Patricia W Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 I'd like some advice on electric fences please. I think there is a string on this but I can't find it, but I'm sure someone can direct me if these questions have been asked before. These are my questions: - will an electric fence be dangerous for my bantams. OH is suggesting an inner non-electric fence for them but I think that's ( I was going to say overkill but perhaps not) a bit much? - can I electrify Omlet netting? If so, is this the best thing to do, or is there another source anyone can recommend? - what are the minimum requirements and what should you look out for in a kit? - does electric fencing wholly replace the need for a WIR? Looking forward to your expert replies! Tricia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..lay a little egg for me Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 I'd like some advice on electric fences please. I think there is a string on this but I can't find it, but I'm sure someone can direct me if these questions have been asked before. These are my questions: - will an electric fence be dangerous for my bantams. OH is suggesting an inner non-electric fence for them but I think that's ( I was going to say overkill but perhaps not) a bit much? - can I electrify Omlet netting? If so, is this the best thing to do, or is there another source anyone can recommend? - what are the minimum requirements and what should you look out for in a kit? - does electric fencing wholly replace the need for a WIR? Looking forward to your expert replies! Tricia The main thread on this topic is here: http://club.omlet.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=27790&p=454857#p454857 but there are several others! to answer your Qs: The electric fence is not dangerous to any animal bigger than a frog. It gives a very unpleasant sensation but does not do any harm. Once the girls have had a shock they will keep well away from the fence. I can see a strip of uneaten grass all around the inside of my fence where the girls have not ventured. The omlet netting is pretty much the same as the other poultry nets available except that it has more poles. We got a cheaper version but have had to buy extra poles so probably should have got the omlet netting in the first place! We made do with some bamboo sticks to support the sagging netting between our widely spaced poles but they all fall out whenever we try to move the fence so I have since bought proper extra poles. Minimum requirements are: the netting, the energizer, a battery/mains supply, an earth spike. The main thing to look out for in a kit is that the energizer is powerful enough to drive a net (it ought to be though if put together as a kit). Also that the kit includes an earth spike (a big metal rod you hammer into the ground). Make sure you get the right kit for your situation (battery or mains) as the kits are different depending on your power source. You will have to buy (find) a 12V battery if you go for the battery option (easiest for full flexibility in where you put the fence) or a suitable mains supply and "lead out" cable if you go for the mains option. I think electric fences are great! Good luck No need for a WIR if you have the electric fence. I assume you have an eglu/cube with its run as it is useful to have the run for the chooks to be in when you want to move the fence or mow the grass or whatever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted March 4, 2009 Author Share Posted March 4, 2009 Thanks so much - I knew I'd get good advice here! Off to the Omlet shop.... Tricia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
