6 Best Meat Nettings For Predator Protection That Old-Timers Trust

There’s nothing worse than the silence of a morning coop that should be bustling with your meat birds. You walk out, coffee in hand, only to find a scene of feathers and failure left by a fox, raccoon, or weasel. This single, gut-wrenching event is why old-timers don’t gamble on flimsy protection; they rely on a barrier that bites back.

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Why Electric Net Fencing Is a Farmer’s Best Friend

Electric netting isn’t just a fence; it’s a powerful psychological and physical deterrent. Predators are clever, but they learn quickly from a sharp, unpleasant shock. Unlike a simple wire fence a raccoon can climb or a wooden fence a fox can dig under, the net presents a confusing, painful obstacle from top to bottom.

The real magic, though, is its portability. This system allows you to practice rotational grazing effortlessly, moving your flock to fresh pasture every few days. This is critical for soil health, parasite control, and the well-being of your birds. A fixed-pen system quickly turns to mud and manure, but a movable fortress of netting keeps your operation clean, healthy, and productive.

Think of it as active defense versus passive. A standard fence just sits there, waiting to be challenged. An electric net actively teaches predators that your pasture is a no-go zone, creating a learned boundary that protects your flock even when you’re not watching. It’s the most efficient tool for turning a predator into a former visitor.

Premier 1 ElectroNet Plus: The Gold Standard

When you ask seasoned farmers about netting, Premier 1 is the name that comes up again and again. Their ElectroNet Plus is widely considered the benchmark for a reason: it’s built to last. The materials feel substantial, the knots are solid, and the overall construction resists the sagging and tangling that plagues cheaper options.

The key feature is the post design. Many versions come with double-spiked posts that provide superior stability, especially in soft or uneven ground. This is a bigger deal than it sounds. A sagging fence is an ineffective fence, and you’ll spend less time re-staking and tightening a Premier 1 net, freeing you up for other chores.

Of course, quality comes at a price. This is often the most expensive option on the shelf, which can be a hurdle for a new operation. But the tradeoff is longevity and peace of mind. Buying a cheaper net that fails or needs replacing in two seasons isn’t a bargain; it’s a down payment on a future disaster.

Gallagher SmartFence 2: Portability and Power

The Gallagher SmartFence 2 is a completely different approach to portable fencing. It’s an all-in-one system with four strands of polywire, posts, and a reel integrated into a single, easy-to-carry unit. If your top priority is speed and daily moves, this system is in a class of its own. You can literally set up or tear down 330 feet of fence in under five minutes.

This design is brilliant for daily pasture shifts, especially for cattle or sheep, but it has specific applications for poultry. It’s best used to cordon off a larger, pre-fenced pasture or for containing birds that aren’t flighty. The four-strand system is a formidable psychological barrier for ground predators like foxes and coyotes.

The major tradeoff is that it’s not a true "net." A determined weasel or a small raccoon could potentially slip through the wider gaps between the wires. It’s also not as tall as traditional netting, making it less ideal for containing birds prone to flying or for deterring agile jumpers. This is a tool for speed, not for maximum-security containment.

Starkline Electric Netting: Heavy-Duty Defense

Starkline has carved out a reputation for being exceptionally tough. If your property has rough terrain, high weed pressure, or stubborn predators, this is the netting to consider. The posts are often thicker and more rigid than competitors’, and the poly-wires feel more substantial, giving the entire fence a more robust presence.

This heavy-duty construction means it stands up better to abuse. Whether it’s wind, livestock pressing against it, or being moved over rocky ground, Starkline nets tend to hold their shape and tension well. The tighter weave at the bottom of many models is also a critical feature for stopping smaller predators like weasels, mink, or even large rats that might try to squeeze through.

The downside to this ruggedness is weight and handling. A heavier, stiffer net can be more cumbersome to roll up and move, especially if you’re working alone. It’s a small price to pay for security, but it’s a real consideration for someone managing daily moves without assistance. You’re trading a bit of convenience for a lot of durability.

