Are electric fence systems safe for containing ostriches, emus and rheas?
Electric high tensile fence systems work well for ratites, especially where predators are a problem. It is also effective to place an electric wire at the top and bottom of an existing mesh or chain link fence to keep out predators (wire is on the outside of the fence) or to keep the emus, ostriches or rheas from jumping over the fence, particularly if the fence is less than 6 feet high (wire is on the inside of the fence). That being said, electric fences may not be the best overall solution for ratites, as these birds have a tendency to reach over, through or under fencing, which could risk their getting caught in the electric wires. Chain link or closely meshed woven wire fences 6 to 7 feet high are the safest and most effective. Never use barbed wire fencing, as it can cause damage to the birds.
