Chicken wire fence: Fencing

The use of electric fencing for chickens has become a popular form of poultry protection and containment, in fact the wide availability of such fencing has transformed the way many owners now rear their poultry.

When it comes to chickens, fencing is used by owners not so much to keep chickens contained, as they are often left to roam as they please, but to keep their many predators from attacking them.

\"Chicken Wire Fence\"

The positives of electric fencing for chickens:

Electric Fencing for Chickens: The Positives and Negatives

Portability

Unlike traditional chicken wire, which is normally wrapped so tightly when the enclosure is built that moving it is almost impossible, electric netting is fully portable and easily transferred to other areas. This is particularly useful when there is a need to relocate some chickens, or you have a new flock arriving that needs to be kept separate.

Tight Netting

Foxes are by far the most frequent predator of chickens, keeping them out is vital. Fencing that is designed for larger animals will not suit your chickens because the gaps between the wires are far too wide and will allow the fox through or the chickens out. Electric fencing for chickens is designed in a netted structure with very tough, small holes which are impossible for a fox to fit through thereby keeping your poultry safe.

Strength

Electric fencing is made from newer, purpose-built materials that are able to withstand the wear and tear of the elements, animals and predators. This makes electric fencing particularly good for keeping chickens as there are far fewer repairs required, predators are unlikely to prise or force gaps in the fence as they will receive a shock.

The negatives:

Cost

Chicken enclosures are often small so the cost of buying electric fencing for chickens can be quite expensive if you choose the wrong supplier. Most suppliers will work with you to ensure you get the fence you need, but off the shelf products often dictate lengths and dimensions meaning you can end up with more than you need. More traditional fencing solutions can also offer cheaper alternatives especially for small enclosures.

Intermittent Power

The major flaw with such fencing is that by its very nature it requires electricity. In the event of a power cut, intermittent power or a broken fence link, predators can get through and attack your animals. Fortunately electric netting is just as reliable as traditional netting even without a current, but if you have spent extra for the fence then its a pain when it malfunctions. This encourages predators to try their luck, either attempting to jump or prise the netting.

Even though there are negatives in using electric fencing for chickens, the benefits, in my opinion, far outweigh those negatives. This type of fencing is very reliable these days and offers any chicken owner a fantastic way of protecting your poultry.

Electric Fencing for Chickens: The Positives and Negatives

If you would like to learn more about electric fencing for chickens or just want to browse the different types of electric fences available to you then take a look at www.electricfencesystems.com, a supplier of a new and innovative electric fence system.

\"Chicken Wire Fence\"

To keep the cost down to a minimum you could use split posts and thump them into the ground.

Chicken Wire Fencing

Chicken wire can also be buried underground which will stop rabbits etc from burrowing underground and escaping.

If you are going to use this type of fencing for your chickens you need to consider the height, as chickens can easily fly over 6 feet high fencing, sometimes it is necessary to make a frame up for a roof and cover this and chicken wire making a total enclosed pen.

This is very simple to do and also relatively cheap, it's just a matter of building the framework and then laying the chicken wire on the sides and roof and stapling the chicken wire to the framework.

Making a gate however is not quite as simple, I would recommend calling a fencing contractor to deal with this.

There are different grades of chicken wire you could use ordinary galvanised or plastic coated generally the colour of coated wire is green.

There are also different thicknesses/grade of wire, generally light grade-medium grade-heavy grade.

Heavy grade being the most expensive.

If this is not suitable the next stage in strength is to use stock fencing. This type of fencing is much more substantial than the actual wire is much thicker.

Stock fencing can be used again underground, ideal for keeping dogs in your boundary also great for small livestock.

John Rea has over 30 years experience as a Fencing Contractor in the UK, his website contains information about fencing and gates, find out more Fencing Contractor Dorset.