Kencove Poultry Netting: A Reliable Workhorse

Kencove is a name farmers trust for all sorts of supplies, and their electric netting is no exception. It hits the sweet spot between affordability and reliability. It may not have the premium feel of a Premier 1 or the unique design of a Gallagher, but it does its job day in and day out without fuss.

This is the practical, no-frills choice for the farmer who needs a dependable fence that won’t break the bank. The construction is solid, the conductivity is reliable, and the posts are generally sturdy enough for most soil conditions. It’s a fantastic option for expanding your operation or for someone who needs multiple rolls to create larger paddocks.

Where’s the compromise? It might lack some of the finer details, like the extra-sturdy double-spiked posts or the most advanced UV-resistant polymers. Over a long enough timeline, it may show wear faster than a top-tier brand. But for providing effective protection for several seasons, it represents an excellent value and is a true workhorse.

Zareba Poultry Fencing: Accessible and Effective

You can find Zareba products in almost any farm supply store, making them one of the most accessible options available. This is a huge advantage when you need a fence today because a predator just struck. Their poultry fencing kit is often sold as an all-in-one solution, sometimes including a small energizer, which is perfect for beginners.

The Zareba netting is perfectly functional for deterring common predators like dogs, foxes, and raccoons in a typical backyard or small farm setting. It sets up easily and provides the essential shock needed to create a respected boundary. For someone just getting into pastured poultry, it’s a low-risk way to get started with a proven system.

The tradeoff for this accessibility and lower price point is often in the durability of the components. The posts may be more flexible and the netting material a bit lighter than more expensive brands. It will absolutely do the job, but it may require more careful handling and might not stand up to the rigors of daily moves on rough ground for as many years.

Powerfields P-89-G: Versatile Pasture Control

Powerfields offers a range of netting that provides great versatility for the diversified homesteader. Their products often come in different heights and configurations, making them suitable not just for poultry but also for containing sheep, goats, and other small livestock. The P-89-G, for example, is a popular multi-purpose net.

This versatility is a major asset if you run a mixed-species operation. Buying one type of netting that can be used to create a pen for your meat chickens one month and then reconfigured for weaned lambs the next saves money and storage space. It simplifies your entire fencing system.

The primary consideration is that a multi-purpose tool is rarely the best tool for a single, specific job. A net designed for both sheep and chickens might have larger openings at the top than a poultry-specific net, potentially allowing a very determined climbing predator an easier path. However, for most applications, its effectiveness is more than adequate, and the flexibility is a winning feature.

Choosing the Right Energizer for Your Netting

Your electric netting is useless without a properly sized energizer. The power of an energizer is measured in joules—think of it as the "punch" the fence delivers. A weak shock will only annoy a predator, not deter it.

You have two main choices: AC (plug-in) or DC (battery/solar). If your paddock is anywhere near an outlet, an AC energizer is the most reliable and cost-effective option. For remote pastures, a solar energizer is your best bet. A good solar setup with a quality deep-cycle battery can provide consistent power, but it’s a bigger upfront investment.

Here is the most important rule: don’t skimp on the energizer. A common mistake is buying a massive net and hooking it up to an underpowered charger. Your decision should be based on two things:

• Fence Length: How many rolls of netting will you connect together?
• Weed Load: How much grass and vegetation will be touching the bottom wires? Heavy weeds drain power fast.

Always buy an energizer rated for more fence than you plan to use, especially if you anticipate heavy weed contact. A low-impedance energizer is essential, as it’s designed to maintain its voltage even with some vegetation touching the lines. A hot fence is a safe flock.

Ultimately, the best net is the one that fits your land, your animals, and your daily routine. Any of these trusted brands will protect your flock, but only if you install it correctly and power it with a strong energizer. A well-managed electric net isn’t just a fence—it’s an investment that pays off every single morning you count all your birds.