Otis Singleton
Electric fencing for chickens is a popular option for those wanting to give their birds access to the benefits of free-ranging on good pasture while also keeping them contained and safe from predators. Electric fencing can be set up in unique ways to deter specific predators, such as aerial predators or larger animals like cougars and bobcats. Electric fencing can also be used to keep chickens out of certain areas, such as flower beds, gardens, and roadways. There are a variety of electric fencing options available, including temporary, semi-permanent, and permanent fence options, as well as different types of netting and wire configurations. While electric fencing has its advantages, it is more expensive than simple wire fences and requires more frequent moving to prevent grass from growing through the bottom wires.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To protect chickens from predators, keep them in a designated area, and allow them to access fresh grass and sunshine |
| Effectiveness | Varies; some users report success in deterring predators and keeping chickens in, while others have issues with chickens escaping or getting tangled in the net |
| Types | Temporary, semi-permanent, and permanent options are available; nets can be angled outward to deter jumping predators |
| Height | Typically 48" or 4 ft, but can also be 42 or 47 inches |
| Length | Standard nets are 164 ft or 165 ft long, enclosing about 1600 sq ft; "half nets" of 82 ft are also available |
| Installation | Nets should be folded neatly and laid flat, with vertical "stays" and horizontal wires spaced closely together to create a tight, sag-free fence |
| Power Source | Solar energizers or batteries can be used; lead-out wires can connect the energizer to the fence |
| Maintenance | Electric nets need to be moved frequently to prevent grass from growing through the bottom wires, which can make removal difficult |
| Cost | More expensive than simple wire fences |
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What You'll Learn
Electric netting is necessary to stop stubborn predators
Electric netting is a proven method to protect your chickens from stubborn predators. It is a versatile option that can be set up in unique ways to deter specific predators in your area. The netting is available in various configurations, including temporary, semi-permanent, and permanent options. It is essential to choose the right type of netting based on the predators you aim to keep out.
For aerial predators like owls, eagles, and hawks, a narrow run for your chickens is recommended. This makes it challenging for these birds to dive down and grab a chicken. Additionally, crisscrossing fishing line or reflective string across the top of the fence provides extra protection. If you encounter predators with high jumping capabilities, such as cougars, mountain lions, and bobcats, taller netting angled outward is the best defence. This angle creates an optical illusion that deters these animals from jumping over the fence.
Electric netting is also effective against a range of other predators. It can protect your chickens from coyotes, raccoons, black bears, and more. The netting is designed with closely spaced verticals and horizontals, creating a tight, sag-free fence that keeps predators out while giving your chickens ample space to roam. The netting's height can be adjusted to suit your needs, with options ranging from 42 to 48 inches.
However, it's important to note that electric netting may not be sufficient for deterring small predators like weasels, which may be able to fit through the fence. In such cases, alternative measures or additional precautions might be necessary. Nonetheless, electric netting is a powerful tool to safeguard your chickens from a variety of stubborn predators, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of free-ranging while remaining safe and secure.
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Electric fencing is required to keep chickens inside
Electric fencing is a very effective way to keep chickens inside a given area and protect them from predators. The type of electric fence you get will depend on your needs. Electric fencing does require maintenance, especially during the summer months when the grass is growing, but once installed, it should give you years of protection.
There are several options for electric fencing for chickens. You can choose from temporary, semi-permanent, and permanent fence options. Electric fencing can be set up in unique ways to deter specific predators. For example, for aerial predators like owls, eagles, and hawks, it is best to set up a narrow run for your chickens. This makes it more difficult for the birds to dive down and grab a chicken. For further protection, you can crisscross fishing line or reflective string across the top of the fence. For predators that can jump high, such as cougars, mountain lions, and bobcats, taller netting angled outward is recommended.
The height of the fence is also an important consideration. Most chickens won't be able to fly over a 4-foot-high fence. However, some more adventurous breeds, such as Americaunas, may be more determined to escape. Additionally, the holes in the electro net fencing should be small enough that a mature chicken can't fit through them without getting a shock.
It is worth noting that electric fencing is more expensive than simple wire fences, and if left in the same place for too long, grass will grow through the bottom wires, making it difficult to remove. It is also important to place warning signs around the electric fence to alert passersby of the danger of touching the wire.
