electric fence and poultry netting can it be done and keep chicks safe

[SimplySplendidSilkies]

I am using a 20 x 12 dog kennel for the run! If I plan to run electric fencing can I not use poultry netting? And would I need to wrap it instead of just one side? Does it matter which side I wrap with either method if I end up using hardwire or poultry netting. I am sure you all are so tired of newbie questions but I am manless/ clueless here and could really use the advice. I was thinking for the top as well just to wrap cattle panel with poultry netting. Will this work? Sorry if this is confusing as I myself am confused
Thanks
Tisha
**I edited to add the fact that I am using dog kennel panels for the run~{ (Like I said I am confused)

 

[patandchickens]

Sorry, I am not really sure what you mean here. Are you suggesting using electronet instead of chickenwire? (My reply to that would be, first, don't use chickenwire at all, as it really does not keep predators out; and second, no, electronet should not be your only barrier between chickens and predators because all electric fencing goes dead *sometimes*). Or something else? Not clear on the 'which side to wrap' thing either.

Could you maybe try explaining differently? Sorry,

Pat

 

[SimplySplendidSilkies]

Sorry I fixed it. I am using dog kennel panels! I am a dork!

 

[patandchickens]

Ah, ok, I get it now

I would suggest using something small-meshed on the bottom 2-3' even if you DO have electric fencing. Hardwarecloth is ideal for that, but if you want cheaper without *too* much compromise in security, 1/2" plastic garden netting is actually reasonably useful when all you expect of it is to prevent (or slow down) reach-through. I am not sure it makes an enormous difference whether you wrap it on the inside or outside, esp. if you use the plastic netting which predators can rip if they want to *anyhow*, just make sure it is well attached at *numerous* points.

When you run electric outside of chainlink, make sure that you use good *long* offset brackets, so the hotwire is as far from the chainlink as possible (at *least* 4", preferably more) otherwise you can inadvertantly slightly-energize the chainlink and also reduce the strength of the charge on the hotwire, via inductance. Make real sure you are installing your electric fence *correctly* and have a good reliable DIGITAL fence-tester that you apply at least weekly if not more frequently, because a grounded-out or otherwise malfunctioning electric fence is doing nothing more than lulling you into a false sense of security

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[SimplySplendidSilkies]

Thank you! I just need something temporary till my husband get home in 2 months to build more secure coop. I just did not want spend too much for 2 mths. We plan to build a nice run when he comes home from Iraq.