Electric fencing, do you really need it vs non electric fencing

[Friendly_Lurker]

You do need it! Sometimes it’s the only thing that will keep predators away. I put it around unsecured structures, just make sure it’s not touching any brush or it won’t work. Also, a while ago I had a rooster get stuck in a hot fence age die, so it’s best to put our around a fence that will keep the birds in.

 

[Merrymouse]

Ok, so I think Im going to bite the bullet and get the premiere 1 fencing. I think Im going to go with the permanet 48" high. I don't plan on moving it that much and the sturdier poles and single spike are supposed to be better in rocky situations. So I think Im going to get a 100' fence, plus the 4' gate. Im going with black and green so it won't be so obvious in the woods. Im a little confused on the energizers. I think I want to go with plug in because I have electricty, its cheaper than solar plus it does not get any sun, very shady with all the trees. So which one should i get? I was thinking the HotShock 5 but its $150! And I think you can plug it in or use a battery. Can I get a different energizer somewhere else and save a few bucks or is this one worth the money? https://www.premier1supplies.com/p/hotshock-5-plug-in-energizer-kit
not sure that link will work. Thanks all

 

[Cooba]

Hi there.

That no shock hen pen looks fairly short term and bunk to me.. doing nothing to keep even ground predators out like fox, dog, raccoon, coyote, etc. Though it MAY work to retain your hens.

I personally would skip the poultry netting and go with E wire... keeping a line clear enough for it isn't that hard (especially since switching to wire instead of poly no fear of weed whacking it), it's affordable, easy to set up with T post, and effective WHEN wires are placed properly, doesn't break down in the weather. As stated by others it still won't do anything for aerial predators or those that climb overhanging trees.

I have tons of power outages so went with solar. Had to replace my battery after about 3 years for $45. Would much rather have ac instead... maybe I will switch after we get a whole house generator installed.

Yes, our dogs and own activity does make a huge difference.. but it's always good until it's not... and my hens are MORE replaceable than my roosters. I have kept birds free range for about 10 years and only lost my first chicks last year. The hawks are persistent here this time of year.

Good luck, it looks like a splendid place to forage!

Hello....what is E wire? Electric? I have plenty of T posts. I wanted to do rotating paddocks for my flock. Either permanent enclosures or portable.....could you explain further as I’m new. Thxs...Diane

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hello....what is E wire? Electric? I have plenty of T posts. I wanted to do rotating paddocks for my flock. Either permanent enclosures or portable.....could you explain further as I’m new. Thxs...Diane

Hi there.

Yes, E-wire was just a shortened word for electric wire. Some of the poly based ones worked fine when I was just containing chickens. But since adding in pigs, I have had to switch to a standard metal wire... which is actually MUCH better as now I can weed eat under neath if needed without worry of ruining the whole thing. Also... the poly based ones that have thin metal wire running through them actually would get green stuff growing in shaded areas during winter that diminished it's efficacy. The standard metal wire doesn't appear to have that problem. I went with aluminum based wire since it claims to have 4x conductive power over galvanized steel. The galvanized steel claimed to have a higher tinsel strength. Too many choices for an over thinking person like myself!

https://www.amazon.com/Electric-Ene...ywords=electric+fencing&qid=1582487357&sr=8-8

https://www.amazon.com/Fi-Shock-ITY...sprefix=electric+fencing+insul,aps,239&sr=8-9
Image and link just for reference! My t post insulators are extended as I was paranoid about wind blowing the wire onto post or grounding as we get some horrendous storms .. it really isn't an issue and they make shorter ones, cheaper. They are incredibly easy to use though.

Good luck!

 

[Folly's place]

For better visibility, Premier1supplies.com has rope, which as part of the fence strands, works very well.
Mary

 

[Cooba]

Hi there.

