Electric Poultry Fencing Recommendations

[MikeG]

Have a few weeks before we put our 75 CRs out in pasture on our new farm. While there's a pretty good perimeter fence, locals warn of coyotes and foxes. Definitely am investing in a poutry fence net with solar energizer and am looking for suggestions. Will be pasturing in two 8x10 pens and figure one section of 164' will cover them. Looking at Premeir and KenCove products with 12/48/3 and double-spikes but am pretty clueless on the solar energizers. Any recommendations with these or other products? And guidance on solar energizers? Thanks in advance.

 

[Raven Lane Farm]

We use three 100' sections of premiers poultry net plus to free range our broilers for 5 weeks. Easy to move, durable and the only thing to attack the birds was a hawk. (CDs on fishing line strung across the pen solved this issue) I did not want to invest in a solar charger so I got the AC/DC charger and use a deep cycle battery from my boat which lasts about 10 weeks between charges. I would recommend one step up from the smallest charger as it seem to have an issue with the dry soil. I have used a pasture pen and hated the crowded dirty birds as well as moving it, I have a basic shelter for them to get under and move the feeder and water once a day when I feed Contrary to what people have said, I found our birds ranged in the morning and the evening in search of food. Good luck.

 

[MikeG]

Great news! Thank you so much for the feedback! Guess because we're so far from power, I didn't even consider anything other than solar. That saves us alot of money! We've used the larger hoophouse tractors (8x14) for 50 birds but this will be the first on our new farm. Alot more wind so we're looking for a lower profile. Plan on moving it twice a day to keep the forage/insects plentiful. Do you happen to remember the model number of the charger you purchased?

 

[wsmoak]

I use Premier poultry netting and their solar charger. Since we never finished the second tractor I needed something immediately when the spring meat birds outgrew their housing. Now it's containing the young laying flock.

I have not yet tried it with the netting, (it's for the horse fence,) but my preferred 12 volt charger is the Parmak EM-200 (Surround Em).

-Wendy

 

[jdc]

Sorry for not getting back sooner, we use the Patriot P5 charger for the fences. If I had to do it again I would go with theP10.

 

[Fentress]

I got a solar charger, PRS 50, this spring and use it with 164' of single spike 42" net. No problems so far. I am in predator central, surrounded by woods and a creek. Not one loss to predators so far. For the money I hope the charger lasts at least the 3-4 years they (Premier) claims on the web site. We have had a wet summer in S.E. Virginia, but I have had problems getting the fence spike in the ground if it is a little dry, fortunately that has been rare. Would the double spike held with that? I wonder, if the ground is real dry, wouldn't the double spike create twice the problem? Who has the double spike?

 

[jdc]

I have the double spike poultry net plus, the dry ground does make it harder but they have a spot to put your foot on. I never have any issues with the P5 until I get the third ection hooked in.

 

[Fentress]

I'm thinking about adding a second section, that is good to know that you have problems with the third. Is the double spike sturdy? I have this vision of it bending when you step on it and being more trouble than it is worth. I have yet to experience really dry ground. I have heard that you have to predig/drill the holes for the spikes to fit into?

 

[MikeG]

Thanks again. Didn't really think through the ac options and decided to go with the Speedrite 1000 and the originally planned 164' DS 48" fence. I have a couple marine batteries lying around and figure we'll eventually invest in a solar panel. Need to save money for a new motor for the plucker. But that's a whole other story...

Thanks again.

 

[jdc]

I'm thinking about adding a second section, that is good to know that you have problems with the third. Is the double spike sturdy? I have this vision of it bending when you step on it and being more trouble than it is worth. I have yet to experience really dry ground. I have heard that you have to predig/drill the holes for the spikes to fit into?

I wouldn't call it a problem, but our voltage drops when the third section is attached. Not sure it is the third section or the really dry weather we have been having.