I’ve got some determined leghorn pullets that I’m hoping to keep free range, but they are really getting good at flying now. I’m going to run an electric wire over the top of my fence so that they can’t perch up there and plot their escape. Does anyone have experience with electric fencing and chickens?

I’m worried if I buy a normal kit it will be juiced up for horses and the like and I’ll end up harming the hens. If there are recommendations for energizers that would be great too.

  • brvslvrnst@lemmy.ml
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    4 months ago

    We lost my favorite girl to a fox this summer after a year of true “free ranging,” no fencing at all. After that attack, the only thing I’ve trusted is a 6ft chicken wire fence around the area I let them range in.

    We got electric fencing, but its more directed towards predators in the area than at the girls, who would (to your point) just flutter over it. I know they have full on fencing that is electrified, but its a bit out of my current price range.

    The energizer we’re using is the Parmax 6V 25m solar charger. Works well for a couple lines around the coop and beehive (we also had a bear get some honey this year).

    • Luvs2Spuj@lemmy.worldOP
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      4 months ago

      I’ll check that one out, thanks. Just something like a wire on the top of the existing perimeter rather than a full fence should be within my budget. The extra predator proofing is a bonus but the dog does a pretty good job, so far at least.

      A bear getting honey from a beehive will never not be funny to me, sorry.

      • brvslvrnst@lemmy.ml
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        4 months ago

        It was hilarious seeing an exploded box, a large flattened grass area, and a big ole pile of poop 😂