Pasture Fencing for Free Range Layers -
by Katie Thear
Our Price £17.50
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An extract from the book Free Range Poultry by Katie Thear published
by Broad Leys Publishing Ltd Widely recognised as the definitive
guide to modern free-range management, this book is a practical
and comprehensive guide that is up to date with legislation and
research findings.
Pasture Control Fencing
This is to control the access of birds to certain areas of pasture,
rather than to keep out predators. It does not need to be particularly
high - 90 cm is usually sufficient - but it should be easily moveable
and re-erected as required.
Electrified Fencing
Electrified netting is ideal for this
purpose; it is also suitable for incorporation in a permanent
perimeter fence. It is essentially a series of lightweight plastic
fencing posts with metal spikes which are tapped into the ground.
These are non-conducting and are purely for support, with one
being placed every 3 m or so. The netting is normally made up of
eight horizontal lines of heavy gauge polythene/stainless steel
electroplastic twine, with non-conducting polythene verticals and
bottom horizontal strand. The gauge of the fencing is important,
with smaller holes at the bottom, increasing in size to the top.
This ensures that the chickens, particularly young pullets, do
not become entangled if they should happen to touch the netting.
The fence is tensioned with straining post guys and pegs, and
powered from a mains- or battery-operated unit. The latter is normally
a 12 volt rechargeable car battery.
Electric Fence Problems
No system is without its problems, and the chief ones here are
shorting and failure of the power supply. Shorting can occur if
the grass gets too long where the fence is positioned, so it is
important to keep that area mown. A battery-powered unit should
be regularly checked in case it needs recharging. A neon tester
or electric voltmeter for checking the state of electrification
is highly recommended.
When the fence is moved, the posts are pulled up, the net is rolled
up and the fence re-erected on the new site. A problem which may
arise at this time is tangling of the netting. It is much easier
for two people to move the fence and to ensure that it is evenly
rolled. To avoid tangling, it is possible to use a system of netting
that is coiled around an applicator that is then wheeled along
to the appropriate site.
Some large producers also use a strand of electric wire inside
the house if there is a problem with floor-laid eggs. This is an
abhorrent practice that puts the convenience of the producer before
the welfare of the birds. It is one thing to have an electric fence
outside in the field, for the protection of the chickens; it is
quite another to put it in the place that they normally associate
with security. It can cause extreme stress.
A good management system of regular inspection and attention to
lighting and floor and litter conditions will produce a minimum
of floor-laid eggs.
More on Free Range Poultry - From Free Range Poultry by Katie
Thear
© 2004 Katie Thear, from Free Range Poultry , published
by Broad Leys Publishing Ltd
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