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.
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).
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.
It was hilarious seeing an exploded box, a large flattened grass area, and a big ole pile of poop 😂
Why don’t you just clip their flight feathers? It doesn’t hurt them, and often they forget they can fly out by the time they grow out again. I give them a block so they can still get up on their roost.
There’s a few reasons. Firstly I’ve had determined fliers and climbers in the past which it makes little difference too. It isn’t just about flight, but the set up I have gives a few options for parkour style escapes.
Secondly, the pullets are going through a molt right now, so it’s not really going to last long.
Lastly, I free range them and prefer they have every chance to escape predators. Especially at the size they are now.
I know clipping wings is very normal and does not hurt them, but for my specific set up and preferences it’s not really what I want to do. I’ve had good results with last year’s hens by using temporary spikes on the perimeter, so I’m considering an alternative to that rather than a complete change of approach.
