Best Electric Fence for your Hens 2021 - keep the fox away

Electric Fencing for Poultry 2021

Now that the spring is finally on its way, the current avian influenza restrictions will, with luck, be lifted soon.  Our hens can get out in the open again...but we still need to keep them safe.  Electric netting has long been used to protect hens from predators.  The netting is very easy to use, and can be easily moved around your garden should you wish to give your hens fresh ground.  You can turn the electric on and off, so if you have children playing you needn't worry about them visiting the chicken enclosure and getting a shock.  Of course, electric fencing is safe for children and pets - it simply gives an unpleasant zap to warn whoever is touching the net to keep away.  Some people put their electric net on a timer and only have it turn on when it gets dark and the fox is likely to be about.

Typically, nets are 25 m or 50 m in length.  You can also join nets together to create a longer run (or separate nets to isolate chickens, if required).  Most nets are 105 cm high.  We do also have an 'extra tall' net that is 145 cm high (this only comes in the 25 m length).  The nets have prongs in them, that push into the ground and support the fence.  It's a good idea to have a net gate for your fence too - making it easy to get in and out of the enclosure.  The Hot Gate is a great option.  Your electric net then needs to be powered by something called an 'energiser'.  The energiser sends an electrical pulse around the fence.  The energiser can be powered by mains electricity, by a 12 volt leisure battery, by 9 volt batteries or by a solar energiser.  Typically 12 volt energisers and mains energisers are the most popular.  If you want a solar energiser, you have to go for quite a powerful energiser.  

The set-up of your electric net is very easy.  You simply unravel your net and push the posts into  the earth.   It is important to make sure the ground where you are laying your electric net does not have a lot of vegetation (although your hens may have helped sort that out anyway!).  If there is high grass or flowers touching the net, it will 'earth' the net and the electricity will run to ground.  In short, your fence won't work.  The grass can touch the bottom line of the fence as it is not electrified, but if the other lies are touched by a lot of vegetation it becomes a problem.  You also need to make sure that your fence is tight, and not 'baggy'.  You may need to use a couple of guy ropes if your ground is undulating and you have some 'floppy' sections of the fence.  

It's a good idea to get an electric fence tester with your poultry kit too.  This helps you identify any problems and check their is sufficient volts on the fence.  Our most popular kit is the Hotline Deluxe kit, that includes your net, gate, energiser and tester.  It is £216.99.  Here's a link:  https://www.farmcareuk.com/F-CK700034.html

It's also worth considering a Chicken Guard Automatic Coop Door opener and closer.  You can choose the light sensitivity function, so the door opens when it is light and closes when it is drak.  Or you can put it on a timer, so you know when the door is going to open and shut.  This means that you can have a lie-in, knowing your hens are out enjoying the light!  And, you can go out for a meal or collect the kids from activities, knowing the hens' door is shut and the fox can't get in.  We wouldn't be without ours - it's a game changer!  Here is a link to the Chicken Guard Door, which costs £129.99:  https://www.farmcareuk.com/chicken-guard-premium-opens-and-closes-doors-so-you-can-stay-in-bed.html

If you have any questions about electric fencing for poultry, please don't hesitate to email.  We are a family run business, with hens of our own and we are happy to help.  sales@farmcareuk.com

FarmCare UK

Electric Fencing Specialists

www.FarmCareUK.com