Electric fencing

[frias]

I am pretty sure my coop and enclosed run are fox proof but my lot love being out on the lawn and with the reminders about the foxes being about during the day, I would like to have some electric fencing. No idea where to start though. What exactly do I need? All advice appreciated.

[FionaH]

I have seen foxes roll under electric fencing, smart little beggers

[Suechooks]

There was an advert in the latest Kitchen Garden mag (whoops!) but the web site was being updated. I want to investigate it too not only for foxes but the 2 legged variety who steal things (like hens) from my allotment. Thought a moveable one could be an effective deterrent for both. Advice very welcome please.

[Glutton4...]

I got mine on good old eBay. Just type in electric fence or poultry fence, and it'll come up with loads. I bought a kit, and the power unit can run off mains or a leisure battery. It's not cheap, but I think it's worth it.

Do remember to unplug it before stepping over it though

[Noodle]

I'd say go for as big a battery as you can if you haven't got mains connection, as the bigger the shock the harder it is for anything to get in, and also remeber that foxes will jup, so don't leave anything next to the fence for them to use as a boost!

[Suechooks]

I'd say go for as big a battery as you can if you haven't got mains connection, as the bigger the shock the harder it is for anything to get in, and also remeber that foxes will jup, so don't leave anything next to the fence for them to use as a boost!

I was planning to put it either inside or outside the existing runs which have a roof and wire netting on top so it would be an additional deterrent. The battery ones seem to be for 12 volt so should give a good kick! Really it's belt and braces as so far (3 years) I've had no fox problems although they are obviously around as we're on an allotment site on the edge of National Trust and farmland!

[Glutton4...]

Mine was connected to the mains, but I've moved the run to the other side of the garden where it is drier and they get the sun most of the day, so now it's on battery. OH bought home an enormous redundant battery from a Double-decker Bus. It's not quite powerful enough for the bus anymore, but works fine for the fence, and doesn't need recharging too often.

Just a thought, if you have a bus company nearby, as they have to pay someone to dispose of their unwanted batteries, you may get one (or more) for nothing.

(Take a trolley though, they're heavy!)

[frias]

My chooks are quite near the house so I can use mains. I want a movable run so I can keep the girls where I want them, but safe. They just love being in the flower beds or on what's left of the grass. I am a bit worried about electricity as my small grandson visits but I can hear the foxes screaming/barking at night so know they are about. It's easy to sit out in the garden with them during the day in the summer but mostly it's too cold out there now. (Although it was lovely outside today)

[pipscariad]

I keep my chooks at my veg plot, which is a mile and a half from home. They have an eglu, which is inside a 25m electric poultry fence enclosure, which I move periodically, once they've had the best of the grass. I bought mine from - now, let me think here, bit of a while ago - I think it was called farmcareuk.com. I also bought a solar panel to keep it charged, as I didn't want to be lugging a heavy battery home too often. It has worked really well so far, only had to charge it up a couple of times when it hasn't been sunny. It does give a right belt, as my OH will testify having accidently 'tested' it a couple of times!!

It's really easy to move around, and I'm very pleased with it. I was very worried about foxes, as I can't keep my eye on the girls, but I have read very good reports of the effectiveness of electric poultry fences, so just have to pray that it keeps Monsieur Reynard at bay.

[Suechooks]

I'd wondered about solar charged ones so glad to hear they work! My chooks are away from home too - about a mile, so like you I want to be really sure.

[Glutton4...]

My Dad talked me out of the solar charger (he always knows best ). I've no idea why, because I know many horsey people who use them quite successfully. I have no reason to doubt their effectiveness.

Both my Mum's dog and mine have touched my chook fence, and neither will go within about 6 feet of it now, so hopefully it'll keep foxy-loxy away too.