The Fence Post

Which Fence for Which Animal Out?

• The National Gardening Association Editors report that, on a long term basis, fencing is the best way to keep domestic and wild animals out of your garden. They offer the following suggestions and tips:
• Fences are most effective when the animal can't see what the fence protects - food. A solid fence will block their view of the delectable offerings of your garden. 
• Polypropylene fences are less visible than solid fences, but they will not give protection from all animals.
• Electric fences will not block your view of the garden. They can be more effective than solid fences, especially if the would-be poachers know the wires are hot. Animals are not likely to test the fence more than once.

A tall fence is necessary. A mesh, solid or an electric fence can be effective. There are many design options available. Be sure to anchor the fence to the ground. Deer will also go under a fence if given the option.                                                                                                                                    
Cats and dogs

Build a 3-foot high wire fence - buy a 5-foot roll and bend 24" at the bottom of the fence to the outside of the garden to form an apron. This will discourage digging.

Rabbits  

A 2-foot high chicken wire fence with 1" hexagonal mesh openings is recommended. Buy a 3-foot high roll and bend a 12" apron of the fence mesh to the outside of the garden. Bury it several inches deep to prevent digging.

Woodchucks                                                                                       

A 4-foot high fence with a 24" buried apron works well. They suggest leaving the top 18" of the fence unattached to posts. This will challenge the animals' climbing ability. You can also string an electrified wire along the top. Placing electric fencing a few inches outside the other fence is even more effective. To protect prized plants from these tunneling pests, bury a protective wire mesh basket two to three feet underground. 

Raccoons & Opossums 

You need fencing that provides an underground barrier and is difficult to climb. Use a 60" to 72" fence. Bury a 24" horizontal apron several inches underground on the outside of your garden. Leave the top 18" of the 36" or 48" high fence unattached. This will bend over as the animal climbs, preventing it from getting over the top. If you have difficulty finding 60" or 72" high fence, the apron and vertical parts can be two different rolls. Be sure to fasten the two edges together with hog rings or tie wire. For further security, electric fence wire can be run along the top. Spreading light weight netting on the ground around your garden may discourage these animals from approaching the fence.                                                                                                       
Coyotes 

An electric fence in combination with a strong 48" fence mesh, such as sheep and goat fence, works well. Place one electrified wire 8" off the ground, 6" to 18"away from the mesh fence. An additional wire strung along the top of the fence will discourage jumping.                                         

Bears 

They can be discouraged from entering an area by using electric fence. Bait, such as bacon strips or pork rind, should be attached to the wires. Bears will approach the bait, touch it with a wet nose or tongue and learn the characteristics of the fence. They will want to avoid it in the future. If the fence is not baited, a bear is likely to crash through the fence, paying no more attention to the shock than it would a bee sting. A 36" to 48" roll of chicken wire secured to the ground with ground staples can also be used as an effective barrier. Be sure to keep the area mowed.

Do the solutions the editors suggest sound good to you?

Do you have other suggestions to share based on your own experience?

Fences are most effective when animals can't see what the fence protects - food. A solid fence will block their view of the delectable offerings from your garden. 
Polypropylene fences are less visible than solid fences. But they will not give protection from all animals.

• Electric fences will not block your view of the garden. They can be more effective than solid fences, especially if the would-be poachers know the wires are hot. Animals are unlikely to test the fence more than once.                 

• Be certain to check your local ordinances before installing a fence.

Aiding Migration 

See what the state of Montana is doing with wildlife fence in the Monument Valley area to help elk, deer and antelope in their migrations.

Strong, Safe, Cost-Effective 

Duckbill Earth Anchors are the easiest, safest and most cost-effective way to securely anchor anything! Each rustproof aluminum alloy anchor has a galvanized cable securely attached. The end above ground has a loop for easy attachment. When you need to securely fasten anything to the ground, use a Duckbill!

• Easy to Install

1. Anchors are driven into the ground using a re-usable drive rod.
2. The rod is removed once the anchor reaches the desired depth, usually when the length of the attached cable is in the ground. There is no need to dig a hole, saving you time and extra labor.
3. Pulling on the conveniently looped end of the cable pivots the anchor into a locked position. The anchor pulls against undisturbed soil, increasing the holding power.
4. Anchor is ready to use.

