
How many wires do I need for a goat electric fence?
Fence wire for goats should be closely-spaced, starting low to the ground and placed high enough to prevent jumping over the fence. We recommend using 5 to 6 wires spaced to an overall height of 40” – 46.” High-tensile or T-posts combined with aluminum or steel wire are both excellent fencing options for this purpose.
How strong should an electric fence be for goats?
Your fence charger needs to stay at a minimum of 5000 volts at all times to keep your goats contained and keep predators out. The voltage level of your fence can be impacted by a lot of things such as the length of your fence, the kind of wire you are using, and any vegetation that may be on the wires.
How many joules does a goat fence need?
How many joules do you need for goats? You can put ground rods 8 feet into 8 feet of depth about every 400 feet with an 86-joule box. It's enough to contain goats.
How many volts does a goat fence need?
For most predators, an electric fence powered atop your woven goat fence with somewhere between 6,000-10,000 volts of electricity is an effective deterrent and can keep your livestock safe.
What is the best electric fence for goats?
Best Portable Electric Fence for Goats and Sheep GrazingPremier 48” H x 164' L PoultryNet Fence. ... Premier 42″ Electric Goat Net Fence 9/42/6 Yellow – 164′ Roll. ... Premier ElectroNet Goat Netting Fence, 35″ H x 164'L. ... Premier ElectroStop Electric Net Fence, 42″ H x 164′ L, Double Spike.More items...•
Is electric fence OK for goats?
Using electric fencing to confine goats can be a convenient way to pasture the animals where they can keep grass and weeds clipped in hard-to-mow places. Electric fencing also affords the flexibility of rotating grazing areas so that goats are moved frequently to clean ground and fresh grass.
How many joules is a good electric fence?
Typical recommendation is one joule per mile of fence. Keep in mind that bigger is better, until the point that induction occurs. Induction will power gates and neutral wire when voltage gets too high.
How tall should a goat fence be?
Setting Fence Height In areas where jumping is likely, such as over a fence that is meant to protect a garden or to separate bucks from does in heat, make sure the fence is tall enough to prevent the goat from even attempting to jump over. A 4- to 5-foot (1.2–1.5 m) fence is satisfactory for most goats.
How many ground rods do you need for an electric fence?
three grounding rodsIn fact, the majority of electrical fence systems will actually require at least three grounding rods. These rods should be about 10 feet apart and should be placed at the start of the fence.
How far apart should electric fence posts be?
Post spacing can be up to 60-75 feet with high tensile wire on level ground. On hilly ground spacing should not exceed 30-40 feet.
Is 1000 volts enough for electric fence?
In fact, anything between 5,000-9,000 volts is ideal, but your cattle species and temperament will determine the best voltage. I assured Bob that as long as his cattle were respecting the fence, he didn't need to worry. I offered to dig further into amperage and voltage to give him a better answer.
How high of a fence can a goat jump?
Most goats can jump anywhere from 4 to 12 feet high. This becomes the main concern when you're building a fence because you don't want to put in all that hard labor for nothing.
How can I make my electric fence more powerful?
If the fence extends over 500m away from the main earth it will be necessary to add an additional earth line to the bottom of the fence and bury a stake at those intervals. Wire is a better conductor than ground so a ground rod every +/- 500meters will greatly increase the effectiveness of the fence.
Can goats chew through chicken wire?
Not only will a goat climb a chicken wire fence, it will also get both its hooves and horns through and stuck in the fence, during the fight to free themselves from it.
Will high-tensile fence keep goats in?
Goats can be controlled with four to five strands of high-tensile electrified wire. The wire spacings can vary from 6 to 8 inches near the ground to 8 to 12 inches for the top strands. Perimeter fence height should be at least 42 inches tall.
How many joules does a sheep fence need?
Gerrish recommends 1 joule of output per mile of fence, regardless of how many strands of wire. If there's a total of six miles of fence, it requires a minimum of a 6-joule energizer.
What is the best electric fencing for sheep?
You will need a good fence charger and fence wires to provide extra security.The number of wires may vary due to the following conditions:if predat...
What are the best fencing types?
As we have mentioned, there are three types of goat fencing; you can either select temporary, semi-permanent, or permanent fences.The first one is...
How to build a goat fence?
