Electric fence but my chicken don’t feel it

[Howard E]

The funny thing about this is if they do get out......and that happened a few times, they go right back in and stay in.

Once when I went in with a lawnmower to cut the grass, they paniced and a bunch flew out....only to find themselves on the outside. But rather than stay out and enjoy the freedom, all wanted right back in and just hopped over the fence to get back in. Where they stayed put.

I guess folks are free to believe this or not, but it works exactly as described. Just saying.

 

[Howard E]

Four wires on the main perimeter fence. Lowest at about 5 inches, with similar intervals between. I use the four lowest clips on the white step in posts.

This single wire fence is used on the birds for crowd control. For a belt and suspenders approach, I use an additional two wire like this around the sweet corn in the summer to keep the coons out in case the coons find a way past the perimeter wire setup. I don't like losing sweet corn to coons.

 

[Howard E]

BTW, my dad and sister decided they would rather trap the coons out of their sweet corn than use a hot wire fence. They got about 10 or so, but the other coons got the corn anyway. I didn't trap or kill any and the coons got none of mine. Just saying.

 

[roosterhavoc]

I believe you I’m just trying to picture your set up as being as fool proof as you’re describing. How about a pic?

 

[roosterhavoc]

BTW, my dad and sister decided they would rather trap the coons out of their sweet corn than use a hot wire fence. They got about 10 or so, but the other coons got the corn anyway. I didn't trap or kill any and the coons got none of mine. Just saying.

Just because some people can set a trap doesn’t make them a trapper. It’s easy to catch a few but requires a bit more to catch them all. As I said I use electric fences and trap.

 

[Howard E]

This may help. And again, I'm only sharing what works for me and how I do it. Your mileage may vary.

I have tried to offer similar electric fence advice to a friend who has to deal with bears, and he assures me it won't work. Ironically, the methods he uses doesn't work either. He still has bear problems and he still complains about it.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/a-treatise-on-electric-fences-for-poultry.72229/

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/dogs-and-electric-fences.1210854/

 

[roosterhavoc]

I’ve read them that’s why I’m questioning. Your system might work for you. I don’t think you have a real big predator issue where you’re at. Everyone’s area is different.
Once again a lot depend on the breed of chickens your raise. Some better flying breeds and your system won’t work worth squat.
Anybody can search the internet and post links to videos and trapping supplies.
There’s quite a bit of expert advice being offered by complete novices that do nothing more than confuse people.

 

[Howard E]

BTW, some may have noticed that I also put together an article on traps and trapping, although I freely admit I'm not a trapper myself....by that I mean I do not trap either as a hobby or for the furs. So I don't claim to be an expert on that, but felt compelled to share what I did know, as at the time I put that together there was not much for those who needed to stop the carnage to rely on.

If anyone is a trapper and can improve on what I put together, I would strongly urge them to start their own thread or author their own article on how to trap varmints. Lots of BYC folks who would appreciate a true expert's advice.

 

[Howard E]

I don't have any predator issues, but I do have predators. Coyotes, foxes, possum, coons, skunks, probably bobcats and stray dogs to name a few. We have them all.

Mixed in the flock, are 4 easter eggers, three of which can fly over the 4' chain link fence. One of them did it twice yesterday. But they don't fly over that electric fence.

Again, my reason for sharing is it works for me. If it doesn't work for you, or you don't believe it will work for you, don't use it.

 

[roosterhavoc]

I’m not trying to lessen your achievements. I’m just saying when it comes to predator management I would think more experience would be required before passing on solid advice.
I’ve seen a lab pup run full speed through 7 wires of hot fencing. Not the norm I know but it can happen.
I have game hens that will low crawl under wire that’s about 3-4 inches off the ground. Some of my layers will fly over the fence some will stay in. Like I said it depends on the breed.
If you’ve only had a dozen or two chickens for a few years I just don’t see how you can make a determination that your system works so good. How many animals have you seen the fence stop? Do you have animals harassing birds just outside the wire?
I currently have 106 chickens but I’ve had well over 200 at some points. I surely haven’t seen everything but I’ve seen enough to know a few things.
I’ve caught hundreds of raccoons, foxes, mink, etc..
Is your yard bordered by woods?
There’s just too many variables for your approach to work for very many people.
Your little patio fence might work where my birds would just hop over it.
The best fencing option imo would be some regular fencing with additional electric wires on extended insulators off the posts especially one at the very top.
Everyone has their own point of view on what works. I think experience is the best teacher. I’ve learned that a dead fox can’t kill chickens. There’s no disputing that.