Electric Netting for Poultry, Rabbits & Livestock

Electric Netting for Poultry, Rabbits and Livestock

Electric net fencing offers a versatile solution for a range of animals, but it is important to select netting designed for the intended species. Electric poultry netting can help contain chickens, ducks and geese while providing a deterrent against ground predators. Electric rabbit netting typically uses appropriately sized mesh to help create a secure enclosure for rabbits, while electric livestock netting can provide a convenient portable boundary for suitable grazing animals.

Portable electric netting is particularly useful for rotational systems because sections can be moved as grazing areas or poultry runs change. This flexibility can help smallholders and livestock keepers manage land more efficiently without installing a permanent fence around every enclosure.

Technical Specifications and Care

Electric netting combines flexible mesh, integrated conductive strands and supporting posts to create a portable physical and electrical boundary. When connected to a suitable energiser and correctly earthed, the conductive elements deliver a brief electrical pulse when contacted.

For consistent performance, keep grass, weeds and fallen vegetation away from electrified strands wherever practical. Heavy vegetation contact can draw energy from the fence, particularly in damp conditions, reducing the voltage available around the enclosure. Regularly inspect connections, posts, conductive strands and the earth system, and use a suitable electric fence tester to identify voltage loss before it compromises the boundary.

Expert tip: Before repositioning electric netting, clear or closely cut the new fence line. This reduces vegetation loading, makes installation easier and helps prevent the lower mesh becoming tangled. When storing netting, remove debris, allow wet material to dry and roll or fold it carefully to avoid damaging posts and conductive strands.

Frequently Asked Questions

What animals can electric netting be used for?

Electric netting is available for poultry, rabbits and various types of livestock. The appropriate net height, mesh size and energiser will depend on the species being contained, so always choose netting suitable for its intended use.

What energiser do I need for electric netting?

Choose an electric fence energiser rated for the amount of netting being powered, vegetation load and conditions of your site. Mains units suit locations with a convenient electricity supply, while battery and solar options provide greater flexibility for remote, temporary and rotational enclosures.

Can electric netting be used for chickens and other poultry?

Yes. Suitable electric poultry netting can be used to create movable enclosures for chickens, ducks, geese and other poultry. Correct installation and an appropriate energiser are important for maintaining an effective electrical boundary.

Can electric netting be used for rabbits?

Electric netting designed for rabbits can provide a practical enclosure where suitable mesh spacing is used. Pay particular attention to the lower section of the net, ground conditions and any gaps beneath the fence that could allow rabbits to escape.

Can electric netting be used for livestock?

Yes, suitable electric livestock netting can be used for certain farm and smallholding animals, particularly where temporary paddocks or rotational grazing areas are required. Always match the type and height of netting, energiser output and overall fencing system to the livestock being contained.

Does electric netting help deter foxes?

Correctly installed and adequately powered electric netting can help deter foxes and other ground predators. Its effectiveness depends on factors including fence design, suitable voltage, good earthing, correct installation and regular maintenance, so it should form part of appropriate animal and predator management rather than being treated as a guaranteed predator-proof barrier.

Can electric netting touch grass?

Occasional contact may occur, but excessive grass and vegetation against conductive strands can drain power from the fence. Keep the fence line reasonably clear and regularly check voltage to maintain effective performance.