Electric fence

[centrarchid]

If moving in short term, then suggest getting electrified poultry netting. It is easier to install, to pack and go and requires you to be less particular in its deployment when trying to keep smaller critters out. It can also in some instances confine your birds.

 

[Sabz]

Good, I had a question on electric fences also. Maybe it can apply to this post also.

What happens if a cat or bird jumps on top of the electric fence? Without touching the ground? We thought that they wouldn't get shocked because they are not grounded. So, do you ground the whole fence?

In that case, does it kill wild birds? I love my birds, they make so much action on the lawn. I wouldn't want to kill them all with a fence..

 

[Gerard Dawn]

Interesting question Sabz, I think they will get electrocuted because I've never seen birds on a electric fence. But I'm not sure hey. I'd also like to know.

 

[mossyroo]

Quote:
Your fence will have a hot wire (or several hot wires) and a good ground. If whatever critter is not touching ground, such as a bird landing on a hot wire, it will not get any shock. Some people will alternate ground wires and hot wires a few inches apart to increase the chances of a shock to a small climber. Most fence istallations recommend at least 3 each 8' ground rods spaced 10' apart. A good ground is essential to an effective fence and soil conditions can have a big effect.

 

[Sabz]

Some people will alternate ground wires and hot wires a few inches apart to increase the chances of a shock to a small climber. Most fence istallations recommend at least 3 each 8' ground rods spaced 10' apart. A good ground is essential to an effective fence and soil conditions can have a big effect.

Oh ok! This way a bird would not touch both cables so wouldn't be shocked, but a cat probably would.

Smart, smart idea. Thanks.

 

[CrazyTalk]

Interesting question Sabz, I think they will get electrocuted because I've never seen birds on a electric fence. But I'm not sure hey. I'd also like to know.

Modern electric fences aren't going to electrocute anything. Yes, they hurt, but they don't produce enough current to seriously injure things.

Modern fences are in the range of 10-20K volts, with current in the milliamp range. The high voltage allows them to arc well, and makes them painful, but the very low current prevents damage. They're a lot different than the old 'farmer fences' where a farmer would just hook an extension cord and a lightbulb to a fence - and you had 115v 20Amp live lines - those killed people.

 

[JackE]

I have electrified poultry net. Have 650' of it surrounding my coop. It is very easy to pull up and move, if you want to. It's a lot easier to deal with, than a big wood framed run. And you can enclose a much larger area for less than the cost of a framed run. I have had NO losses to a ground predator, in the almost 4yrs it has been up.

And as far as it killing anything, yes, it can. I have had to remove two unfortunate box turtles, and a snake from my fence over the years, and one PrayingMantis. Seems they push into the fence, and just stay there, until they are removed. Birds can land on top, with no problem. Chickens on the ground learn to avoid touching the fence. You'll hear it, if they get into it. All other animals learn to stay clear. They usually check things out with their noses first, and that is going to hurt. The fence does have a bite to it.

 

[CrazyTalk]

The same sort of things happen with any loose mesh/net fence, electric or not.

 

[centrarchid]

I have electrified poultry net.   Have 650' of it surrounding my coop.   It is very easy to pull up and move, if you want to.  It's a lot easier to deal with, than a big wood framed run.  And you can enclose a much larger area for less than the cost of a framed run.   I have had NO losses to a ground predator, in the almost 4yrs it has been up.

  And as far as it killing anything, yes, it can.  I have had to remove two unfortunate box turtles, and a snake from my fence over the years, and one PrayingMantis.  Seems they push into the fence, and just stay there, until they are removed.  Birds can land on top, with no problem.  Chickens on the ground learn to avoid touching the fence.  You'll hear it, if they get into it.  All other animals learn to stay clear.  They usually check things out with their noses first, and that is going to hurt.  The fence does have a bite to it.  

Missouri box turtles and snakes are smart enough to avoid harm.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

....What happens if a cat or bird jumps on top of the electric fence? Without touching the ground? We thought that they wouldn't get shocked because they are not grounded...

Nothing happens to a song bird or chicken that lands on the fence without unless the bird is grounded. The grounding that I and others speak about is a ground rod that is used to ground the charger or a ground rod that is used with lighting arresters.

Now for truth in advertising. Over the years I have lost one hen, and had a black snake killed by my electric fence. I am unsure if the hen was killed by a varmint who then abandoned her when the predator touched the fence. The shake however was still draped over the lower wire where it was evidently unable to escape before multiple jolts of juice killed it.