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Electric fencing is an excellent method of containing or excluding most species
of animals, including foxes, badgers, deer and wildlife. Additionally, fish ponds
can be effectively protected from herons and otters to preserve valuable fish stocks.
Nuisance animals such as rabbits,
deer, & badgers cause millions of pounds worth of damage and frustration to
farmers, gardeners and home owners. They can devastate cereal crops, vegetables,
gardens, shrubs and trees. To exclude small pests, you will need closely spaced
fence wires, from 7 – 10 cm or electric netting.
Note: we do not recommend netting for fencing against
badgers, but is very effective against rabbits and foxes. Rutland Electric Fencing
Company offers garden fence kits for quick and easy installation which can be effective
against domestic pets but would not exclude large animals such as badgers where
a more substantial fence is needed.
Like other animals, predators and wild species will quickly learn to avoid the shock
of an electric fence. To exclude large nocturnal predators such as badgers, a
physically strong fence is also necessary as they tend to have established runs
and would not see electric fence wires in the dark.
Unlike conventional domestic animals, wild species pose additional fencing challenges.
For example, they may have long, shaggy coats or thick plumage that does not conduct
electricity well. Predators are highly motivated to get to the animals on the other
side of the fence as a source of food. Poultry and other domestic livestock are
particularly attractive to foxes. Domestic animals become conditioned to the electric
fence, usually avoiding it after a few shocks. However, predators may endure repeated
shocks in their determination to get to their "food source" particularly when they
have young to feed and nourish.
Predator fences need to shock severely, plus serve as a physical barrier. The fence
needs to be sturdier, have wires more closely spaced, and may need to be taller
than the animals being contained. For these reasons, we recommend permanent high
tensile, or stranded steel wire fence systems for keeping out predators
Wire spacing should be close enough to prevent the animal from stepping through
or putting its head between the wires. One of the electrified wires should be at
the animals' nose level.
Note: An electrified top wire above the animal's head
is recommended if it is a habitual jumper.
If you are unfamiliar with fencing for a particular species, please contact Rutland
for advice. |
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Deer need fencing that provides both a physical and psychological barrier like electric
high tensile fence. An electrified high tensile fence is the best choice because
it can be tall, durable and secure, and also serves to keep predators out.
Electrified high tensile fencing is an excellent choice for a permanent perimeter
fence. These low-maintenance fences can last up to 20 years and
are the best solution for deer control. The high tensile wire and spring system
of a high tensile fence allow it to flex and return to its original shape if run
into, making it optimal for deer. |
The first step in successfully keeping deer out is to put up a sturdy and highly
visible fence. In most instances this means a 2 metre tall fence using permanent high-tensile electrified fence. Consider using
Rutland Electro-Wood, the self insulating timber from sustainable hardwood forests
on permanent high tensile fences. It consists of posts and droppers so is simple
and low cost to install, highly durable and environmentally friendly. On large scale
fences such as for heather preservation in the Highlands, the most cost effective
system can be to use a double fence.
Deer have a heightened sense of smell and using bait on the fence will attract
and slow them down. The bait will prompt deer to touch the fence with their nose
or tongue, receiving a safe but intense shock. A shock in front of the eyes causes
the deer to learn where the pain comes from and leave the area. After one or two
encounters with an electric fence, deer will usually look for other sources of food.
Deer require an energiser that can maintain 3,000 - 4,000 volts on the fence line
and a minimum of 1.5 joules of energy, higher on long fences. Voltage levels are
affected by vegetation on the fence line, length of fence, and diameter of wire.
Note: To prevent jumping, an electrified top wire above the deer head is recommended.
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Wire Spacing Guide
Wire spacing should be close enough to prevent the animal
from stepping through or putting its head between the wires. Attach seven to nine
wire strands to posts that stand at least 2 metres above ground. Be sure that wires
are placed near the nose level of the animal. Use a low impedance fence controller. |
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Will the electric fencing I use for livestock and containing other animals also
keep out predators?
Not usually. If you are already installing a high tensile fence, you can simply
change the height of the bottom wires and alter the number and spacing of wires
to keep out predators. Also, ideally electric wires will need to be placed alternately
on the outside of the fence as well as inside so the predators and livestock will
remain on their respective sides of the fence. Where the predators, such as foxes,
are known to jump, the fence should be wired alternately live / earth so they get
a shock even when all feet are off the ground. Most temporary fencing is less effective
against predators, as there are an insufficient number of electric wires and the
fence presents less of a physical barrier.
Will electric fence harm animals or people?
The electric shock delivered by an electric fence energiser, while intense, is very
brief and will not harm people or animals. All Electric Shepherd energisers comply
with the latest British and European Standards and are certified by an independent
test house. The pulse energy operates at one second intervals, giving people or
animals ample time to release the wire. The electric pulse deters pests, but is
not strong enough to harm people, children or pets, although, of course, it will
be painful if touched.
Why do you recommend at least 2 metre tall electric
high tensile fence for farmed deer?
Deer are not easily domesticated - they are accustomed to roaming where they please,
which is usually to find food sources. Since they are strong jumpers, they can easily
clear a fence that is their height. In addition, they may "test" the electric fence
by running into it to get out, so the fence needs to be durable and resilient to
pressure. Electric high tensile fence is the ideal solution since it is long lasting,
extremely strong, and will maintain its shape even if run into. It can easily be
built to 2 metre (6 feet) or taller heights.
Will nuisance pests learn to avoid my electric fence?
All animals dislike the feeling of an electric shock. After one or two encounters
with an electrified fence, most animals will quickly learn to avoid the area enclosed
by the fence, however, NEVER turn the electric fence off when animals are in the
vicinity as when they touch the fence without receiving a shock, it can cause the
psychological imprint to be diluted.
For deer we recommend you train them to avoid your fence by baiting the fence. Small
animals generally do not require baiting. Once the animals receive a shock, they
will avoid the area and find food elsewhere.
Can I electrify an existing woven-wire or chain link fence?
The chain link insulator (Part No. 15-139) allows you to add hot wires to an
existing, uncoated chain link or woven wire fence. This gives you the flexibility
of putting an electrified wire at the outside top of the fence (to keep animals
from climbing over) or at the outside bottom (to keep animals from digging under).
This is a simple, low cost way to "animal - proof" an existing fence.
Note: you cannot directly electrify a chain link or woven wire fence, as the fence is not
insulated and will cause a short, thereby making it ineffective.
What factors are important to successfully keep out animals with an electric fence?
Because you're excluding animals rather than containing them, the wires need to
be placed on the outside of posts. In addition, wires need to be spaced closely
enough to prevent small animals from getting through.
For best results a properly installed fence system is important. View installation
tips for details. (see
Fence Wire Tips) |