Welcome to our comprehensive guide on American Farm Works Electric Fencer reviews. In this in-depth analysis, we will delve into the world of electric fencers, exploring various options and highlighting the best ones available in the market. Electric fencers are an essential tool for farmers and ranchers, as they provide an effective and reliable means of keeping livestock safely contained within designated areas. With American Farm Works being a well-known and trusted brand, we will evaluate their fencer models, examining their features, quality, and overall performance.
What Is the Best Solar Fence Charger to Keep Deer Out?
The Zareba ESP5M-Z Solar Electric Fence Charger is widely regarded as one of the best options for keeping deer out of your property. With it’s impressive utility, it isn’t just limited to deer containment, but also serves as an effective tool for livestock containment and predator deterrence.
This solar fence charger operates entirely on solar power, eliminating the need for costly batteries or electricity. This not only saves you money in the long run but also makes it an environmentally-friendly option. The built-in solar panel efficiently converts sunlight into a steady and reliable source of power, ensuring that your fence remains charged at all times.
Furthermore, this fence charger boasts a powerful output, delivering up to 0.1 joules of energy. This level of power is sufficient to create an effective psychological deterrent for deer, discouraging them from attempting to breach the fence. The charger also features a built-in lightning protection system, ensuring that it remains operational even during severe weather conditions.
It’s impressive range, powerful output, and solar-powered functionality make it a standout choice for those in need of a dependable deer deterrent.
How Does a Solar Fence Charger Work?
A solar fence charger, also known as a solar electric fencer, is a device that utilizes solar energy to power an electric fence. It’s designed to provide an effective and eco-friendly solution for controlling livestock and keeping pests out of a designated area.
The solar fence charger consists of a solar panel, a battery, and an energizer or controller unit. The solar panel captures sunlight and converts it into electricity, which is then stored in the battery for later use.
The energizer unit is responsible for pulsing the stored electricity through the fence wires or tapes, creating an electric shock when an animal or intruder touches the fence. This shock acts as a deterrent, training animals to respect the boundaries and preventing them from escaping or causing damage.
Solar fence chargers are an excellent option for remote or off-grid locations where access to the power grid is limited. They’re easy to install, require minimal maintenance, and can provide continuous power as long as there’s sufficient sunlight to charge the battery.
is often recommended to deter deer from entering a certain area. This height provides a significant barrier and creates a visual deterrent for the deer, making them less likely to attempt crossing the fence. However, it’s important to ensure that the fence is properly grounded and that there are no nearby structures or vegetation that could assist the deer in crossing.
How Tall Should an Electric Fence Be for a Deer?
High often does the job. However, the height of the fence isn’t the only factor that determines it’s effectiveness in deterring deer. The spacing between the wires is equally important, as deer have a keen ability to judge distance and can easily gauge whether they can safely clear the fence.
A double-layered fence with a vertical mesh on the outside and horizontal wires on the inside can provide an extra barrier against deer attempting to jump or push through. Furthermore, strategically placing electrified wires at different heights can create a psychological deterrent for deer, as they’re less likely to attempt to cross a fence that presents multiple threatening obstacles.
To enhance the effectiveness of an electric fence against deer, it’s advisable to also consider incorporating other deterrents. For example, installing motion-activated lights or sirens near the fence can startle deer and discourage them from approaching. Additionally, using scent-based repellents or physical barriers, such as planting thorny bushes or erecting netting around the perimeter, can further reinforce the message that the area is off-limits to deer.
Highly determined or hungry deer may still attempt to breach the fence, especially during extreme weather conditions or when resources are scarce. Therefore, it’s important to regularly maintain and inspect the fence to ensure it remains in optimal working condition. Checking for any vegetation touching the wires, testing the voltage, and repairing any damage promptly are crucial steps in keeping the fence functional and reliable.
By thoughtfully considering all these factors, farmers and property owners can make informed decisions and successfully protect their crops or landscapes from deer damage.
Source: Fencing to Exclude Deer – NC Wildlife
Now, let’s move on to the next important aspect of electric deer fences – proper installation and maintenance.
How Strong Should an Electric Fence Be for Deer?
When it comes to keeping deer out with an electric fence, the strength of the fence is of utmost importance. You want to ensure that the voltage running through the fence is high enough to deter the deer from attempting to cross it. To determine how strong your electric fence should be for deer, a volt meter is an essential tool. This device allows you to test the voltage levels of your fence and make necessary adjustments to ensure it’s working properly.
Therefore, it’s crucial to regularly check your fences voltage using a volt meter to ensure it remains at the appropriate levels.
When using a volt meter to test the strength of your electric fence, it’s typically recommended to use a meter made by the same manufacturer as your energizer. This is because different brands may have variations in their voltage readings, and using a different brands meter could lead to inaccurate results.
If you find that the voltage levels are lower than recommended, it may be necessary to troubleshoot your fence and identify any potential issues that are causing the drop in voltage. This could involve checking the connections, replacing faulty or worn-out components, or adjusting the energizer settings.
Remember to use a volt meter from the same manufacturer as your energizer to obtain reliable readings.
