6 best electric chicken nettings for high predator areas

There’s a specific quietness to a morning when a predator has visited, a stillness that feels wrong before you even see the evidence. That sinking feeling is a hard lesson many of us learn when raising chickens, especially in areas where raccoons, foxes, and coyotes are part of the landscape. The best way to prevent that lesson is to create a defense that teaches predators to keep their distance entirely.

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Why Electric Netting is a Must-Have Defense

Traditional chicken wire and hardware cloth are physical barriers, but determined predators can chew, tear, or dig under them. Electric netting, on the other hand, is both a physical and a powerful psychological deterrent. A single, memorable shock is often all it takes to convince a fox, raccoon, or even a bear that your chickens are not worth the effort. This "training" effect is what makes electric netting so effective; it doesn’t just block an attack, it actively discourages future attempts.

The real advantage lies in its active nature. A simple fence just sits there, waiting to be tested. An energized net delivers a consequence for that test, creating a boundary that predators learn to respect from a distance. This is crucial for hobby farmers who can’t stand guard 24/7. It’s a silent, sleepless sentry that works tirelessly to protect your flock, whether they’re in a fixed run or being rotated across pasture.

Choosing Netting for Maximum Predator Defense

Not all electric netting is created equal, especially when you’re facing significant predator pressure. The most critical features to evaluate are height, the size of the openings, and the number of conductive horizontal strands. Taller fences, typically 42 inches or more, are essential for deterring animals that can jump, like coyotes and some determined foxes. A standard 35-inch fence might be fine for containing chickens, but it’s a low hurdle for a hungry predator.

Pay close attention to the bottom of the netting. The best designs feature smaller, non-electrified vertical and horizontal lines near the ground. This tight grid prevents smaller predators like weasels or raccoons from squeezing through the gaps, while the non-conductive vertical strands prevent the fence from shorting out on uneven terrain. Finally, look for netting with at least 8-10 horizontal conductive strands. More "hot" wires mean a predator is more likely to make contact and receive a corrective shock, no matter where they touch the fence.

Premier 1 PoultryNet Plus: Top Predator Pick

If you’re looking for the industry standard in predator protection, this is it. Premier 1 has been a leader in electric netting for decades, and their PoultryNet Plus is a refined, reliable system built for the realities of small-scale farming. It features double-spiked posts that provide excellent stability in soft or uneven soil, significantly reducing the dreaded fence sag that creates an open invitation for predators to push underneath. The 48-inch height is a formidable barrier for most common threats.

What sets this netting apart is the attention to detail in its construction. The horizontal strands have a mix of stainless steel and copper conductors for excellent conductivity, and the vertical lines are non-conductive to prevent shorting. This is the fence for the farmer who values reliability above all else and wants a system they can set up and trust completely. If you have persistent predator problems and want a proven, long-lasting solution, the Premier 1 PoultryNet Plus is the smartest investment you can make for your flock’s safety.

Starkline 48" Netting: Best for High Jumpers

Starkline’s 48-inch netting directly addresses one of the biggest weaknesses of standard poultry fences: athletic predators. In areas with high coyote populations or even curious deer who might leap into a pasture, that extra height makes a world of difference. It moves the psychological barrier from "challenging" to "not worth trying." The netting features a tight grid at the bottom to stop digging and squeezing, and the bright orange color provides a clear visual deterrent for animals during the day.

This netting is built for durability, with sturdy, pre-installed fiberglass posts and double-spiked steps for secure footing. It’s a heavy-duty option designed to stand up to the elements and repeated moves. While it may be slightly heavier than some other portable options, that trade-off comes with peace of mind. For farmers in areas with significant deer pressure or a known coyote problem, the Starkline 48" is the clear choice for creating a truly secure perimeter.

Gallagher SmartFence 2: Most Durable System

The Gallagher SmartFence isn’t a traditional "netting," but it deserves a spot on this list for its sheer ingenuity and durability, especially for those who move their flock daily. It’s a self-contained system of four polywires, posts, and a reel, all in one easy-to-carry unit. Setup and takedown are incredibly fast, as there’s no mesh to untangle or get caught on brush. You simply walk the line, stepping in the posts as you go.

This system’s strength is its simplicity and ruggedness. The polywire is highly conductive, and the posts are exceptionally sturdy. However, the tradeoff is the large gaps between the wires, which won’t stop smaller predators like weasels. It excels at containing poultry and deterring larger, more cautious predators like foxes and coyotes who are less likely to charge through the wires. If your primary goal is rapid pasture rotation and deterring large predators, and you need a system that will last for years of hard use, the SmartFence 2 is unmatched.

