Solar Electric Fence

[HomesteadDucks]

I am buying a solar fence charger fairly soon for my ducks. It will be powering a single wire near the top of the fence (on the outside). The fence is 100 ft long and the solar charger puts out 6 volts. Is this too much for my fence size? I couldn't find anything with less power than 6 volts. Is there any danger in using this on a shorter fence? fyi the ducks will not come in contact with the live wire. Only predators that try to get in.

 

[Amiga]

No problem that I am aware of. I use this on a small - 20 x 12 - area. Five strands of polywire. It's for the bee yard.

http://www.gallagherfence.net/collections/top-sellers/products/s17-solar

I was told that the more ground rod depth you have, the more effective the fence. Due to our stony soil, what I do is drive two three-foot metal rods in for grounding rather than try to push one six footer in. I just wire them in series to the ground post on the charger.

 

[HomesteadDucks]

Thank You. Your battery is about $50 dollars more expensive than the one I am planning on buying. It makes me wonder if it is higher quality or not. I'll look into both and compare. Regardless, it is nice to know that 6 volts is ok.

I also didn't know you had bees! I'm getting a hive this week.

 

[Amiga]

My bees were killed by the cold snap in February. And we have some life changes going on, I was not sure we'd be here through the rest of the year, so I postponed getting another package of bees.

Next year, Lord willing. I have a top bar hive. I need to figure out how to keep it a bit warmer. Actually, it was a dearth year (not much nectar flow), and I suspect that had something to do with it. But I added fondant - plenty of it - but they may not have eaten enough of it. So much to learn. It could have just been too cold for too long. Makes me think maybe I should build a grotto for them.

I went with Gallagher because I know the rep, and she keeps bees, too.

I have since met a beekeeper who sells packages of bees, so I will probably purchase from her - she's closer.

 

[HomesteadDucks]

Unfortunately, this upcoming winter is supposed to be even worse. Super cold and super snowy. Especially in New England. Hopefully your bees do ok... and mine.