Electric fencing

[Jchantecler]

Hey everybody. Recently I set up a couple coops with electric fencing. I have had birds get tangled in it before, some died and some didn't. The biggest problems I have encountered with it are when a predator scares the birds inside, they run into the fence, the bends down, and the predator hops over and eats them. Has anyone else had a similar experience, or advice?

 

[OldGuy43]

Are you using only an electric fence? Not a good idea.

 

[cupman]

Like the above post stated, it might be a good idea to run like a chain link fence or even welded wire around your run, then place the electric fencing on the outside of that to keep critters from trying to scale the wall.

 

[turtlebird]

In the summer I use the electrified poultry netting around my tractor. I don't have too many predators, things are fairly quiet around here. What I have found that works is to place your electric fencing so that the coop is in the center of the fence (my set up is a 8x14 tractorcoop in the center of the netting which is 160 feet long.) If a predator comes near the fence, the chickens will run for the coop, not the fence. Did that make sense? Anyway. I have not had any issues with birds getting tangled in the fence, but a few poor frogs have not made it over. Make sure your fencer pulses....that way, they have a chance to get away. Usually, if a predator touches the electric netting, they get enough of a zap that they have no interest in the birds anymore.
edited to add: What type of predators are you dealing with?

 

[Junaleefarm]

Most animals unless trained to respect an electric fence will just go right through it. We have a 1500 pound bull that won't even get near one strand of electric, and we have goats that know if they go real fast they most likely won't take a hit. You have to fence for the appropriate situation- we can keep goats in with 5 strands spaced close together and 1 strand to cross fence cattle pasture. Just having chickens hang up and die in the fence seems like a bad situation- your chickens would be better served with a welded wire or field fence. We free range our chickens but we employ 2 LGD's for protection and rarely lose any chickens.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

the predator hops over

You need a REAL fence that is tall enough, with the electric fence on the outside​

 

[Jchantecler]

Thank you. I am seeing that I will need another fence within. I did originally buy it so I would be able to move it, otherwise I would have just bought a wire. I have some friends who only use that fence, and have been quite successful. I really appreciate your input. Thank you!