I live on the Delaware River in NJ and recent statistics show that the bear pop here is increasing (not surprising). The house is too far away to run a line. I'm thinking about a solar powered fence that would need to batteries to hold a charge through the night. Anyone with any ideas? Thanks, Jester
Yes, Jersey and Connecticut are both becoming bear hot spots, actually NY is getting a lot more too. Recently saw a presentation by the NY DEC about bears and how the population is getting out of control. I believe they estimated the NY population at 300 in 1979 and now it is up to 2500-3000. Anyway, something like 5 of the last 7 bears that the DEC had to remove in NY had NJ tags.
As far as solar fencers, I have had nothing but great results with Parmak brand. I have one that has been going now for close to 5 years with no battery issues. They are also made in the USA. On the other hand, I had a Zareba (sold by tractor supply) that was total garbage.
Quote from: Robo on July 05, 2010, 07:42:51 AM
Yes, Jersey and Connecticut are both becoming bear hot spots, actually NY is getting a lot more too. Recently saw a presentation by the NY DEC about bears and how the population is getting out of control. I believe they estimated the NY population at 300 in 1979 and now it is up to 2500-3000. Anyway, something like 5 of the last 7 bears that the DEC had to remove in NY had NJ tags.
As far as solar fencers, I have had nothing but great results with Parmak brand. I have one that has been going now for close to 5 years with no battery issues. They are also made in the USA. On the other hand, I had a Zareba (sold by tractor supply) that was total garbage.
Robo,
Where did you buy the Parmak? I bought the one at Tractor Supply last year. I have never tested it to see how "hot" it might be.
I work for highway maintenance and we have picked up quite a few bears (DOA). One last year had a PA tag. DEC checks them out but I'm seldom there to get statistics.
On solar fencers. Be sure to test them after dark to be sure the battery is still working. It's easy to keep a charge while the sun is shining only to find out it doesn't work after dark when it's needed.Most people check them in the daytime.
Lots of people use solar charged small stock/poultry pen fences, mostly against nighttime predators. I also see a lot more pond aerators lately, and those pull a lot more power, so some of them must have pretty good batteried. Results vary. I've waited in line at feed stores through litanies of complaints, but I've also driven past some tanks (ponds) in the wee dark hours of morning, and the solar powered fountains are still shooting up water. Check consumers reports etc to get a good brand & size for your application.
Quote from: PeeVee on July 05, 2010, 07:52:33 AM
Where did you buy the Parmak?
For myself, I just keep an eye always open and pick them up used (cheap), even if they don't work. Parmak has great repair service and I can get a fully refurbished one for a fraction of the cost of new.
I have purchased new ones for some clients when setting them up. I don't have a particular vendor, usually just search the web of the best price. BTW, the 6V ones are fine for a bee yard. You don't need to spend the extra on the 12v unless you plan on miles of fencing.
Yeah, stay away from Zareba. I will have to look at the one that I replaced the last 2 Zarebas in 2 years with to find out the brand.
JC
Thanks Robo, I'll keep a lookout for that brand.
Quote from: PeeVee on July 05, 2010, 02:38:29 PM
Thanks Robo, I'll keep a lookout for that brand.
I have also converted non-solar fencers to solar with a $20 solar panel from Harbor freight. It is another option since there are a lot more older used units out there. Parmak was been around for a long time.....
(http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/370x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_1101.jpg)
I have a 12V parmak fencer. I did a bunch of research and talked to a ton of people with bear and hives knowledge. The Massachusetts Wildlife officials told be to worry about jules and not voltage. They recommended .50 jules minimum. SO I opted for the 12v fencer that is .87 to 2.5 jules. Very simple to set up and So far So good. My hives are at the edge of a state forest so bear country to say the least.
When I test the voltage of the fence I get between 6500V and 8500V depending on soil moisture.
One hint. I would opt for steel wire rather than aluminum. I opted for 14 ga aluminum and it is very brittle. I already broke my ground wire with my big feet and had to replace it.
Good luck.
i've seen some of those battery operated fence things ( sorry, don't really know the proper name ) in the tractor supply company store in sussex, maybe there is one closer to you though.
Last year beek friend nearby in northeast PA called from a distant vacation that a bear ransacked his hive 2 days in a row. Another friend and I went over with a Zareba Yellow Jacket fencer ($80 at Tractor Supply in a pinch). A little peanut butter smeared on aluminum foil folded over the wires and no more damage. The bear has been sighted MANY times checking out the fence the remainder of last year and several times this week. It is only 0.25j but takes D cell batteries. I don't think I'd trust it without bait on the wires though.
Thanks for all of the info. By the way, this post puts me over the top to "House Bee". Can't wait for the pay raise! Jester
Quote from: jester7891 on July 07, 2010, 03:18:29 AM
Thanks for all of the info. By the way, this post puts me over the top to "House Bee". Can't wait for the pay raise! Jester
There is no pay raise, we just expect more out of you. :-P
Quote from: Robo on July 07, 2010, 11:52:59 AM
Quote from: jester7891 on July 07, 2010, 03:18:29 AM
Thanks for all of the info. By the way, this post puts me over the top to "House Bee". Can't wait for the pay raise! Jester
There is no pay raise, we just expect more out of you. :-P
LOL BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)