Wiktor Wise
Electric fencing is an effective way to keep chickens in a given area and protect them from predators. Electric fencing for chickens can be set up in several ways, including a two-wire system, electrified mesh netting, and electro net fencing. The two-wire system uses a single wire 4-6 inches off the ground and a second wire 10 inches off the ground. Aluminum or galvanized steel wire works well for this system. Electric poultry netting is another option, which can be used for temporary fencing if you want to move your chickens to fresh pasture. It is important to choose an energiser with enough output for the number of nets you are using and to consider the cost of a leisure battery or mains energiser to power the fence. When setting up electric fencing for chickens, it is also crucial to consider the specific predators in your area and adjust the height and angle of the fence accordingly. Additionally, if your fence is in an area accessible to people, add warning signs to alert passersby of the danger of touching the wire.
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What You'll Learn
Electric poultry netting
To set up electric poultry netting, first, unroll the netting and step the attached double-spiked posts into the ground, tightening the netting as you go. Once the fence is installed, attach a fence energizer to keep poultry in and their predators out. The energizer should have an output of at least 0.15 joules or greater. Longer runs of electric netting will require a stronger energizer output. You can also connect multiple nets together to create a larger perimeter.
It is important to note that electric poultry netting may not be effective for small poultry such as baby chicks or baby ducks, as they can squeeze through the openings. Wing clipping is recommended for poultry that can fly over the netting. Additionally, the netting does not offer protection against airborne predators. Regular maintenance is required, especially during the summer months when the grass is growing.
Some products on the market flash a bright LED periodically when the fence is working, which can be useful for peace of mind. If the fence is in an area where people might touch it, it is important to add warning signs to alert passersby of the danger of touching the wire.
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Two-wire system
A two-wire electric fence system is ideal for chickens kept in large areas, not in tightly fenced runs. The first wire should be placed 4-6 inches off the ground, and the second wire should be placed 10 inches off the ground. The wires should be made of aluminium or galvanised steel, and the fence posts should be made of wood or metal. The wires should be attached to the posts using plastic or ceramic insulators to prevent the electricity from being conducted through the posts.
To set up a two-wire electric fence, first measure the perimeter of the area to be fenced and mark it with spray paint or another marking tool. Then, dig a trench around the perimeter that is at least 12 inches deep. Place framing lumber or wooden posts in the trench and cut them to fit your perimeter. Reinforce the trench with framing nails to create a predator-proof base.
Next, roll out the chicken wire or electric netting along the perimeter, aligning the bottom edge to fit snugly in the trench. Secure the wire or netting to the posts using poultry staples or other fasteners. If using electric netting, connect the netting to an energiser or "charger" following the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure that the energiser is connected to the ground to complete the electric circuit.
Finally, attach warning signs to the fence to alert passersby of the electric current. Regularly check that the fence is working properly to ensure that your chickens are protected from predators.
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Adding to existing fencing
If you want to add electric fencing to an existing fence, the most important wire will be the ground wire, which should be placed 4-6 inches off the ground with single-strand fencing. You can also add a wire to the top of the fence to deter climbing predators. Use plastic insulators on wooden posts or clip-on insulators for T-posts. It is recommended to use galvanised steel wire, especially for the bottom wire.
You can also use electrified mesh netting as a means to deter predators and keep chickens inside a tightly fenced run. The netting will also protect your chickens from aerial predators like owls, eagles and hawks. To protect your chickens from cougars, mountain lions and bobcats, you should angle the netting outward. Once the animal gets a shock, it will usually look up to see if it can jump over the fence. Because the net is angled outward, it will appear to be above them and deter them from jumping over.
If you have an existing fence that won't keep foxes out, a three-wire electric fence could be the answer to keep your chickens safe. You will need screw-in insulators to hold the wire, tape or rope. If there are horses on the other side of the fence, tape and poly rope are good as they can then see the electrified conductor more easily. If the fence wire is on the same side of the posts as the electrified wire, use stand-off insulators to prevent the two from touching in the wind or when the fence sags.
