Free Range Poultry - Pasture Fencing and Electric Fencing

Poultry Books | Smallholding Books | Livestock Books

Pasture Fencing for Free Range Layers - by Katie Thear

Free Range Poultry

OUT OF PRINT
Expected Sep 2008

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