Electric fences and chickies

[LesGan]

I have a 6' chain link fence with elec.lines outside fence 6" from bottom and 6" from top of fence. My 3-1/2 week old chickie is now running with the "bigs" and doing well. I have been turning off elec during the day and then on at night when chix are locked in chix house. When is it safe to leave the elec on during the day? Chickie looks too big to go through fence and I have not found it trying, but I dont' want to be foolish. We have dogs around us and I will feel better when the fence is hot 24/7. Thanks for your opinions.

 

[mgibbzzz]

They should be fine. We had ours on since day 1 and we don't have any problems.

 

[Swamp Roo]

I've watched one of mine get popped. Loud squawk, I think he threw up, but no harm no foul. Haven't seen that chicken stick it's head through the fence since. Even chickens can learn.

Swamp

 

[chickbea]

As long as you aren't using a charger that is rated for water buffalo or bison (

), your chickies should be fine. Mine have been zapped on occasion and they are fine.

 

[Germaine_11.20]

How can I find out more about electric fences? Where to buy the stuff and how to put them up?

Thank you!

 

[LesGan]

I inherited my set up but just had to replace the charger. Tractor Supply Coompany was most helpful. Also local co-ops will have info and equipment. Google about electric fences and you can learn alot before you hit the store. The set-up that was here when I began with chix was way too strong and killed 2 snakes, 2 squirrels and 8 chipmunks. I did not want to kill things...just deter them. Different voltages available and also depends on the length of fencing you want to run...double to figure top and bottom wire length. Good luck, Leslie

 

[Germaine_11.20]

Thank you and you solved a different mystery that I just never wanted to ask! I kept wondering who TSC was and now I know. We don't have them out here, but I have a D&B so I bet they could help.
Thanks again

 

[Shannonwbl]

We got this system a few months back and have been very pleased. Smaller chicks and pullets can get through it but so far nothing has gotten in - more important imo. We have ours on a charger that is powered by 4 D cell batteries, (just like one I use for my horses) and still have not had to replace the batteries. Interestingly, the chickens can almost lay against it, but if they try to stick their head through and touch a comb or waddle - zap! Lessoned learned.

I personally leave it on 24/7, but still lock them in the coop tight at night. I figure I want all the night predators to know this area is off-limits all the time.

Here is a link to the website. Nice folks and are really helpful with all your questions.

http://www.premier1supplies.com/poultry/species.php


UPDATE: At the time I originally wrote the above I had my boys out cutting the grass. My 10 year old came in (almost in tears) and said, "I just ran over the chicken fence". I was not a happy Momma, as the evidence indicated that a high rate of speed was involved. However, I am happy to say that with a bit of patience I was able to cut out the 5-6 ft section he mauled and splice it back together. Plugged her in and all is well. Good product.

 

[Germaine_11.20]

Thanks! I looked at that awhile ago and wondered if it would be worth the money, manageable ect... Glad to know that the batteries last awhile too.
I will definetely look closer at that fencing. I would love a permanent fence but I don't think I could figure out how to put it in. Anything mechanical or technical makes my eyes cross.

 

[Shannonwbl]

Almost forget the best part. We bought it because we wanted to be able to move their fencing around, but didn't have a chicken tractor. It is super easy to move. We can just rotate it around over fresh grass and make it any shape we want. We have had it about two or three months now and it is so big we actually had to move it to cut the grass inside. We have 12 hens and it makes a 40x40 pen. Well it did until I had to cut that section out last night!

I will be happy to take a few pics of how we use it and post. I know it is an investment, but it has really been great for us. In fact, I would love to get a couple of brush goats to clear some area and if I do I will get one for them.