Electric Fence details

[SourRoses]

Sorry that this is so basic but I feel a little confused looking at all the different parts for an electric fence. I've never set one up before. Feel pretty silly.

I'm going today to T.S.C to get a solar charger + wire + insulators that can attach to wire fence + plastic handle things for the gate.
Am I missing anything?

I want to attach it to the exterior of 2x4 wire fence on irregularly spaced T posts (roots / rocks).
I have 200 ft of that fence up.
Should I do two strands, one at the top and one lower down? If so, how low to the ground?
Is the model that says it handles 2 miles powerful enough for 400 ft of wire? (as in, do they exaggerate the numbers?)

Concern is Coyotes moving in. We've been warned by neighbors they are a problem in winter. Yesterday they spotted one by our house. What sounds like a gazillion of the things yipping in the distance. And the other neighbors flock guardian dog has been barking his head off.
I don't really do proper secure runs because the birds love to have more space and it's such a big expense for the size we would need for this number.

 

[RoyalChick]

The one thing you are missing I think is the ground rod. And you might want more than one depending on your soil and level of moisture.
Look on the PremierOne website. You may not choose to get your fence stuff from them but they have really good instructional videos.
It is a while since I looked - but I remember learning all about how the fence worked from them.
You probably also want to pick up a fence tester so you can check whether the fence is working and diagnose problems if it ever fails.
Good luck!

 

[theoldchick]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/electric-fence-for-chicken-protection.1370205/

 

[Penpal]

A coyote can jump over a six foot fence from a stand still. Higher if they have a running start or non electric fence which they will climb over.

I have noticed that deer and sheep will not jump two fences. If you have an electric fence on the outside plus any kind of fence inside of that it may deter them.

I believe what deterred coyotes and coyote/dogs from my sheep were the two donkeys they lived with.

 

[SourRoses]

Thanks a bunch everyone! We ended up getting separate plastic posts for the wire to make an additional outer fence. The posts are not as high as I'd like but it will be nice to have a buffer zone in the middle.
The links and suggestions here were very helpful

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Hi, Sour. Another suggestion is to attach or drape little bits of bacon to the outer electric fence for a few days. You want to be sure those coyotes find the fence with their nose or tongue. Otherwise they may just go under it and not feel it because of their fur. You do this and they will not come near the place again. Good luck!

 

[asorum]

I would run extra wire and you will need a ground rod. Good luck.

 

[texsuze]

How tall is your existing fencing? Some folks also put up pvc coyote rollers along the top of some fencing (you'll have to google it) but I believe mostly for taller (5'+?) fences.