Zappin' The Predators??

[Cats'n'Chicks]

Can anyone who uses electrified offset wire low on the outside of the fence to keep predators away tell me where they get the wire from (companies?) and how exactly to use it?
Also, how effective has it been?
thanks!

Based on a couple of things the first responder said, let me add a couple of things:
1. This is for chicken protection in an area with smaller predators, like fox, dogs, raccoons (not bobcats and bears)
2. This is also more for protection against digging predators.

 

[roosters4sale]

Hi. Alot of farm supply stores carry it, TSC (tractor supply company) Orshelins, Bucheits, and sometimes feed stores do too. Just make sure to put insulators on every post and that your wire is in it and not grounding out on any post or metal fence. As, far as effectiveness, something as big as a bear or large dog will overcome the pain for the gain(chicken meat). It works better on the smaller predators. Smaller predators will burrow under an electic wire to get in so make sure the bottom of your fence is burried about 3 feet. If you have your fence up already you can dig down and attach fencing to the existing one you have.

 

[jomoncon]

I use an small electric fence to keep 2 big dogs out of the garden. I plan on running electric wires around my soon-to-be chicken tractor. I'll probably run 2 layers - one at about 3-4" off the ground & another about 15-18" of the ground.

The 2 big dogs 85 & 110 pounds are so terrified of being shocked that they now stay far away from the elec. fence.

 

[Cats'n'Chicks]

Quote:
Thanks....where are you getting your wire fence from? How much do you spend?

 

[Fenika]

Aside from wire, there is half inch 'tape' which is easier to see for those who don't like getting zapped

It's also a bit easier to work with imo. Whatever insulators you do get, make sure it works well with the rest of your system (ie- does it take wire or tape? Does it attach well to wood or something else? Will it stay put and properly keep your wire/tape from the posts?)

The folks at your local ag store should be more than willing to help. I'd suggest a charger strong enough to keep a horse in, but keep in mind you're going around a few feet, not a few acres.

They make cheap volt meters so you can check the fence is hot hot hot and not just putting out a weak charge.

 

[jomoncon]

I got my electric fence from Lowes: http://www.lowes.com/pd_92220-305-S...urrentURL=/pl__0__s?Ntt=electric+fence&page=2. I think it was around $55. Ot came with the transformer & about 100' of wire. I used the plastic posts that came with it & when I needed more, I used some thin PVC pipe that I had & drilled holes in it for the wire to pass through & drove it into the ground. When I needed more wire, I just went to the hardware dept. of Lowes & bought whatever looked like it.

 

[SassyKat6181]

Do you use this instead of 2x3 wire or in addition to? My chicks are a few weeks old and I haven't built their run yet. I'm still looking into ideas, thanks.

 

[harveyhorses]

Southern States has several types of wire, or tape. I use mine in addition to chainlink and chicken wire. I lucked out at a yard sale and found an OLD battery powered charger. I don't have power in my coop.
They do not put out a steady current, but a pulse, and let me tell you, you KNOW you have been zapped. I have two strads one about 6" up and the other about 3' up, so if something jumps on the fence to climb up they get it too.