Yes, E-wire was just a shortened word for electric wire. Some of the poly based ones worked fine when I was just containing chickens. But since adding in pigs, I have had to switch to a standard metal wire... which is actually MUCH better as now I can weed eat under neath if needed without worry of ruining the whole thing. Also... the poly based ones that have thin metal wire running through them actually would get green stuff growing in shaded areas during winter that diminished it's efficacy. The standard metal wire doesn't appear to have that problem. I went with aluminum based wire since it claims to have 4x conductive power over galvanized steel. The galvanized steel claimed to have a higher tinsel strength. Too many choices for an over thinking person like myself!
View attachment 2033946View attachment 2033958
https://www.amazon.com/Electric-Ene...ywords=electric+fencing&qid=1582487357&sr=8-8View attachment 2033956
https://www.amazon.com/Fi-Shock-ITY...sprefix=electric+fencing+insul,aps,239&sr=8-9
Image and link just for reference! My t post insulators are extended as I was paranoid about wind blowing the wire onto post or grounding as we get some horrendous storms .. it really isn't an issue and they make shorter ones, cheaper. They are incredibly easy to use though.

Good luck!

Thanks.......I will tell my husband....when we had horses we used the white braided type wire. Would that be the same or equivalent ? I wanted the horses to be able to see it. Got plenty of it left over.

 

[CanadaEh]

I want my chickens to free range behind their coop which is wooded. I've been thinking about this for years and this is the year Im going to do something about it. So, do you all think regular fencing like the Premiere one No Shock Hen pen fence will work good enough if I only let my chickens out during the day and they are cooped in a secure run and coop at night? I would go for it and spend the big bucks to get the regular premiere one electric poultry netting but my area is rocky and full of trees, stumps and sapling. So my concern is it would constantly short out from the bottom part of the fence coming into contact with saplings and ferns etc. Also, I must admit Im a bit intimidated by the set up and use of the electric fence. Also its pretty heavily wooded so I don't think a solar powered energizer would work. Do they have other options? I do have electricity in my coop and I want to run the fence right off the coop. Ill upload a pic of my property so all you experts can let me know which option would work for me. Help me get this project done, its been on my mind for at least two years! Thanks so much.

we have all but one chickens killed by bobcat this second winter we have had chickens, during a daytime climbing over a 10' welded wire fence of the run. I have 2 second hand fence energizers but never installed them considering it unnecessary (now lesson is learned). Don't underestimate your predators!

 

[ColoradoPip]

Can I get a different energizer somewhere else and save a few bucks or is this one worth the money?

Yes you can buy an energizer from anywhere. Make 100% sure it is "low impedance". Tractor supply company, Murdochs, heck even home Depot sells them. Careful on Amazon, I wouldn't risk buying it there unless you know exactly what you are buying.

Based on reading, I recommend 1 joule and very minimum .5. For a single run of netting the energizer you posted will work and you will feel it but if you ever expand or want to send a message...then 1 joule would be better!

Thanks.......I will tell my husband....when we had horses we used the white braided type wire. Would that be the same or equivalent ? I wanted the horses to be able to see it. Got plenty of it left over.

My neighbors have horses and use the wire, works great, horses know it's there. Everything I've read about the poly rope and poly tape are it does not do well in snow or wind. Like everything there are likely many variables for success or failure and I've read online of people having success. Everyone I drive by around here, lots of horses, uses wire if they use electric fencing.

 

[Folly's place]

I use the rope or wide tape on top of the 5' woven wire fencing for the horses and cattle, and would want at least one line of rope or tape as part of a wire electric fence, for visibility so I don't walk into it, at least!
Wire is much less expensive, but a bit of rope is a good addition, IMO.
Mary

 

[BYC Project Manager]

I want my chickens to free range behind their coop which is wooded. I've been thinking about this for years and this is the year Im going to do something about it. So, do you all think regular fencing like the Premiere one No Shock Hen pen fence will work good enough if I only let my chickens out during the day and they are cooped in a secure run and coop at night? I would go for it and spend the big bucks to get the regular premiere one electric poultry netting but my area is rocky and full of trees, stumps and sapling. So my concern is it would constantly short out from the bottom part of the fence coming into contact with saplings and ferns etc. Also, I must admit Im a bit intimidated by the set up and use of the electric fence. Also its pretty heavily wooded so I don't think a solar powered energizer would work. Do they have other options? I do have electricity in my coop and I want to run the fence right off the coop. Ill upload a pic of my property so all you experts can let me know which option would work for me. Help me get this project done, its been on my mind for at least two years! Thanks so much.

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