Problem with deer

[Zuzzie]

Can anyone give me some advice regarding deer? We have had deer crossing our fields which would not be a problem except that on two recent occasions they have got caught up in our electric fence tape. The first time, two deer managed to get themselves caught by their antlers and dragged the tape across to the hedge where they got tangled in wire fencing. Then this morning another deer with antlers was trapped. It is obviously very distressing for them and also costing us money because they break the plastic fence posts and when freed run off with tape streaming out behind them.
We have to create pens inside our fields to keep the horses apart - one is a precious dressage star.
The tape is set to about hip height but I wondered if we lowered it whether the deer would have less chance of getting caught? We used to electrify it but some bar steward stole our energiser. Would they deer stay out if we electrified it again?
Any tips would be great.
thanks.

 

[Goldenstar]

You must must not use electric tape with no power through it it's only a question of time until you have a massive horse based disaster .
And yes it will solve the deer problem.

 

[Zuzzie]

Goldenstar: Yeah, I think you're right - we will have to get another energiser.

 

[Shay]

Afraid so - electric tape is just too flimsy to use without it. Once a horse figures out they can push through they will keep doing it. One of mine worked it out and will now charge electric tape regardless of whether it is electrified or not because he now knows it only hurts for a moment until the tape breaks. Don't let yours figure that out!

 

[Birker2020]

We have nine deer on our fields and have never had this problem. We have tape about 18" off the floor and another strand about 3ft off the floor and we never have problems with them going through it. It is hooked to mains electric.

 

[ihatework]

Highly dangerous to use electric fencing without a current running through it.

As for the deer are they using a specific track/route? They may move if electrified or they may continue to jump over. If they have a set spot they are using Id be inclined to bang in a couple of wooden stakes and a cross rail

 

[dibbin]

You definitely need a current through that fence. Jazz had to be box rested for 3 months a couple of years ago because he cut his hind cannon to the bone going through a fence than wasn't on. He got the polyrope wrapped round his leg and I shudder to think how much worse it could have been.

Is there any way the energiser could be kept indoors to prevent it being stolen? Ours is in our tack room with a lead-out cable running outside to the fence.

 

[Zuzzie]

Thanks all for your advice. I will definitely be electrifying it from now on. We have whole herds of deer around at this time of year and they seem to go wherever the mood takes them - and they are getting quite tame too. Yesterday I watched a stag and his lady friend grazing in the field quite happily, taking no notice of me or the barking dogs next door!
I think it won't be long before they have to cull them as their numbers have been going up and up.

 

[turnbuckle]

Deer will pop anything lower than deer fence if they're in the mood. If you want to keep them away, old tights or socks stuffed with human hair and hung up MAY help. Looks grisly though

 

[OWLIE185]

The solution is to properly fence your field with deer fencing.

 

[Birker2020]

http://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Deer-Out-of-Your-Yard

This link might help.

 

[Zuzzie]

thanks applecart14. Very interesting!

 

[marmalade88]

Good luck with the electrification.

On the upside they should be shedding their antlers soon.

 

[Chuffy99]

If you have that many deer keep a watch out for ticks, on both humans and horses

 

[CazD]

We have a lot of deer in our area who use our field as a crossing point. We did get one trapped in the fence when the horses were away but the electric fencing was still up. We don't get any problems if the electric is on.