Containing Livestock

Electric Fences for Sheep and Goats

When designing your fence consider:

• the characteristics of the animal (i.e. coat thickness, hooves, behavior)

• if you are keeping animals in or keeping predators out

• type of fence (temporary or semi-permanent/permanent)

Note: 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.

SHEEP

Sheep are relatively easy to contain with an electric fence because they tend to be docile. However, they present some unique challenges because wool does not conduct electricity and predators are frequently a problem.

Fence Wire
Depending on a variety of factors, the number of  fence wires can vary from four to six, depending on:

• life expectancy of the fence

• whether you will keep lambs and ewes together

• if predators are a problem

As intense grazers, sheep tend to deplete vegetation in their pasture and frequently attempt to graze outside the fence. We recommend a minimum of 4 wires starting low to the ground and spaced to an overall height of 32” – 40”.

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 deter predators.  A minimum of 5,000 volts on the fence line is required to keep out predators.

Zareba® does offer electrified sheep & goat netting that is easily portable and very affective at keeping sheep and goats in and predators out.

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GOATS

Goats have an attitude – 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.

Fence Wire

Goats require closely spaced fence wires that start low to the ground and are high enough to prevent jumping over the fence. We recommend using five to six wires spaced to an overall height of 40” – 46”.

Zareba® does offer electrified Goat netting that is easily portable and very affective at keeping goats in and predators out.

Fence Chargers

To safely contain goats, you need a fence 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.

Use the Fence Planner design tool for assistance in planning your fence.

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Zareba® has the electric fence part you need to contain your livestock and pets.  We have everything from electric fence kits to high tensile fence accessories.