Electric Fence Question

[TCollier]

I am running electric out to my coops and I am going to also run electric fencing around both coops. Those of you that have electric fencing what height do you start your wire at and how high does it go? I was thinking the first strand would be 6 inches the 2nd 12, 3rd 24 and 4th 36. I was going to run it at least 10 feet out away from the coops on all sides. Here is the pic of the coops. They are pretty secure already but I just want to give them a bit more protection.

 

[PurpleChicken]

It's wherever you want it. I've done 12 & 24 against coons but if weasels are your concern you can go lower. Just watch for grass and weeds growing up into the lower level and discharging the fence.

 

[TCollier]

There will be no weeds or grass growing up onto the fence. It will be kept cut low enough to eliminate that issue. Pretty much the grass will be the same height as in the picture. Is 2000 volts continuous enough to persuade coons and such to stay away?

 

[lynxs1981]

I've heard the first should be around 3" to discourage digging, but that's right against the coop fence. But since you're building a separate electric fence, I would go with 6".

 

[BlackBart]

I don't know if you have mink in your area but the lower the better when it comes to them. 2000 volts should do it.

 

[TCollier]

We definitely have Mink in the area. I have trapped a bunch of them.

 

[Mervin]

My lowest is 4". It's right on the fence though. Honestly it's a pain to keep the weeds trimmed, although the hens do like to help in that department. I leave it off during the day since they like to stick their heads out there and pick the grass.

 

[TCollier]

I only plan to have it on at night after they are locked up. I work from home during the day and have a view of the yard and a gun sitting close by.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Is 2000 volts continuous enough to persuade coons and such to stay away?

Continuous chargers are dangerous.
They can start fires, and kill animals
Pulsing chargers are MUCH safer​

 

[newchickmom]

I would say 6 to 8 inches high for the first wire, the second can be 10 to 12 from the first. We use the pulsing charger on our horse fence. It's a lot safer with kids around. Even though we rarely turn it on, my grandsons think it is fun to dare each other to touch it.

lol