Electric Fence - Help Please!

[aart]

For those who live with chronic pain , can't clean their coops as often as they like or just want their chickens to free range instead of be in a run or chicken tractor these are a Godsend !

Actually the chicksaw was designed for use in an intensive kitchen waste composting system, powered by un or low paid interns, by a marketing master.

 

[BarnyardChaos]

How many chickens do you have?

I can't imagine any sort of electric fencing (only) that would keep all predators out and chickens in. It's normally a string or two of electrified wire that runs along the top and/or perimeter of your real fencing or enclosure.

Regardless, raptors won't mind the electrical wire anyway, and yes, they can carry off full-grown wyandotte chickens or just eat what they want on the ground. We have all the same predators you mentioned, and I'm battling an issue with a fox right now. I can't let my birds (more than 50) out to range at all right now. They have a very large fenced run, so they're safe from coyotes dogs and foxes, but never safe from raptors or raccoons without a cover over the top. I've been lucky. I think our 8-ft tall run fencing makes it difficult for a snatch-and-grab eagle or hawk, but not impossible. A couple of years ago, I did shoot a raptor (won't tell you what kind , not an eagle) INside my run that had a chicken in its grips. Raccoons get into the run nearly every night, but so far not during the day.

I think your tractor is still the best bet; you'll just need to move it around frequently. Or keep a larger flock with several roosters, and accept that you'll have to share with Mother Nature from time to time.

 

[aart]

can I put pigs in the same area as chickens or will they eat them?

They might.
Not good idea, IMO.
Best make sure your pigs are trained young to the Enetting.

 

[McChooky]

A Chickshaw is a portable coop used with portable electric netting. There are lots of modified versions around the internet.

 

[Mouthpear]

To start get a few of these for the aerial invaders.

Then get a few ED209s to patrol the area.

Last dig a 12' wide moat around your entire perimeter. Add drawbridge.

or

Buy a Electric Fence kit.
Chicken Caravan YouTube channel Setting up Electric feather net / poultry net

As far as using a chicken tractor, if you have the means, I would try and copy Chicken Caravan's Chicken Caravan 10 model. Look to Craigslist for a tiny to mid size utility trailer or water craft trailer. Then build a simple box with ventilation.

I would also make a few mobile chicken shelter from birds of prey. Basically a carport for the chickens. Provides shade most of the time, a place to put a water/feed can and a place to hide when they see an aerial predator.

Imagine something like this but with a sold plywood top and no scene on the sides. You don't want anything from getting in the way of a chicken running for cover.

 

[Ridgerunner]

@BarnyardChaos

If I had an electric fence for chickens it would consist of a metal wire mesh fence to keep the chickens in and hot wires on insulators to keep the predators out. The kind of fence you are thinking about is to keep horses or cattle in. It doesn't stop any predators or chickens.

 

[Karianne]

Thank you everyone for all the help! I think I'm going to go for the electric netting as seems to be widely used. Quick question if anyone knows, can I put pigs in the same area as chickens or will they eat them? Is that a stupid question?

 

[Karianne]

They might.
Not good idea, IMO.
Best make sure your pigs are trained young to the Enetting.

Thank you! That sounds sensible. Probably something I need to think more about. A shame things aren't easier sometimes!!

 

[3KillerBs]

They need shelter in a portable fence.

If they're living there 24/7 its important to know the limitations of the chickshaw concept. The birds are jammed in there like feathered sardines and MUST be let out as soon daylight arrives.

I personally, would never use one because I may be a morning person who frequently gets up at dawn but I want my coffee and breakfast before I start my chicken chores.

 

[Karianne]

Welcome to BYC! @Karianne
Come on over the MI chat thread.
Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

Thank you! Added!