When it comes to designing an electric fence to keep deer out of larger fields, a six-foot high electrified vertical fence is considered the most effective option. This design, shown in Figure 6, is particularly suitable for areas with moderate to high deer pressure and spans of 50 acres or more. The use of high tensile fencing allows for flexibility in selecting materials, wire spacing, and overall design.
What Is the Best Electric Fence Design for Deer?
Some popular options for electric fence designs for deer include the six-foot high electrified vertical fence. This design is often recommended for larger fields spanning over 50 acres and is considered highly effective in areas with moderate to high deer pressure. The fence consists of a range of materials and wire spacing configurations, offering flexibility in it’s construction to suit specific needs and requirements.
When constructing a high tensile fence, there are various materials that can be utilized. These may include steel wire, aluminum wire, or even polywire, depending on the specific needs of the fence. Each material has it’s own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to evaluate them based on factors such as durability, cost, and ease of installation.
In terms of wire spacing, there are also several options available. Some people prefer narrower wire spacings, such as four to six inches between each wire, while others opt for wider spacing, ranging from six to twelve inches. The decision on wire spacing will depend on the size of the deer in the area and their ability to jump or squeeze through the fence.
The design of the high tensile fence can vary as well, with options such as vertical, horizontal, or a combination of both. The configuration will largely depend on the terrain, the specific needs of the field, and any existing natural barriers or obstructions that need to be taken into consideration.
By carefully evaluating these factors, farmers and landowners can construct an effective and reliable fence that can deter deer and protect their fields effectively.
The invention of the non-shortable electric fence, patented by Phillips, led to it’s manufacturing by Plastic Products, a New Zealand firm, under the brand name “Waikato Electric Fence” in 196Later on, plastic insulators gained popularity and are now widely utilized on farms worldwide.
Where Was the Electric Fence Made?
The origin of the electric fence can be traced back to New Zealand, where the non-shortable electric fence was first patented by a man named Phillips. This revolutionary invention caught the attention of farmers worldwide, who were constantly in search of more effective ways to secure their livestock. By 1964, the manufacturing of this groundbreaking technology was taken over by Plastic Products, a New Zealand firm that introduced it to the market under the name “Waikato Electric Fence”.
Since it’s introduction, the electric fence has become a staple on farms all over the world. Farmers have quickly recognized the advantages it offers, from improved animal containment to better protection against predators. The effectiveness of electric fences lies in the use of plastic insulators, which have since evolved and are now widely utilized in modern agricultural practices.
Farmers in America have embraced the Waikato Electric Fence, recognizing it’s superior performance and reliability. American Farm Works, a reputable brand, has become synonymous with high-quality electric fencers that meet the stringent demands of the agricultural industry. The company offers a wide range of electric fencers, each designed to cater to different farm sizes and livestock needs. With their commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, American Farm Works has become a trusted name among farmers across the United States.
The electric fence revolutionized livestock containment and protection, and it’s origins can be traced back to New Zealand.
How Do You Install an Electric Fence to Keep Deer Away?
Next, unroll the wire and attach one end to a corner post using wire ties or insulators. Make sure the wire is at least 6 feet high to prevent deer from jumping over.
Once the wire is securely attached to the corner posts, continue attaching it to the support rods. Use insulators to keep the wire from touching the posts, ensuring that the current flows through the wire and not into the ground. Leave a few inches of slack at each corner to allow for expansion and contraction of the wire.
To power the electric fence, you’ll need an energizer (also known as a fencer) that converts the electrical energy into pulses. Connect the energizer to a ground rod using the grounding cable provided. Place the ground rod at least 20 feet away from any existing ground structure, such as a house or barn. This will prevent interference with the electric fence and ensure proper grounding.
Ensure that the connections are tight and secure to avoid any power loss. Test the electric fence to make sure it’s working properly, using a voltage tester or a fence tester.
It’s important to regularly inspect and maintain the electric fence to ensure it’s effectiveness in deterring deer. Check for any damage to the wire, insulators, or energizer, and make repairs as needed. Keep vegetation away from the fence to prevent grounding and ensure proper conductivity.
Tips for Avoiding Potential Hazards When Installing an Electric Fence
- Make sure to wear appropriate safety gear, such as gloves and safety glasses, when handling electric fencing materials.
- Before starting the installation process, carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings.
- Ensure that the electric fence is installed by a qualified and experienced professional, if possible.
- Check the area for any underground utility lines before digging holes for fence posts.
- Keep all electrical components, including energizers and connectors, away from water sources to minimize the risk of electrical shock.
- Regularly inspect the fence for any signs of damage, wear, or corrosion. Replace or repair any damaged components immediately.
- Securely fasten the fence wires and ensure that there are no loose or exposed wires that could pose a hazard to people or animals.
- Make sure to clearly mark the electric fence with warning signs and indicators to alert others of it’s presence.
- Regularly test the fence’s voltage to ensure that it’s functioning correctly and providing an effective deterrent.
- Provide proper animal training and education about the electric fence to prevent accidental shocks or injuries.