Complete dog proofing

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Hi. Sorry for thread jumping, but I'm having a similar issue. I have a Bobcat that has been poaching my flock when I let them free range. My run and coop are built like Ft. Knox, but my yard fences are like swiss cheese. I'm curious if this type of fence would be effective since I've read Bobcats can clear 12' from stand still. I like how these are portable since I could move them around the yard.

Also, I know this is silly, but wouldn't the chickens get stressed being by the fence once they got a jolt from it? Seems my girls are always leaning on any fence I've put up thus far. Thank you for your insights. This is a great thread!!
 
I would think that for the bobcat you would want to bait the fence.

Call your local fish and game office and ask them what would be most effective.


I was told to use peanut butter for bear, and BANANAS for moose. :eek:
 
You've got a lot of great advice thus far.

I'd only add that you should consider making a more permanent Coop and Run as 4 the Birds has shown, and then extend/open out to a free ranging run that is secure, but not as substantial. We made a 12' x 18' fully enclosed run that is 7' tall. Skirted it with half inch wire mesh, with 12" - 18" buried below ground. It's covered on top with a double layer of poultry wire. I didn't get to the roof, but I'll nix the top wire when I do, or keep it. Skirting was hard, but I hired some local guys to dig the trenches so I just chewed through a couple pairs of gloves getting the wire hung.
 
Alaskan said:
Call your local fish and game office and ask them what would be most effective.
Click to expand...

Yeah, and then be on a list. No thanks. Look where I live.
wink.png


Love your coop pics.
 
SenorChicken said:
Hi. Sorry for thread jumping, but I'm having a similar issue. I have a Bobcat that has been poaching my flock when I let them free range. My run and coop are built like Ft. Knox, but my yard fences are like swiss cheese. I'm curious if this type of fence would be effective since I've read Bobcats can clear 12' from stand still. I like how these are portable since I could move them around the yard.

Also, I know this is silly, but wouldn't the chickens get stressed being by the fence once they got a jolt from it? Seems my girls are always leaning on any fence I've put up thus far. Thank you for your insights. This is a great thread!!
Click to expand...

My chickens didn't seem to care...their feathers really seem to insulate them from most electrical shocks...they just give a little jump if they get shocked but they still would test and try the fence again. Most animals who jump fences will first investigate the fence to get a feel for the height, particularly fences that are not of a sturdy post and wire construction. That's when the electric comes in handy and a nasty shock on the nose can keep them far away...you don't even have to bait it or anything as their natural curiosity of anything new in their territory usually earns it a sniff up close and personal.

Here's a short vid that demonstrates that and it also happens to have a similar fence as the one in discussion in the vid, though it's more of a sheep or cattle type electric netting, it will give you an idea how they look.

0.jpg


And this totally mean dog owner encouraged their dog to go through an electric fence and it will give you and idea of how your local dogs could react while trying to go under your electronetting...

0.jpg
 
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This is a very helpful thread, as I am about to decide on the type of fencing for my chicken yard.I live in major black bear country (though dogs have been more a problem for my neighbor's chickens). I am considering using electronetting for my chicken yard. When shopping around for electronetting, does anyone know if I need to be selecting for a certain level of charge to deter bears? Or are they all pretty much the same?
 
debp said:
This is a very helpful thread, as I am about to decide on the type of fencing for my chicken yard.I live in major black bear country (though dogs have been more a problem for my neighbor's chickens). I am considering using electronetting for my chicken yard. When shopping around for electronetting, does anyone know if I need to be selecting for a certain level of charge to deter bears? Or are they all pretty much the same?
Click to expand...
I believe they are all pretty much the same for poultry. From what I have read getting a power supply that is stronger than your fence requires should NOT increase the actual shock on the fence by much as the power should be controlled by the charger for safety (remember your chickens will come in contact with the fence too), the stronger chargers are primarily to allow you to add more fencing and also to keep the current strong when grass begins to grow and interfere with the current.

I recently bought an electric poultry net from Kencove (they are the only US manufacturers, they also have free shipping). I strongly suggest you buy from the manufacturer and CALL them to help you get the whole thing set up right and get all of your questions answered.

If I had try to buy online by myself with no advice I would have ended up missing some small pieces (clips, extra wire etc...). Instead I called Kencove and their customer service folks were great, they helped me select everything based on our needs and even checked their "discount bin" for chargers. They set me up with the needed clips and length of insulated wire to connect the fence to the house power. They also explained how to ground it (once at the house, once at the fence line). I ended up with a $99 dollar charger that could power three 160 ft nets even though I only have one right now.

I would suggest shopping online but buying over the phone (I have used hotwire for dogs and radio fencing but this stuff was different) so you can get guidance and and not be disappointed that you missed some small but critical pieces.


Here is an article that may be useful: http://www.pasturepro.com/blog/2010/05/how-to-choose-an-energizer-for-your-electric-fence-system/
 
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