Electric Fence for Ratites: Ostriches and Emus
Ostriches, emus and rheas can be challenging to contain. However, electric
fence provides an affordable, easy to install, low maintenance option that will
safely contain ratites while keeping out predators.
Ratites have a tendency to reach
over, under or through any type of fence to eat grass on the other side. Plus,
ostriches can grow to more than 8-feet tall and emus to over 6-feet tall. While
these birds don't fly, they do jump. This means the wire spacing needs to be
close together and at least 6 feet high.
If using electric fence with ratites, you need to consider that feathers are
not good conductors of electricity. Therefore a low impedance fence controller
must be used. Two-legged animals like ratites have less contact with the ground
than four-legged animals, making a properly installed grounding system
essential.
A 6-foot electric high tensile fence used around the perimeter will both
contain the birds as well as keep out predators. Use a minimum of 15 wires
starting four inches from the ground, and four inches apart for the first 4
feet of height and 8 inches apart for the top 2 feet. The "hot" wires should be
on the outside of the fence to keep the predators out, while also containing
adult birds.
Existing or shorter fences
A closely spaced woven wire fence (2-inch by 4-inch) at least 5 feet high will
contain the birds. An electrified wire installed on the top inside of this type
of fence will prevent ostriches and emus from jumping over. Electrified wires
placed on the outside bottom will keep predators from digging under the fence.
Note: We do not recommend using electric fencing to contain chicks. Use either
chain link or closely spaced woven wire.
Note: Never use barbed wire fencing, as it can cause injury to the birds.
Zareba recommends the following wire configuration for ratites:
6-ft fence, bottom 12 wires 4 inches apart, top 3 wires 8 inches apart
Frequently asked questions about exotics.
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