses which have no hair on them, and - especially in the warmer months while they are on pasture - their hair is short so they will feel the barbs. I don't think it will be very effective at all on a thicker, long-haired animal like a fox or coyote. In my opinion, you'd be better off using electric fencing.

 

[Jessica89]

I was thinking about an electric fence but will it hurt my ducks if they touch it?

 

[SD Bird Lady]

No, only if their bills are wet. Feathers are insulators not conductors.