Lions and Bears oh my! I'm worried....

[tls_ranch]

Hi, I'm moving to a new house on 8+ acres. The house is in an area has been known for mountain lions, bears, bobcats, coyotes, and rattlesnakes... All the fringe benefits of living in the country!

I know I am just asking for trouble raising chickens! But, how effective will a good high powered electric fence charger be in deterring the larger predators? If we fence the property in 4- 5 ft "field fence" would just a "hot" top wire deter the bears, lions and coyotes?

I think I can keep the chickens safe from skunks, raccoons and foxes, but the bigger predators worry me. The rattlesnakes are going to be fun

to deal with too. I'm especially worried about of my kids, cats and dogs. As for my chickens, my coop will be 3 feet off the ground so they should be relatively safe at night from snakes.

 

[77horses]

Electric fence will defenitely block bobcats, bears, etc. from getting in. In fact, it's just about the only thing that will stop a bobcat I think. Regular high fences won't stop them. And unless you have like a cement chicken coop, they can usually get through a wooden coop if they want to.
So yes, I would highly recommend the electric fence. It will also keep foxes, dogs, etc. out, too. Not sure what you should do with snakes; I think the best thing to do is get the coop up off the ground, which is what you have already done.


Good luck!

 

[PeepsInc]

I live in an area with a lot of preditors aswell. I ran 2 strands of hot wire.1 about 8 inches high the other about 16(1 continuous loop). Anything that leaned on the chicken wire above, is most likely to touch the wire at the same time. Let me tell Ya it hurts...

.....First thing I'd get is a dog or 2!

 

[tls_ranch]

Thanks so much,
I'll try and talk my DH into running one strand along the top of the fence around the whole property and 2 strands of hotwire around the chicken run and future garden area. I got a great deal on a fence charger a few years ago. It's a 30 mile charger originally priced for $143. I got it for $15 new in the box during a store clearance sale! I never got to use it because we sold all of our horses

Now I'm sooooo glad I held onto it!

 

[Mahonri]

Smart person... the first one who thought of the electric fence.

 

[Davaroo]

Quote:
Pretty effective. If you use perimeter fencing, so they stay out there and come no closer, that is. Run a wire at 3 ft, 18"-24" and 6." This can vary, so do some research as to the recommended heights.

And get an "industrial strength" charger. Bears take a serious jolt to get them moving the other way.

And, of course, there are few things as satisfying as a good gun.

 

[panner123]

One strand of wire will not work for bear. Some say the small wire in the kit will work for bear, I have found that to be not true. What I did find to work is two strands of barb wire, 1 at 18 inches and 1 at 30 inches. This is the same set up sheep ranches use. When the bear touch the wire with their fur, the shock doesn't reach the skin. With the barb wire the barbs goes though the fur right to the skin. You can hear the bear bellow about a mile away. After that they stay away from the fence. I believe they can feel the electric pluse going though the wire. Leave the fence off for a night and the bear will be in the chicken coop. You should have two good friends at the ready at all times, they are Mr. Smith & Mr. Wesson. In a large caliber they can handle any predator problem. Keep the garbage cleaned, the BBQ clean and the pet and chicken food packaged tightly and you will have only a stay bear or two per year. The mountian lion will jump most fences and are more dangerous. Most bears will run at the sight of a human, a lion will hunt one.

 

[LynneP]

We have all of those predators, too. Best defence is fortified run, and if you feel you need electric it's an option (we haven't). With bears, be sure all scrap protein is put in freezer until pickup day and keep your chicken feeds sealed tight. Roof your run to discourage the cats. Use 1/2" gauge hardware cloth. If our construction can help you, link to it on My BYC Home Page under the avatar. You may find that coop hygiene will be sufficient, and be sure to speak with your nearest neighbours for advice.