Kencove P-Netting: Easiest for Portability

For the farmer practicing intensive rotational grazing, portability is king. Kencove’s P-Netting is designed with this in mind, offering a lightweight yet effective barrier that is easy to move every single day. The single-spike posts are quick to push into the ground and pull up, and the entire roll is less cumbersome than heavier, double-spiked options. This makes it ideal for creating smaller, temporary paddocks that you can shift across your pasture with minimal effort.

The key benefit here is reducing the labor involved in daily moves, which encourages better pasture management and healthier birds. While it may not be as rigid as a double-spiked system, proper tensioning makes it a very effective predator deterrent. It’s a practical balance of security and convenience. If you are committed to moving your flock frequently and want a fence that makes the job faster and easier without compromising on essential protection, Kencove’s netting is built for you.

Powerfields P-106 Kit: Best All-in-One Value

Getting started with electric fencing can feel overwhelming, with separate choices for netting, an energizer, and a ground rod. The Powerfields P-106 Kit eliminates that guesswork by bundling everything you need into one package. It includes 106 feet of 42-inch netting, a 0.25-joule solar energizer, and a ground rod. This takes the complexity out of matching components and ensures your system is properly powered from day one.

The 42-inch height is a good all-around choice for common predators, and the solar energizer provides the flexibility to set up your paddock anywhere on your property without needing an outlet. While the energizer isn’t the most powerful on the market, it’s perfectly adequate for the included length of fence in average conditions. For the beginner just venturing into electric netting or the farmer needing a complete, self-contained setup for a small, remote flock, this kit offers unbeatable convenience and value.

Zareba Poultry Fence: For Large Predator Areas

When you need to protect a larger flock or enclose a significant pasture area, Zareba’s 164-foot poultry fence is a go-to solution. This extended length allows you to create much larger paddocks, giving your birds more room to forage while still being protected. A longer fence is more economical for bigger spaces, reducing the cost-per-foot and the number of kits you need to purchase and connect.

The Zareba netting is a well-built, standard design with 48-inch height and smaller openings at the bottom, making it effective against a wide range of predators. It’s a workhorse fence designed for covering ground. Keep in mind that a longer fence requires a more powerful energizer to maintain an effective charge along its entire length, especially if it comes into contact with vegetation. If you’re managing a flock of 50+ birds or need to fence off a large garden or orchard space, the Zareba fence provides the scale you need.

Selecting the Right Energizer for Your Netting

Your electric netting is useless without a properly sized energizer—it’s the heart of the entire system. The power of an energizer is measured in joules, which indicates the energy of the electrical pulse. For high-predator areas, you should never skimp on power. A minimum of 0.25 joules is needed for a single roll of netting in clear conditions, but aiming for 0.50 joules or higher provides a much stronger deterrent and gives you a buffer for when weeds inevitably grow and touch the fence.

You’ll also need to choose a power source:

• AC (Plug-in): The most reliable and powerful option. If your paddock is near an outlet, this is the best choice for consistent, full-strength power.
• DC (Battery): Good for remote locations, but requires you to haul and recharge a deep-cycle marine battery.
• Solar: The most convenient for rotational grazing. A good solar charger with a built-in battery provides power day and night, but its performance depends on getting enough sunlight.

Always choose a low-impedance energizer. This technology is designed to push a powerful shock through vegetation and other interferences, ensuring the fence stays hot even when conditions aren’t perfect. Under-powering your fence is the most common mistake farmers make, and it’s one that predators will quickly exploit.

Proper Setup and Maintenance for Peak Security

Even the best netting will fail if it’s not set up and maintained correctly. The single most critical element is the grounding system. The electrical pulse travels from the energizer, through the fence, through the predator, and into the soil to the ground rod to complete the circuit. A poor ground means a weak or non-existent shock. Use at least one 3-foot galvanized ground rod hammered fully into the earth, and add more in dry or rocky soil.

Proper tension is also essential. A sagging fence is easy for a predator to push under or through. Use the built-in posts and add extra step-in posts at corners or on long, straight runs to keep the netting taut and upright. Before setting up, it’s wise to mow a path for the fenceline. Constant contact with tall, wet grass will drain the energizer’s power and reduce the shock’s effectiveness.

Finally, make a habit of checking your fence line regularly with a fence tester. This simple tool is the only way to know for sure that your fence is energized and operating at its full potential. A quick walk around the perimeter with a tester once a day provides the ultimate peace of mind and ensures your flock’s first line of defense is always active.

Ultimately, electric netting is more than just a fence; it’s an active management tool that gives you control over your flock’s safety. By choosing the right system for your specific predators and committing to proper setup, you can turn your pasture into a secure fortress. This allows your birds to live a healthier, happier life outdoors while you enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a truly effective defense.