Moveable Electric Fencing

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JMcElroy
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Moveable Electric Fencing

Post by JMcElroy »

We are purchasing an electric fence so our chickens can free-range, hopefully without any predators attacking them. We want to move it regularly around the garden. I am trying to figure out whether a 12v battery or a HT lead out cable is better to use.

We have a shed that has sockets in it, but not sure this will work. Can anyone advise what exactly is required if I would like to use the mains? Am I to presume it needs to be connected to a fuse box?

Have just ordered the kit, so would really like to get ahead and order a battery or lead out cable so they arrive together. Any advice would be great.

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Mo
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Re: Moveable Electric Fencing

Post by Mo »

Not sure which battery is best, I used mine without it.
I thought my hens would enjoy being in the orchard but the trees made moving the fence quite a job. On a clear space I could have edged it over to give them a new strip taking out a few posts at a time. But with the trees it had to be rolled up then unrolled, and the prongs tangled in the mesh. Oh what fun.
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JMcElroy
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Re: Moveable Electric Fencing

Post by JMcElroy »

That sounds like a bit of work. Thankfully I have some open space without it catching in trees, however I am worried about predators as we live next door to an open field with no fencing between us. Not sure how they work exactly with the electricity.
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KarenE
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Re: Moveable Electric Fencing

Post by KarenE »

I don't have an electric fence, but my neighbour's rigged one up due to badger interest in both our coops. He's used a solar powered battery for his. Got it off amazon, just search electric poultry netting and loads of units come up. I think yo can get battery powered units or mains units, and of course mains units would have to be plugged in so I'd go for battery for what you want. )t'
Karen
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Freeranger
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Re: Moveable Electric Fencing

Post by Freeranger »

Sorry I can't answer the question directly, though sure someone on here may know. I can tell you that I was thinking about getting some for pigs and had a brilliant conversation with one of the online companies that specialise. Sadly it was a while ago and I can't remember the detail.
If no-one answers on here, I'd suggest that route or talking to a local farmer or stables.
JMcElroy
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Re: Moveable Electric Fencing

Post by JMcElroy »

Thank you. I managed to purchase one that is very easy to move as well as a car type battery. So all sorted with a big run for the chickens. Hopefully will keep predators at bay while they free range daily.
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Mo
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Re: Moveable Electric Fencing

Post by Mo »

I remember that if the grass is long and damp along the bottom of the fence it can short it and you lose charge.
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Gwenoakes
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Re: Moveable Electric Fencing

Post by Gwenoakes »

Mo wrote:I remember that if the grass is long and damp along the bottom of the fence it can short it and you lose charge.


That has reminded me of an 18.2hh Shire Horse named Jack that Clare had and he always knew when the battery was near its end and used to push through the cable, never went far, just to the nearest lush grass and filled his face.

Anything touching the cable will short it
GalebG4M
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Re: Moveable Electric Fencing

Post by GalebG4M »

Okay, so if I want to install an electric fence as to keep foxes and other predators away, I'll have to make sure the damp grass doesn't short circuit it... which is pretty good, as I was looking at this Costa Blanca real estate for my comeback to the countryside; with the warmer climate, it'll be easier to control the growth of vegetation in and around that fencing.
JMcElroy
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Re: Moveable Electric Fencing

Post by JMcElroy »

Ok, I am back with another issue. I put the electric fence up. All went well...until last night. One of my chickens (where I clipped the wing but am thinking maybe not enough) flew out over the fence.

This is a real issue as the rest of my garden has numerous exits to a field and road.

Any ideas. Should I look at their wing and maybe clip a little bit more? Not sure I was probably over cautious. Very worried as I am not home all day to watch them, and it happened so fast.
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Mo
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Re: Moveable Electric Fencing

Post by Mo »

One of mine used to jump over. 4' is high enough for some, but not all IMO
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JMcElroy
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Re: Moveable Electric Fencing

Post by JMcElroy »

Great, thanks Mo. I am in for some fun and games so. I will take a look at the wing again and see if I can trim it a bit more without going in to blood vessels. Hopefully will help.

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