[NorthEssexsmallholding]

Hi,

Posted this on here as I posted in poultry and got no replies.

I am new to this forum, I have a question regarding electric fencing.  I am looking at getting some laying hens on my holding, and I want to use electric poultry netting fencing.  However I also plan to have 2 alpacas as protection for the hens,  I know that electric fencing is not ideal for alpacas but I presume if its the netting similar to sheep netting it will be ok?

I am just unsure if electric poultry netting would be sufficient for keeping the alpacas in?  I know it would be better to get permanent stock fencing however I have just taken over the land and there is not fencing all the way around the perimeter, there just a boundary hedgrow, with fencing along one side.

I am obviously looking at the cheapest available option until I get up and running, I need the fencing to be moveable as I need to be able to rotate the pasture.  I must find a solution that allows me to keep the alpacas as its a must, I will not be living on the land, it is very rural and there are a lot of foxes around, I can't afford to take the risk of not having protection for them, and also prevent the alpacas from getting out although they are supposed to be fairly good at staying where they are meant to be.

Has anyone got any advice for me?, I would be very grateful for any input you people may have.

[TheCaptain]

Don't know about aplacas but would putting poultry netting around the bottom with a strip of 40/60 mm electric tape aorund the top be of any use?

The amount of electric netting required for the alpacas must be quite a bit of $$$.  Do you need the aplacas for protection if you're putting them behind the electric netting?

[NorthEssexsmallholding]

thanks a lot for replying, that is something to consider, I did think of using the poultry netting and either the tape like you said or a couple of strands of normal electric fence wire at the top.

Suppose I will have to look at whether to spend the money on the alpacas or just spend that money on better fencing for the hens.  I was keen to get alpacas as they do such a great job of protecting them from foxes and dogs.

[katie]

I would spend the money on the hen fencing and save up for alpacas when you've got proper fencing done. If an alpaca wandered onto the road you could have a big problem.

[Fleecewife]

My first thought would be to fence the poultry fairly closely ie in a run, with the alpacas outside of that.  I don't think the alpacas would need to be within the poultry enclosure. You could use 6' wire mesh as if your hens are anything like mine they will fly over anything lower.  I have no idea of the fencing required for alpacas, but you need to get it right before you bring on your stock.
My main concern would be thieves of the human kind - for both the hens and the alpacas kept where you are not living on site.  Alpacas are so expensive that I think they wouldn't last long.  I do have a cynical view of human nature.

[gmabbs]

The most important thing is fencing the chickens, electric netting is really the best way as normal mesh won't deter foxes especially if there is no people nearby. You could maybe put a small netting pen inside and having the apalacas on the outside and just fence them with ordinary wire.

[NorthEssexsmallholding]

thanks to those who have replied, all good advice and something I really need to sit down and plan.  Im lucky in that the land is fairly well protected with ditches all the way along the road side but the gate padlock would be a snip with boltcutters. I do take your point that people if determined will find a way, I saw on countryfile that people are stealing turkeys from farms.  I also agree that if they got out it would be terrible especially if they made there way to a main road.

Im now thinking that I should go with the netting to start with, and wait until I put stock fencing up before getting alpacas. 

Thanks again for your input.

[Anke]

If you run your electric netting off mains you need quite a few batteries to keep it regularly charged, foxes (and badgers and humans) will soon learn how long it hurts...

Alpacas definitley not a choice for just starting out, you could instead use that money on fencing your whole perimeter safely!

[hairyhetty]

i would def fence perimeter before getting alpacas. electric is good for sub-dividing, but it can easily get shorted by a stray branch, long grass or stock that have took fright and gone through it. if youve no perimeter fence youre in big trouble. my pony literally walks under electric fence and doesnt care bout the zap. depends how determined they are, and how much hair they have.
id get fencing done first cos its expensive, and when youve got stock with vet and feed bills, its harder to save up!! good luck.