To keep goats contained, you will need various elements:fence posts - T-posts with insulatorshigh-tensile wire - galvanized steel wire or aluminum...
How many joules do you need for goats?
You can put ground rods 8 feet into 8 feet of depth about every 400 feet with an 86-joule box. It's enough to contain goats.
Can an electric fence be used for sheep?
Yes, they can also prevent sheep from escaping and keep them safe. But, again, refer to our guidelines to find the best configurations.
How do you set up an electric fence for sheep?
You will need 4-6 wire strands, a charger maintaining 4,000 or 5,000 volts, durable and sturdy post units, and ground rods, and it must be around 4...
How strong is an electric fence for sheep?
With 4,000 or 5,000 volts on the fence line, these barriers are potent and reliable for keeping them inside predators out.Still, you should choose...
How many hot wires do you need for an electric fence?
Your electric fence must have one hot wire set at the typical nose height of the animal (s) you want to control. Base the strand height by visualizing where the animal’s nose level is if it were to approach the fence with its head at its normal position while walking.
How to keep predators out of electric fence?
First, plan your fence for your livestock as you normally would – adding lines at nose and grazing level with additional wires for every “head height” in between. Finally , add lines to deter predators, which will require hot wires very close to the ground (since they may dig under a fence) and then tightening the space between all the other wires (adding a line between each “head height” set is a good guide).
Why do animals love to graze near fences?
Ever notice how animals love to graze close to the fence border? They’re after fresh growth, which drives them ever and ever closer to the fence. Electrifying this strand is vital to keep livestock from putting physical stress on your posts and other lines as they graze.
Where is the hot wire for grazing?
Just like the walking strand, the grazing strand is placed at the nose level. However, this strand is located nearer to the ground. It’s placed at the level near where the animals’ heads are located as they graze.
Do you need a nose strand for a fence?
If you have different sized animals that you’re penning inside the same fence, then you must have a nose-level electrified strand for each. One easy example is planning lines for calves and full-grown cattle that reside inside the same fence. Set one strand at the normal cattle height and one for calf height when they’re the most curious and playful.
Do animals like electric fences?
No matter what, most animals find the touch of an electric fence so jarring that they aren’t eager for it to happen again. Once they recognize the fence line as the source of the shock, they’ll learn to keep clear of it.
Do dairy cows need electric fences?
In fact, for many livestock held on temporary, interior paddocks, one line is often sufficient. This is especially true of dairy animals, which learn quickly to respect the shock of an electric fence. Dairy cattle are also more docile thanks to regular human contact and the daily routine of going from pasture to the milking area.
How many volts does a goat fence need?
To safely contain goats, you need a Zareba ® F ence charger that maintains 4,000 – 5,000 volts on the fence line. Voltage levels are impacted by vegetation on the fence line, length of fence, and type of wire.
How do goats test fences?
They tend to test fences by pushing against them, squeezing between the wires, and jumping over them. In addition, some species of goats have thick coats that insulate them from electric shock. For more information on sheep fence installation, visit our fence installation guide.
How do I build a fence for sheep?
When designing a fence for sheep and goats you should consider: 1 The characteristics of the animal (i.e. coat thickness, hooves, behavior) 2 If you are keeping animals in and/or keeping predators out 3 Type of fence (temporary or semi-permanent/permanent)
How many volts does a fence charger need?
Fence Charger. Sheep require a fence charger that can maintain 4,000 – 5,000 volts on the fence line. Voltage levels are impacted by vegetation on the fence line, length of fence, and type of wire. In some areas, sheep may be attacked by predators such as wolves, coyotes, or stray dogs, requiring your fence to also deter predators.
How to keep sheep from overgrazing?
Use of rotational grazing methods combined with temporary interior fencing can help to minimize overgrazing. A minimum of 4 wires starting low to the ground and spaced to an overall height ...
Why do livestock push into fences?
Remember: If livestock get their heads between fence wires and receive a shock behind the eyes instead of in front of them, they tend to push into the fence rather than pull out. Proper wire spacing (a hot wire at the animal’s shoulder height) is important to safely contain your animals.
Can sheep be kept on an electric fence?
Sheep Fencing. Sheep are relatively easy to contain with an electric fence because they tend to be docile. However, due to the fact wool does not conduct electricity and predators are frequently a problem, they present some unique challenges.
