An electric fence works by training animals to respect a short, sharp shock, so it needs enough voltage at the far end of the line and a good ground. Goats and sheep are usually kept with electric netting or multi-strand fences around 4 feet high, or woven wire with an offset hot wire. Poultry netting keeps predators out as well as birds in. Size the energizer by the fence length and vegetation in the manufacturer's chart, and install the ground rods it calls for.
Most fence failures come from weak voltage, poor grounding or animals that were never trained to the fence.
Fence types
| Type | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electric netting | Goats, sheep, poultry, rotational grazing | Portable, quick to move |
| Multi-strand polywire or polytape | Sheep, cattle, temporary paddocks | Cheap, portable |
| High-tensile wire | Permanent perimeters | Long life, needs strong corners |
| Woven wire | Goats, sheep perimeters | Add an offset hot wire to stop climbing |
| Poultry netting | Chickens, ducks | Keeps foxes and dogs out |
Choosing an energizer
Energizers are rated in joules. Manufacturers publish charts matching joules to fence length and weed load. Heavy weeds touching the fence drain voltage, so size up if you cannot keep the line clear. Low-impedance energizers handle vegetation better.
Grounding
The animal completes the circuit through the ground. Use galvanized ground rods, spaced as the energizer maker specifies, connected with insulated wire and good clamps. Dry soil needs more rods.
Training animals
Introduce animals to the fence in a small area where they can see and touch it. Bait with a strip of foil and peanut butter on the netting for goats if needed.
Checks
Use a fence tester weekly. Check the voltage at the end farthest from the energizer. Clear vegetation and repair broken posts.
For poultry housing, see coop sizing. For posts and pasture work, see tractors and implements.
Browse land, fencing and water.
Common questions
How high should a goat fence be?
Around 4 feet is common, higher for agile breeds. Goats test fences constantly, so tension and voltage matter as much as height.
Do electric fences work on sheep?
Yes, once sheep are trained. Their wool insulates, so contact is usually at the nose and face; strands or netting must be low and close enough.
How many ground rods do I need?
Follow the energizer maker's guidance, which is often several rods spaced apart. A weak ground is the most common cause of a weak fence.
Solar or plug-in energizer?
Plug-in units are more powerful and cheaper per joule. Solar units suit remote paddocks and rotational grazing.