[Markw]

Firstly I must say what a fantastic forum this is, It has lots of helpful friendly members and lots of brilliant advice.

I have been reading many topics on the subject of fox proofing the pen, either with weldmesh or using a fox proof netting system, and not to mention the problem with rats.

The pen I am planning is going to be at the bottom of the garden and will be about 45M2 in area. I am planning at getting 6 hens and maybe a couple of ducks to start with.

To construct this out of weldmesh and inclose the top with chicken wire would cost me a kidney (very expensive) The back of the pen backs onto open fields, this will have a 2mtr high fence, made from vertical timber with an up-turned 2 inch plastic gutter along the top to help to prevent Mr fox from getting over. I just need to do both sides and the front.

I am planning at constructing the sides and the front of the pen as a fixed electric fence. It will be an alternating live -earth system . For the bottom I am planning on using a very small electrified SS mesh  around the parameter 175mm high that might help to prevent rats from getting in. it will then be alternate live - earth wires to a height of 1,3mtr. I am still thinking at what would be the best height to make it. the max height that I can make it is 2.2mtr. I was looking at using steel posts for the earthing bonding system. and insulated wires  around the posts.

I am still thinking what wire would be best , either hotwire, galvanized steel. or SS. I can also add additional vertical wires if needed. I have allowed for a hot gate and a buzz-bar system for attaching any additional netting that I might require at a later date.

I was just thinking if anyone out there has made their own fence,and what problems they have found. I have calculated the cost to be about half that of constructing it from weldmesh.

I have used this document for design reference, any feed back would be most helpful 


http://www.naturalengland.gov.uk/Images/electric-fence-manual_tcm6-11352.pdf

[ANHBUC]

Sure I have read that you only need to electrify the first meter of your fence, any higher above that it can be normal fence.  Predators have to have a foot on the ground to get a shock.

Have a read of this, especially the setup Spana did.

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=56897.0

Hope it helps.   

[Markw]

H Anhbuc
Yes I was reading that thread the other week, that is when I decided to make my own fence for the pen. It had some very interesting reading and different views on the subject,

As someone said, if off the ground the fox won't get a shock as it is not in contact with the ground,I suppose the same as standing on the live rail on a rail track. Hopefully with the ZZ bottom mesh it will help to keep the rats out. I am planning in putting in some live and negative  horizontal strands as well. I have found a fantastic way of insulating them when tied together..
The way I look at it is,in cost, and what is best for your girls at the end of the day

Anyway  need to finish the Veg patch first before stating the pen.