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Environmental Husbandry Manual Click here for CONTENTS Page No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written permission of the author - For contact details see about the author |
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Individual Methods for
Enclosure Design
Electric Anti-Predator Fence
The methods outlined in this section relate to features of enclosure construction and layout which may be used to enhance the living conditions of animals, including the use of shelter areas, vegetation, viewing platforms and climbing structures.
Electric Anti-Predator Fence |
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| Method | Single strand wire on the outside of the enclosure, around the bottom of standard mesh barrier. Wire is fed with a low voltage electric current when the zoo is closed. Animals touching the wire receive an electric shock. | |
| Species | Pheasants. | |
| Purpose | Prevent predators such as foxes and stoats getting into the enclosure at night. | |
| Pro | Effective and unobtrusive. | |
| Con | Easily damaged by members of the public, especially children standing on it. | |
| Improvements | -- | |
| Comments | Electrified wire should have a backup system in case of a powercut. Edinburgh Zoo had problems with small predators burrowing under the mesh fence at night until electric wires were introduced. | |
| Frequency of Use | Every Night. | |
| Ratings | Usefulness | 10 |
| Convenience | 9 | |
| Value For Money | 8 | |
| Range of Users | N/A | |
| Contributed By | Bird Section | |