What type of wire do goats use?
Many goat owners choose woven wire. However, it is much more costly and is typically utilized in smaller areas. This fence secures each entrance, is strong, and can endure pushing, leaping, and normal goat antics. The fence must be tightened properly, or else the goats will force it over and run away.
How long does it take to install a poultry net fence?
It has built-in poles as well as a 48′′ electrifiable precast wall. It just takes around 15-20 minutes to install. Furthermore, the stainless steel wire with copper improves the electrical properties of this fence.
What Is An Electric Fence, And How Does It Work?
If you’re using the correct tools and managing the fence, you will have a permanent construction similar to the wire fences you always used to employ. The benefit of getting “electric” and “greater tensile” fences is that they are less expensive than barbed wire fences in general because fewer supplies are required, such as pillars, staples, and wires, and therefore they take much less time to build.
What is welded wire fence?
This fence features smaller wire with a thinner grid, which protects newborn goats. The base of this sort of fence should be fastened to prevent children and small goats from sliding under it. The wire grid’s joining points are welded, and it may fail under pressure.
What is a mesh square fence?
This fence features smaller wire with a thinner grid, which protects newborn goats. The base of this sort of fence should be fastened to prevent children and small goats from sliding under it. The fence is flexible on impact and will help prevent injuries by keeping goats sticking their heads outside.
How to avoid overgrazing cows?
An electric fence has been the most premium and practical alternative; simply unplug the fence charger, roll up the fence wire, and relocate the fence posts, then roll out all the wire between both posts and reconnect the fence charger. You will already have a fresh paddock with new pasture for your cattle to graze on while the previously grazed portion is left to regenerate.
Why do farmers use electric fences?
Electric fences are becoming common among farmers. They are mostly used by them to safeguard both goats and other animals. However, most of them are unaware of the finest electric fence for goats, particularly when it comes to matters of security and protection.

Rule #1 – Know The Nose
Rule #2 – Plan For Kids
- If you have different sized animals that you’re penning inside the same fence, then you must have a nose-level electrified strand for each. One easy example is planning lines for calves and full-grown cattle that reside inside the same fence. Set one strand at the normal cattle height and one for calf height when they’re the most curious and playfu...
Rule #3 – Prepare For Grazing
- With the “walking strand” set for your fence, you now need to place a hot wire for animals as they graze. Just like the walking strand, the grazing strand is placed at the nose level. However, this strand is located nearer to the ground. It’s placed at the level near where the animals’ heads are located as they graze. Ever notice how animals love to graze close to the fence border? They’re …
Rule #4 – Teach Them A Lesson
- If livestock are trained to the electric fence, you can usually get by with fewer hot wires. In fact, for many livestock held on temporary, interior paddocks, one line is often sufficient. This is especially true of dairy animals, which learn quickly to respect the shock of an electric fence. Dairy cattle are also more docile thanks to regular human contact and the daily routine of going from pasture to …
Rule #5 – Keep A Head in Mind
- Look at the size of one of your animal’s heads. This height – the distance between the top to the bottom of the animal’s head – shows you the perfect spacing for your fence wires. During installation, keep this distance in mind and space the hot strands accordingly. By ensuring your livestock can’t get their head through the fence, you make it impossible for them to breach the e…
Rule #6 – Know What’s Outside
- In many parts of North America, even domestic livestock are under the threat of predation. Bears, wolves and coyotesare the obvious culprits to large livestock. Other predators, including foxes, raccoons, martens, weasels and birds of prey, pose a threat to smaller livestock and poultry. Ranchers and farmers have found that electric fencing can offer two types of protection…
Rule #7 – Be Flexible
- This is the most difficult rule to take into account as you set up a fence line. This is because installing electric fencing is an art rather than a science. You will need to think creatively when building your electric fence because there are so many factors involved. You may encounter unexpected obstacles that put your plan into question. Obstacles can include difficult terrain, wa…
Planning Your Electric Fence?
- With your fence planning underway, make sure you subscribe to the Zareba® eNewsletter, which gives you additional links to fencing articles from our Learning Center and regular announcements of must-have fencing items. Also, be sure to sign up for the ZarebaSystems.com Rewards Points program, which gives you money back on future purchases. If you have any questions about the …