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Electric netting is a serious, physical barrier
There are several things to keep in mind when using electric netting for chickens. Firstly, it is important to ensure that the netting is set up correctly and securely. This includes making sure that the panels of mesh between posts are folded neatly and remain flat, and that the netting is tight enough to prevent chickens from squeezing through. It is also important to test the fence regularly to ensure it is delivering a strong enough shock to deter predators.
Another consideration is the height of the netting. While chickens cannot fly high, they can fly enough to go over 4- or 5-foot-high fencing. Clipping one of their wings can help prevent this, but it also lowers their chance of escaping aerial predators. Additionally, electric netting may not be effective at deterring birds unless it is raining or they try to bite the netting.
Electric netting can be a good option for those who want to offer their chickens the benefits of free-ranging while also keeping them contained and protected from predators. However, it is more expensive than simple wire fences and requires more frequent moving to prevent grass from growing through the bottom wires, which can make it difficult to remove. It is also important to be cautious when using electric netting, as it can pose a tripping hazard for both humans and animals.
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Electric fencing can be set up in unique ways to deter specific predators
Electric fencing is an effective way to protect your chickens from predators. The type of electric fence you choose will depend on your needs. Electric fences can be set up in unique ways to deter specific predators. Here are some tips to help you set up your electric fencing to protect your chickens:
Aerial Predators
To protect your chickens from aerial predators like owls, eagles, and hawks, set up a narrow run for your chickens. This makes it difficult for these birds to dive down and grab a chicken. For added protection, you can crisscross fishing line or reflective string across the top of the fence.
Cougars, Mountain Lions, and Bobcats
Since these predators can jump high, use taller netting and angle it outward. When these animals get shocked, they will look up to see if they can jump over the fence. Because the net is angled outward, it will appear to be above them, deterring them from jumping over.
Black Bears
For black bears, you can set up the fence in the standard way. Black bears have large bodies and feet, so they will receive a significant shock if they touch the fence, deterring them from trying again.
Weasels
Weasels may be small enough to fit through the electric netting, so you may need to explore other protective measures. However, you can try using a net with smaller holes, like the Shock or Not net, to prevent weasels from entering.
Coyotes, Wolves, Foxes, and Raccoons
Electric fencing can effectively deter ground-based predators like coyotes, wolves, foxes, and raccoons. This will protect your chickens and give them access to the benefits of free-ranging.
By following these tips and choosing the right type of electric fencing for your needs, you can effectively protect your chickens from specific predators in your area.
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Electric netting is best for multi-species grazing
Electric netting is highly configurable and easily moved, making it ideal for multi-species grazing. It is a versatile option for farmers with multiple types of livestock, as it can be set up in various ways to suit different animals and their specific needs.
Electric netting is an effective way to protect your animals from predators and keep them contained in a designated area. The netting can be adjusted to different heights to accommodate different species, and the tightness of the mesh can be altered to suit specific animals. For example, chicken netting is recommended for those with a variety of animals, as it is four feet tall, suitable for cattle, tight enough for poultry and goats, and also works for sheep.
Electric netting also allows farmers to offer their animals access to fresh grass and the benefits of free-ranging without the risks associated with having no fencing. It can be regularly moved to ensure the animals have access to new grass and to prevent the overgrazing of a single area. This also helps to manage the accumulation of droppings, flies, and pathogens, which can become an issue with static chicken runs.
Additionally, electric netting can be used to protect specific areas, such as flower beds, gardens, and roadways, from being damaged by free-ranging animals. It is a useful way to manage multi-species grazing and ensure animals are eating in specific areas, which is particularly important when different species have different nutritional requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric nets are not a requirement for chickens, but they can be a useful tool for keeping them safe from predators and contained in a specific area.
Electric netting can deter predators such as raccoons, foxes, coyotes, dogs, skunks, opossums, and even bears when properly energized. It can also prevent chickens from escaping or getting into areas they shouldn't, such as gardens or flower beds.
There are a variety of options available, including temporary, semi-permanent, and permanent electric fences. The type of netting you choose will depend on your specific needs. There are also different heights and voltages to consider, depending on the predators in your area.
While electric netting can help protect against aerial predators like owls, eagles, and hawks, it may not always be sufficient. Combining the netting with other measures, such as a narrow run for your chickens and crisscrossing fishing line or reflective string across the top of the fence, can provide additional protection.
Yes, there are non-electrified alternatives available, such as lightweight netting or poultry mesh fencing, that can be used to contain chicks and adult birds. However, these options may not provide the same level of protection against predators as electric netting.
