Chickens VS. Dogs

[Shamo Hybrid]

My neighbor has a dog that sometimes roam out in my backyard, I can see the owner there and he doesn't even seem to care. I'm not sure if he's aggressive to my chickens or not as I don't free range them and I've yet to see him near the chicken coop, but I might just load up my BB gun next time I see him...... just to teach him a lesson. I wouldn't be able to kill a dog though since I'm a dog lover myself!

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

My neighbor has a dog that sometimes roam out in my backyard, I can see the owner there and he doesn't even seem to care. I'm not sure if he's aggressive to my chickens or not as I don't free range them and I've yet to see him near the chicken coop, but I might just load up my BB gun next time I see him...... just to teach him a lesson. I wouldn't be able to kill a dog though since I'm a dog lover myself!

 

[Compost King]

Yeah I got shocked by electric fences a few times as a kid learning that I can't just go into the cow field and pet the neighbors cows, but my parents don't flock to lawyers. No matter what logical argument I would bring to court I still have to pay for a lawyer to make that argument. The solution isn't for me, it works for others.

 

[chickens really]

Wow this thread has gotten a bit silly.......

 

[Howard E]

@Howard E and @centrarchid
What heights do you put the strands?
What keeps foxes or coyotes from just jumping it?

I use the four lowest clips on the white step in posts........so about 5 inch intervals.....more or less.


With strands of this type, most varmints see no reason to jump over it as most are accustomed to going under or through such fences. They seem to like to keep their feet on the ground and going under or through allows them to do it. Likely as not, when they go under or through, they get zapped.

I have also taken to baiting these wires to encourage varmints to find them. Used to think that was bad form.......unsporting or some such thing...like pot shooting ducks on the water.........but.......well.......they are varmints. All fair in love and varmint wars? Once zapped, not many want a second dose.

Note, I have also flagged the wires to make them visible to humans. As hot as it is, it won't actually harm kids. Well no permanent harm anyway. If they are that little, I find it easier to turn the fencer off when they are around so I don't have to deal with their hostile mother........who is also my daughter.

 

[Howard E]

Another key component in a wire fence that is close to ground level is a strainer to tension it up. One for each wire.......they run about $3 each. These will take all the sag out of your fence.......fiddle string tight if you need it to be that way.

 

[Howard E]

And I also prefer 17 gauge aluminum wire. Much easier to work with and tension will turn through the donut insulators on the corners. Heavier 14 gauge steel wire? Not so much.

 

[centrarchid]

Three major differences exist between HowardE's and my setup. First, I have a major change in vegetation type about 4' on either side of the fence so that alone signals to something like a dog that something is up. HowardE's fence is the only obvious visual demarker so the flags may be more important in his setup. Second, my fence is not as high tensile so I can move posts a foot or so to mow close beneath before replacing post. HowardE's post appear stationary which is OK when using herbicide to control vegetation. Third, my ground has a lot more slope to it making erosion would be a problem if vegetation treated too harshly. I also have potential for organic methods and do not expose my kids directly to pesticides.

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

Yeah I got shocked by electric fences a few times as a kid learning that I can't just go into the cow field and pet the neighbors cows, but my parents don't flock to lawyers. No matter what logical argument I would bring to court I still have to pay for a lawyer to make that argument. The solution isn't for me, it works for others.

What a shocking story! Anyway, IF you do plan to put up an electric fence.... make the neighbor PAY for it and warned them that if they don't pay for the electric fence, next time Fido will come back home in a black trash bag. Might work, and you will get that electric fence you've been dreaming of for free!

 

[Howard E]

I use 12 volt DC fencers, so I like keep the ground under the fence bare dirt, so as to avoid shorting out my fence and taking down the battery. On a full charge, with no issues, a battery will last me 2 or 3 months between charges.

If you can't or don't want to keep it that clean, go with a low impedance AC powered fencer. It will keep shocking through the weeds and grass.

And if one wanted to avoid using herbicides, do stick with the weed eater to keep the line clear. It will work fine, but will take a bit more effort. I actually use both.