Electric Poultry Net Keeps Predators Out

Electric Poultry Net Keeps Predators Out MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT Pest Animals 28-3-34 Growing demand for free range poultry is providing small farmers with a new market opportunity. But predators see it as a new meal opportunity. Energized PoultryNet from Premier Fence is designed to keep non-flying and clipped wing birds in and predators out. "In the last few years, demand for PoultryNet has just exploded," says Stephanie Sexton, marketing director for Premier Fence. "It provides a more friendly and natural environment for birds and lets them get out and move around." The 42-in. tall poultry net has vertical lines every 3 in. Horizontals start out at only 2 in. apart at the bottom of the fence, move to 4 in. and finally 8 in. apart at the top. The company also recommends using high impedance energizers because poultry legs have a higher internal resistance to electricity. PoultryNet can be used with larger animals, too. Some intensive grazers believe chickens running in a paddock after cows or sheep will spread manure around and help control flies and other pests. Sexton emphasizes that the net is never a physical barrier, but always has to be electrified to be effective. "As long as it's electrified, it is an excellent ground barrier for predators like coyotes, skunks and dogs," she says. PoultryNet comes in 82 and 164-ft. rolls, has line posts (uprights) every 9 1/2 ft. and an expected life of up to 7 years. A 164-ft. roll can be installed in only 6 min. and costs 77ó/ft. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Premier 1 Supplies, 2031 300th Street, Washington, Iowa 52353 (ph 319 653-7622 or 800 282-6631; website: www.premier1 supplies.com).

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