Adding an electric fence wire to a chain-link fence is easy. Find the right kind of insulators for your fence. A single strand about 4 inches off the ground will work best. Use heavy wire—probably heavy galvanised wire—so you can use a weed-eater to keep the fenceline from shorting out without worrying about breaking the wire.
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Warning signs for passersby
If your electric chicken fence is in an area where passersby might touch it, it is important to add warning signs to alert them of the danger of touching the wire. People can get quite a shock and become alarmed if they touch the fence accidentally. This is especially important if your fence borders a public footpath or your own garden, as visitors will be looking at the chickens and may not realise the wires are electrified.
There are a number of warning signs available to purchase online. Zareba® Electric Fence Warning Signs, for example, are heavy-duty, highly visible signs with the warning printed on both sides. They are easy for people to read even from a distance and have been reported to withstand strong winds. Premier1Supplies also offers easy-to-attach warning signs, which are very brightly coloured and made of sturdy plastic. The warning is in English with a picture of a hand getting zapped, which is helpful for non-English speakers.
When installing warning signs, it is recommended to hang them on all electric fences and place them every 200-300 feet. It is also important to make fences visible to humans and animals by increasing contrast. For example, many Premier nets are black and white in colour.
In addition to warning signs, you can also invest in products that flash a bright LED periodically when the fence is working. This can provide peace of mind and allow you to easily check that the fence is functioning properly, especially at dusk when locking up the chickens.
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Maintenance and upkeep
Electric fencing for chickens requires regular maintenance, especially during the summer months when the grass is growing. Once installed, an electric fence should give you years of protection. Here are some tips for maintaining and caring for your electric chicken fence:
Vegetation Maintenance
Step-in posts help with vegetation maintenance. You can pull them out, mow the grass, and then reinstall them. It is important to keep the grass and weeds under control to prevent them from touching the electric wire and grounding it.
Netting Maintenance
If you are using electric fence netting, you will need to check it frequently to ensure it is working properly. Turn over the soil to prevent the bottom line from getting buried, which can short out the fence. Check the netting for any holes or tears, and repair or replace it as needed.
Voltage and Energizers
Test your fence output at regular intervals to ensure sufficient voltage. The voltage should be high enough to deter chickens and predators. If the voltage is too low, predators may be able to get past the fence. Use a powerful energizer to maintain the correct voltage.
Physical Barriers
In addition to the electric fence, consider adding a physical barrier such as a traditional fence or chicken wire. This can provide an extra layer of protection and help prevent chickens from escaping. It can also help deter dogs, as they may not associate a shock with the fence if they run through it.
Chicken Management
To prevent chickens from escaping, fence a large area, provide enough feed, and keep coops away from the fence. Ensure there are no places for chickens to duck under or step over the fence. Clipping chickens' wings will prevent them from flying over the fence. Additionally, some breeds are less inclined to escape, so consider the breed of your chickens.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several variations of electric fencing for chickens:
- Two-wire system: This system uses a single wire 4-6 inches off the ground and a second wire 10 inches off the ground.
- Electrified mesh netting: This option can be used to deter predators and keep chickens inside a tightly fenced area.
- Electro net fencing: This type of fencing has small holes that prevent chickens from getting through without receiving a shock.
- Electric poultry netting: This type of fencing is portable and can be used for temporary fencing if you want to move your chickens to fresh pasture.
To set up an electric fence that will keep predators out, you can follow these general steps:
- Identify the specific predators in your area.
- Choose the appropriate type of electric fencing to deter those predators.
- Ensure that the fencing is tall enough to prevent predators from jumping over it.
- Angle the netting outward to deter predators from jumping over.
- Use fishing line or reflective string across the top of the fence for protection against aerial predators.
- Place warning signs near the fence to alert passersby of the electric current.
Here are some tips for setting up electric poultry netting:
- Choose an energiser with enough output for the number of nets you are using.
- Select an energiser based on your power source, such as mains or battery-operated kits.
- Consider the cost of a leisure battery and charger, as well as the possibility of it going flat.
- Ensure that the wires running close to the bottom of the netting are not shorted to the ground by the grass.
- Regularly maintain the netting, especially during the summer months when grass is growing.