• Safe to Use

1. Duckbill anchors leave no stakes, pipes or stems above ground level.
2. The loop end will not injure people or damage equipment.

• Versatile and Convenient
  

  

1. Anchors are also available without cables
2. Available with pre-attached stainless steel cables.
3. There are four sizes:

• 40-DB1  -  20", 1/16" cable, 300 pound capacity  -  use drive rod DS-40
• 68-DB1  -  2-1/2', 1/8" cable, 1,100 pound capacity  -  use drive rod DS-68
• 88-DB1  -  3-1/2', 1/4" cable, 3,000 pound capacity  -  use drive rod DS-88
• 131-DB1  -  5', 5/16" cable, 5,000 pound capacity  -  use powered driver

Sturdy Security: Theft Deterrence

Duckbill earth anchors can be used in many different ways, such as support, security and theft deterrent for:

• equipment and motorcycles
• lawn furniture
• towers and structures
• mobile homes
• vineyards
• trees
• fences
• airplanes

Do you want to keep your birds or poultry safely contained inside the pen?

Careful Installation 

Have you purchased or are you considering purchasing a woven net to cover the top of your bird or poultry pen?

The potential for problems comes from the fact that any woven material is subject to distortion unless handled properly. Woven netting is lightweight and flexible and particularly subject to being pulled out of shape. Unless it is installed correctly, a 20' x 50' piece of netting will lose its ability to cover a 20' x 50' pen.

When the roll is opened it is longer than its stated length. As it is installed correctly, this length will shorten to its proper dimension.

Avoiding Problems

How do you install it? The following steps can help you avoid problems and do the job right.

1. Stretch one end of the roll out to its full width.                                                                                                     
2. Fasten one end of the top netting to one end of the pen.                                                                                   
3. Starting from this fastened end, pull out only a few feet on each side.                                                               
4. Secure the footage you have pulled out to each side of your pen. It is very important to attach the sides before stretching the next length. Do not over tighten the netting.                                                                     
5. Pull out another few feet.                                                                                                                                     
6. Fasten this footage to each side.                                                                                                                        
7. Continue down each side of the pen a few feet at a time.                                                                                   
8. Be sure to fasten both sides of what you have pulled out before moving on.                                                     
9. This is crucial. Failure to do this can result in a distorted piece of netting that won't cover the entire pen. 
10. When you reach the other end of your enclosure, attach the remaining end of the netting to the structure.

Attach Top Net to the pen sides using hog rings or safety ties for attaching to wire or staples for attaching to wood.

When properly installed, the stated size of the rolls will cover a pen of the same dimensions.

Outfoxing the Fox

How do you keep your chickens and poultry safe from predators?

Answer:  Build a safe and secure fence.

And what is most important factor to consider in determining the characteristics of the fence you use to enclose your run or pen?

Mesh openings should be small enough to both keep predators out and prevent your birds from escaping.

What determines the height of the fence?

• Consider the variety and temperament of your birds.
• Whether or not birds will free-range or always remain inside the pen.
• If you want to be able to stand up inside the pen. This is an important aspect as you will want to clean and maintain your pen from the inside.                                                                                        
  •  Depending on where you live, a heavy snowstorm will require shoveling out a walk your hens.

How do you prevent predators from going under the fence?

1. Dig a trench and bury at least 12" of fence for a barrier, either vertical or angled to the outside.
2. Use an apron fence with the apron on the outside of the pen.
3. Lay a piece of fence mesh flat on the ground around the perimeter of the pen and attach it to the vertical piece.

How can you keep predators from entering from the top of the pen? A secure top is very important.

1. Use wire mesh to cover the tops of the pen - be sure to factor in possible snow load.
2. Secure the top with woven top netting or extruded plastic netting as a barrier.

What kind of fence works well for the sides of chicken pens?

1. Hex netting 1" mesh (aka chicken wire) - GAW (Galvanized After Weave) or vinyl coated meshes last longest.
2. Heavier gauge woven mesh with small openings at the bottom, such as Red Brand's Poultry and Garden fence.
3. Welded wire mesh with small openings.

What type of mesh is most predator proof?

Wire meshes are stronger and more predator resistant than plastic or poly meshes.

What type of wire meshes will last the longest?

Vinyl coated and galvanized after weld meshes will last longest.