Woodchick Posted January 7, 2009 Share Posted January 7, 2009 I am seriously considering purchasing some electric fencing (my hens now confined to barracks for the cold months to minimise fox risk) and have done quite a bit of research. However, one thing worries me. As my hens are used to being behind unelectrified omlet netting, they spend quite a bit of time poking thier heads through to reach the greener grass. Presumably if they do that post-electrification they will get a nasty shock! No doubt they would soon learn but it sounds very unpleasant! Does anyone have any experience of this type of situation? Thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minnie&Moose Posted January 7, 2009 Share Posted January 7, 2009 Hi Woodchick, I electrified our poultry netting fence a few months ago. Like your chickens, ours had previously spent time poking their heads through the netting so yes, they did get lots of shocks the first week, and it was probably as distressing for us as it was for them. However, I am now glad I persevered with it, though at the time I did feel horrible. Both birds have adapted really well - the grass is grazed within a couple of inches of the fence but they now judge it perfectly, and they've also learnt that when I open the gate part of the fence they can come out into the main part of the garden without getting hurt. I let our 2 new chickens out into the electric fenced area today for the first time. Both birds received several shocks but neither seemed overly concerned - so perhaps the fact that they haven't previously been used to the netting has something to do with it. However, I intend to let them get fully used to it before I let them range in there with our original two. Whilst I can't deny the initial experience was distressing for people and birds there was no drop in egg production, and now Minnie & Moose seem fully adapted to the fence, and are extremely indignant on occasions when they're not allowed out into it because the battery needs charging. So, I would say, go ahead and do it, but be prepared to feel miserable. However, once you start I think it's better that you don't let the birds range within the netting when it isn't electrified because this is likely to slow up the learning process and extend the miserable period. Good luck with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodchick Posted January 8, 2009 Author Share Posted January 8, 2009 Many thanks for that very helpful reply. I really am vexed over the issue - my husband is strongly opposed to them being cooped up and feels certain they would rather free-range and take their chances than spend their life in the run (he likens it to our cats being allowed to roam free with all the worry and potential for disaster that brings) so electric fencing seems the only solution. Once again thanks for your response. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
