- Sep 27, 2012
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You can't stretch welded wire fencing (loose fence makes for easy to get under!!!) and it's very easy for predator to pop the welds (especially as fence ages) and rip holes to gain entry. I have seen dogs literally chew through chain link, too!!! The 'no climb' type horse fencing that has 'tied' instead of welded 2 x 4 squares is more expensive but also much much more durable and can be properly stretched. But, even at that, you still need stand off electric on outside to prevent predators gaining entry. A coyote can run right up an eight foot tall fence and over!!! Also critters can dig in if you don't have something buried to prevent this..... heard the best thing is the plastic 'silt' net fencing. Probably even better would be the similar looking stuff that is used when cattle waterers are installed with gravel pad. You lay it flat, peg it down, tie it into fence so that when animal digs, it hits the netting and can't get through. Needs to be at least three feet wide, better if four. Think of it like a moat around the pens/yard. You can then bury it with a few inches of dirt, plant grass and mow right over it.
Holderread's books on geese and ducks tells how they have successfully defended against cougar, coyote, dogs, etc.... for +40 years. You just can't fathom how determined a hungry animal can be to gain entry! If critter can squeeze it's head through, it can get in!!
We have LGD and just regular field fencing. But, are upgrading secure night time enclosures and better perimeter fencing. Coyotes, fox, raccoons, possum, weasel types (skunk, mink, weasel) and bear are our main four legged predators. Lots of hawks, crows, and black vultures, too. The black vultures have started killing calves and even the cows as they are calving!!! Neighbor has lost six calves to black vultures! The larger turkey vultures are not that aggressive or smart.
I am offline rest of day to get some work done on my chicken's new house...
Have a blessed day!
Donna
Dandridge, TN, USA
Holderread's books on geese and ducks tells how they have successfully defended against cougar, coyote, dogs, etc.... for +40 years. You just can't fathom how determined a hungry animal can be to gain entry! If critter can squeeze it's head through, it can get in!!
We have LGD and just regular field fencing. But, are upgrading secure night time enclosures and better perimeter fencing. Coyotes, fox, raccoons, possum, weasel types (skunk, mink, weasel) and bear are our main four legged predators. Lots of hawks, crows, and black vultures, too. The black vultures have started killing calves and even the cows as they are calving!!! Neighbor has lost six calves to black vultures! The larger turkey vultures are not that aggressive or smart.
I am offline rest of day to get some work done on my chicken's new house...
Have a blessed day!
Donna
Dandridge, TN, USA