hot wire around the bottom of a run??

[rockstarchickfarm1989]

is there any1 out there that has tried this will it keep things out

 

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

Well, uh...did you have a specific question?

 

[Zed3]

Yes there are many that have a "hot wire" around their run. Usually 6 to 8 inches from the ground and then another at 2 feet. When you say hot wire you do mean electric fence, right.

Zed

 

[patandchickens]

Sure, you can do it and if installed/maintained correctly it will help. I would not rely on it as a substitute for a strong predatorproof fence, though, as all electric fences fail *sometimes*.

Remember that the lower the wire is to the ground, the more extremely careful you have to be that grass does not grow up an ground it out; also the sooner it will fail in a snowstorm. I would suggest a LONG standoff from your run fence, as induced current can sometimes be a problem depending on the size of the run, if the hotwire is too close to the run fence. Also it is a real smart idea to have another higher wire, for the benefit of things like foxes or dogs that can go up over the low wire.

Install correctly, test daily or weekly.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[rockstarchickfarm1989]

thank you i have about 6 coops and runs and i want it to be safe

 

[twentynine]

Yes!

I use a solar power charger.

Zareba SB-3, wire and insulators. Total cost less than $150. It can be done much cheaper, a basic charger can be purchased for around $20, role of wire $15, bag of 25 insulators $5, ground rod $20.