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Post by standychook on Sept 16, 2010 14:57:54 GMT 8
We are predator proofing my chicken yard on the perimeter rather than the individual pens at this stage (due to cost and time, plus I want to know they are safe on the odd occasion that we go out and get home after dark). We live in the country and definitely have foxes and I have also seen feral cats in the area.
The chook yard is 15m x 8m approx, with 7ft high fences, the wire netting is three layers on the bottom half, single layer on the top half and the netting at the top and bottom stands away from the fence (facing outwards) about 30cm. The roof will also be covered with bird netting as well as I plan to have broody raised chicks in there.
The chickens are currently locked up in a predator proof tractor at night, and we havn't had any issues with foxes/feral cats getting into the yard as it is currently with single layer wire net and no roof
And the whole lot is going to be surrounded top and bottom by electric wire running off our main electric fence which is solar powered with battery backup. At 6500v it packs a hell of a punch, believe me!
Can anyone tell me the best height from the ground and the best distance from the fence the standoffs should be?
Thanks
Michelle
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Post by quambie on Sept 16, 2010 16:09:22 GMT 8
HI Michelle I run a hot wire around my birds I have three strands one on the bottom one middle and one top because they will try to climb up the fence and get into the birds I bought little black things from Farmways that hold the wire close to but not touching the fence and they work great you could also do the same thing with white conduit 13 mill or smaller in size this will hold the hot wire off the fence so it works and dose not arc out Trev
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Post by standychook on Sept 23, 2010 21:27:52 GMT 8
Thanks Trev. Have rigged up a nice little predator zapper, hopefully will be operational tomorrow or Saturday.
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Post by quambie on Sept 24, 2010 14:00:19 GMT 8
I love the late nights when you suddenly hear a YELP you just know that it works Good luck and happy zapping ;D ;D ;D Trev
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Post by standychook on Sept 24, 2010 20:58:46 GMT 8
LOL I really do love animals so I do feel somewhat guilty but I have no doubt we will hear them yelp when the fence bites them, my border collies sound like they have had a leg amputated without anesthetic when they get bit. And for good measure to make sure the d**n fox dosn't ever come back, my 4 border collies will hear the yelp and tear outside barking and growling;)
Not tonight though...things always take longer than expected.
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Post by quambie on Sept 27, 2010 15:10:40 GMT 8
they are persistent things but once they have had a fence get them they stay away for ever Not stupid things good luck with it all guys trev
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Post by annieyokie on Sept 27, 2010 18:02:37 GMT 8
I think I have been zapped by our solar electric fence than any predator ...Doesn't keep me away LOL!!
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Post by quambie on Sept 27, 2010 19:53:10 GMT 8
Nothing I can say about that Annieyokie except I have the scars to prove it as well ;D ;D ;D it must be a fox thing Trev
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Post by standychook on Oct 22, 2010 7:08:49 GMT 8
Well the electric fence around the chook 'compound' is finally in place and operatonal. Not sure if any foxes have tried to get in yet, but 2 of our 4 border collies have accidentally got bitten by the bottom strand of wire and from the noise they made, I am sure we will hear any foxes who get zapped by 6,500 volts;)
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Post by quambie on Oct 22, 2010 12:39:20 GMT 8
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