Electric?

[littlechick1005]

Does anyone run electric wire outside of their pen? Does it help/work? Pro/cons?

 

[harveyhorses]

I do, several strands, one low then about 2 ft above that and just for good measure one around the top edge. I have a battery powered charger, so I don't need to run electric cords or anything. Make sure your ground rod is driven in deep. No cons that I can think of and the critters stay away, the skunk has hit it twice, or maybe it was two skunks, that could be considered a down side. Hens stay safe. It is on 24/7 unless they are free ranging, which they can only do when I am with them.

 

[mominoz]

I have electric wire about 6-8 around perimeter and a strand about 4-6" above the top of the 4 foot fence that surrounds my day yards and night pen. I haven't lost anything at night in 3 years. 15 years ago I didn't know about hot wire and fences and coops didn't keep raccoons and possums from killing my chickens and geese over time.I have a horse charger and connect to it as I run hot rope as pasture dividers. A dog charger would work too. I use electric wire or twine . I also use cut offs so I can turn it off when my grandson is here or afraid I may forget and not touch it.....wouldn't be without it.....

 

[shamrockmommy]

Granted, I've only had hens for 3 weeks now, but I have an electric poultry net/fence which has worked well. We have a FOX and possums who stalk our property. Have not had any issues so far. Two of my dogs have gotten zapped by the fence and run screaming LOL. I only laugh because I've touched the fence when I thought I had turned it off, and it was surprising but not painful in any way.

I do lock them in a fort knox of a barn at night.