Mr Fox & electric fencing

[Clodbuster]

Link to a trial showing if Electric fencing is effective. Should be of interest.

[Helgalush]

You could try these fox deterrants too. FoxWatch £43.95

I'm thinking of getting some for my pet rabbits, even though they are always in a weld-mesh run unless we are there to supervise them, I just dread a fox coming and scaring them to death.

Anyway they are set off by any motion so the chickens moving about could set them off, but the sound is only detectable by foxes. They dont like the noise so go elsewhere (I think thats the theory). I wouldnt rely on the Fox Deterrant alone, but as an additional measure perhaps.

[Suechooks]

I've got a similar deterrant from the same place. It's adjustable so it can be tuned to affect rats as well. Don't know if it works but so far there's not been evidence of a fox on my plot even in snow although there is one on the allotment site. It's just another weapon in the armoury for me as I'm a belt and braces sort of person.

[petal]

electric fencing is effective, its probably the only reason most of our stock are still alive today after the fox raid on the ducks last night.

[elizajay]

I've got a similar deterrant from the same place. It's adjustable so it can be tuned to affect rats as well. Don't know if it works but so far there's not been evidence of a fox on my plot even in snow although there is one on the allotment site. It's just another weapon in the armoury for me as I'm a belt and braces sort of person.

What does it do to cats?

[Helgalush]

What does it do to cats?

Edited post: I think it does say somewhere on the website it may affect cats. (I had originally written that I thought it doesnt)

[Suechooks]

What does it do to cats?

The one I have doesn't mention cats - badgers deer rats mice wasps foxes etc. I think domestic pets have more tolerance of high frequency sound because of their proximity to noises from household equipment.

[petal]

I won't be getting this, it would upset fry the ferret - sensitive little teddy bear he is.
Our electric fencing is working a treat an gives a sharp zap! The puppy ran in to it though - i don't think he will do that again.......

[baldrick]

I'm so very sorry about your poor girls. When we first got our hens I had them on the lawn, kept in by a circle of chicken netting, not electrified. Then my neighbour lost some to Mr Fox and i got really worried about having to count them every time i went out into the garden. So we did build them a lovely large run, weldmesh under the base, over the roof and all round the sides, and although it makes more work finding greens and grass for them, at least I know they're always safe, and i don't have to shut the pophole at night so they can get up and go to bed when they like. I've fixed several high perches for them, part of the run is covered and dry, and really I think they're better off than on what would have been a mud patch rather than grass by the end of the winter. I'd say go for it, you can always let them out when you're around, and meanwhile you'll have a reassuring feeling that they are safe.

thats what we have done though i still let them out as i worry about them being shut in. maybe i shouldnt trust that the dogs will keep the foxes off. i always leave at least 2 on fox/cat duty.

[Gorsty]

Hi folks

Well, Mr Fox has been back today at 1.30 pm - I was actually on fox duty in the girls free range area which is 100 ft x 70 ft but dock spraying rather than following them around.

Suddenly there was a big commotion and he was away with Letty - I gave chase - he tried to get through the fence but I had blocked his usual entry/exit so he had to try elsewhere, dropped Letty and off he went. She is a VERY LUCKY GIRL but think she is still in shock. I gave her chance to calm down a bit before examining her but can't find any puncture wounds but she is very subdued. Have given her a drop of my Rescue Remedy which I use when I am well stressed. Fingers crossed she makes it.

Have been trying to get a 2nd hand electric poultry net - anyone know of anyone with one they don't want? I have managed to buy a mains energiser and thought I'd found a net but the seller has changed his/her mind. Big Shame as we desperately need an electric fence!

Any advice on what I can do for Letty to get her back to her normal self would be much appreciated. Obviously all four girls are back in their foxproof mini run/house.

Watch out, watch out, Mr Fox is about!!!

Gorsty

[Glutton4...]

Link to a trial showing if Electric fencing is effective. Should be of interest.

This was very interesting reading. Thank you for posting it. I was particularly interested in the fact that a Fox will not climb loose netting!

We regularly have Foxes in both the garden and paddock, in broad daylight, so I know they're there at night too. Unfortunately, I have always pulled my netting tight, which has probably over-stretched, and broken, some of the electric wires, which will be why it is no longer effective.

I am considering a taller extruded plastic mesh, non electric, with just a wire or two outside that at a low level, and attached to the energiser. I may also keep my higher 'trip-wire' too. Alternatively, if Houdini wants to get out every day, she can take her chances....

Watch this space.

[Gorsty]

Hi folks,

The electric fence trial results were VERY interesting - MOH was worried that a fox might go over to the top so we were planning on putting an extra line above the actual electric fence (once we get a net,of course!)


Thanks for the link

Gorsty

[Torreya]

Saw some cheap electric fencing in Countrywide the other day. A5 near Redgate/Nuneaton. Very useful for anything farming related on a small scale. If they haven't got something, they usually order it in or suggest something else.
Have got a good 'pest controller' friend - fully licenced, all the local farmers around here use him, even the paintball place at Middleton! PM me, and give you his details, will also give me chance to dig out the details for Countrywide

[Scarlet]

This was very interesting reading. Thank you for posting it. I was particularly interested in the fact that a Fox will not climb loose netting!

We regularly have Foxes in both the garden and paddock, in broad daylight, so I know they're there at night too. Unfortunately, I have always pulled my netting tight, which has probably over-stretched, and broken, some of the electric wires, which will be why it is no longer effective.

I am considering a taller extruded plastic mesh, non electric, with just a wire or two outside that at a low level, and attached to the energiser. I may also keep my higher 'trip-wire' too. Alternatively, if Houdini wants to get out every day, she can take her chances....

Watch this space.

Not sure I'm covering old ground here because I've just quickly scanned the posts...

A friend of mine has a large paddock fenced in with 'saggy' fencing around 5" high and a trip wire around the edge - it has worked for years without casualties.
I've also had trouble with my fencing with a break in the wire but the OH fixed it with stringing another electric wire to electrify both ends of the fence.
And the same here, if a cockeral fancies his chances outside we usually get a few feathers as farewell