JS1 Posted July 24, 2009 Share Posted July 24, 2009 Hello, I've been visiting the forum since I got my three lovely chickens at Easter, and have found it so helpful - so much knowledge out there, so thank you all very much . I have a problem which I've not been able to find in the archives, however, so was wondering if anyone could help. We have an electric fence which has actually proved great at protecting the chicks from trespassing dogs, but has also killed three toads (or frogs - I'm not sure how to tell the difference ). Does anyone have any suggestions for how we can prevent this happening? We've bought some low hurdle fencing which we're planning to put outside the electric fence, but I'm not sure how effective this will be. We live in the countryside and it seems ironic that my husband spends time helping toads off the road, but our garden is becoming a death trap for them. Hope someone can help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xScrunchee Posted July 24, 2009 Share Posted July 24, 2009 Aah, wish I could help but I have no idea I'm afraid Hope someone comes along with some suggestions soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted July 24, 2009 Share Posted July 24, 2009 If its any consolation if the electric fence didn't kill them your chooks probably would. I have caught my lot eating a few frogs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JS1 Posted July 24, 2009 Author Share Posted July 24, 2009 Thanks for that, I think I'm not sure I would mind that so much - nature's way and all that - but it just seems so awful to be frying toads (or frogs). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickendoodle Posted July 24, 2009 Share Posted July 24, 2009 Forgive me if this is wrong but don't toads have a regular route that they use all the time (which is why toad crossing places on roads are set up) Is there some way you can leave them a little electric fence free path?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JS1 Posted July 24, 2009 Author Share Posted July 24, 2009 Actually Chickendoodle, I think you could be right. I've just been out and found another one just round the corner from where the other corpses have been, but the others have all been in the same place. I think we might move the whole lot this weekend and I'll go and move the offending fence-posts in the meantime... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beach chick Posted July 24, 2009 Share Posted July 24, 2009 not found toads or frogs in ours, but I have found hedgehogs... twice I found one actually asleep on the fence, so moved it away and it was fine; but then found one which appeared to have been electrocuted - little mouth wide open; claws all scrunched up. it was horrible. however, none since, so I am hoping that there is some kind of "hedgehog gossip" which has taught them to avoid it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teri Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 just an idea but could you put some piping through your fence big enough for the frogs/toads to walk through some plastic guttering should do the trick you could space a few out along the spot where you found the unfortunate ones? at least this way you shouldn't have to compremise the saftey of your fencing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barkisland Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 We also had a hedgehog casualty soon after we put our electric fence up. It seemed to be a particularly large hedgie which had got stuck in the net, too fat to go forwards and his prickles must have stopped him from reversing. I was gutted, I am very fond of hedgies, but thankfully it hasn't happened since. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JS1 Posted August 14, 2009 Author Share Posted August 14, 2009 Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for their suggestions and to report back. We moved the pen/fence a couple of weeks ago, hoping we'd avoid what seemed to be the toad path, but no luck. So we've actually installed a short temporary fence (with garden edging, approx 10 inches high) outside the electric fence (our neighbours think we're daft!). So far so good, no more toady casualties (shame there doesn't seem to be a 'fingers crossed' smiley). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
