Everything You Need to Know About Fencing for Sheep
To properly care for your sheep, you must have the right fencing. With so many options available, it can be tough deciding which one is the best, from electric to rail to mesh wire fencing. Choosing the right option can make a world of difference in caring for your sheep.
Fencing for sheep comes in various options that range from temporary to permanent and should be selected based on the needs of the farm and sheep. It can be used to set up a rotational grazing pattern and protect sheep from predators while keeping them inside.
This article will discuss all the types of fencing commonly used to contain sheep. It will also cover temporary options, the parts of electric fencing, and how to use fencing to rotationally graze sheep. Read on for everything you need to know about fencing for sheep.
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What Kind of Fence is Best for Sheep?
Several kinds of fencing options are excellent for sheep, including the following:
High-tensile electric
Woven wire (American wire, page wire)
Mesh wire
Barbed wire
Plastic mesh
Electric poly rope
Rail fencing
You can get more information on sheep fencing by watching this video:
Sheep Fencing Options to Consider - Pros and Cons of Each
While each type of fencing offers many great benefits, several negatives exist. When deciding which option is right for you, you will have to weigh the pros and cons of each type to see which comes out on top.
High Tensile Electric
High-tensile electric fencing is more cost-effective than the alternatives. At the ideal level of 48 inches high, it is perfect for keeping the sheep inside and the predators outside. It is rugged and not easily destroyed.
However, a downside to using this type of fence is the possibility of setting it up with poor grounding, which will ultimately cause it to fail. This type of fence also requires routine maintenance by clearing any grass or brush away from the wires.
It can also be challenging to install, especially if the ground is uneven anywhere. Considerations will also have to be taken to ensure the proper grounding is installed so that the circuit can be completed when an animal touches the wire.
This may mean installing extra ground rods, depending on the physical characteristics of the soil where you are building the fence.
Woven Wire (aka Page Wire)
Woven wire fencing offers a stunning image when installed correctly. It is as much of a visual deterrent as it is physical for both your sheep and predators. It needs a lot less maintenance than high-tensile electric fencing, making it more user-friendly.
However, it is very costly compared to other options and can be very difficult to install. If you have any uneven ground, it can be even more of a challenge during installation. Additionally, the sheep can stretch the wire through rubbing and even get their heads stuck in the fencing.
Mesh Wire
Installing a mesh wire fence can be a great asset for containing your sheep. They feature smaller openings than woven wire and have no sharp edges on which your sheep can be cut. It is also a very durable material, lasting for extended periods once installed.
The downside is that this fencing material is more expensive than woven wire. For this reason, it is usually reserved for creating small containment areas around the barn.
Barbed Wire
Barbed wire is an affordable fencing option that poses a severe hazard to animals trying to break into your sheep’s pen. The barbs on the fence can cause serious damage if they happen to enter the fence the wrong way.
However, the barbs can be just as dangerous for the sheep, snagging their fleece and scratching their faces. Humans who come in contact with the barbs can also be wounded.
Rail Fencing
Rail fences are often used as border fencing options. They offer an excellent appearance and can be purchased in wood, vinyl-coated wood, or PVC.
This is not the ideal type of fencing to contain sheep unless electric wires are placed between the boards or the entire fence is covered in woven or mesh wire.
Except for PVC, there is a lot of maintenance that goes into this type of fence, as wood needs to be protected. PVC will require some hosing off to remove any mildew growth. Wood will need painting or sealing to keep it strong.
Sheep are well-known for escaping from this type of fence without the extra precautions added in. They are able to wriggle their bodies between the boards easily.
Other Kinds of Fences
Other types of fencing that are effective for sheep include those made from hog wire and chain link. They work well at corralling sheep, but their cost is too high to make them worth placing across the farm. They are generally used for small areas of containment.
What Are the Best Temporary Fences for Sheep?
Occasionally, you may find yourself in need of temporary fencing. This can happen when your main fence is being worked on, or you are trying to rotationally graze your flock. There are several great options available.
High Tensile
High-tensile fencing is an effective method of keeping sheep contained. It is also great for deterring predators. While the shock given by the electricity is not enough to harm, it is enough to warn the animals to back away from the fence.
Using this form of fencing is an excellent way for farmers to effectively get their flocks to rotationally graze. If you end up needing to use this option for a longer period, it holds up well for quite a while.
It does take a relatively long time to install with some challenges but is one of the most effective barriers for sheep containment available on the market.
Polywire
Polywire is an excellent option when your main fence is out of commission, and you need a quick containment solution. It can also be set up to help with rotational grazing. It is a cost-effective option for moving the sheep around the farm with ease.
Poly Netting
Poly netting comes in various durability levels, allowing it to stay in place for months up to years. It is ideal for locations where permanent wire fences are extremely challenging to install. Because it’s easy to install, you can quickly install it and walk away.
More On Electric Fences for Sheep
Electric fencing will only work if all its parts are in good working order and it is set up correctly according to grounding needs. This includes a working charger, good-quality insulators, and proper grounding to complete the circuit.
Charger
When an electric fence is charged, it will only conduct electricity if the circuit is closed. What’s occurring is the charger is sending pulses of electrical current down the length of the wire. At this point, nothing is happening because the circuit is still open.
When something living touches the wire, whether it be an animal, human, or plant, the electricity will flow into the person and through to the ground. This is a completed circuit.
The charger is the source of the electricity that flows through the fencing wire. Without this crucial piece of the puzzle, the fence would have no charge and, therefore, just be a plain, ordinary fence.
Insulator
The electrified wire must be fastened to the fence posts to work; however, using incorrect fasteners can result in a loss of electrical energy through the post. This is avoided by using the appropriate insulators along the length of the fence.
Insulators are generally plastic or ceramic pieces that attach electrified wire to fence posts. They are non-conductive materials, preventing the loss of electrical energy through the conductive fence post.
These tiny insulators are a necessity when building a properly functioning electric fence.
Grounding
Grounding is essential to completing an electrical circuit. When the animal comes in contact with the fence without proper grounding, the circuit will not close. If your soil is especially dry, you may need to add extra ground rods or more water to make the fence work properly.
What is the Best Way to Rotationally Graze Sheep?
The best way to rotationally graze sheep depends on the state of your farm. The general rule of thumb is to swap paddocks every three to five days; however, if your sheep are grazing faster than that, they will need to be rotated more quickly. Ultimately, it depends on how many sheep you're grazing, your parasite loads, and what type of forage (and how much) you are giving them.
They should be allowed to eat the grass past what they consider the best-tasting bits but not allowed to remain once those parts start growing back. You shouldn't graze right down to the dirt.
Some flocks can deplete a paddock in a day, while others can go more than five days. In some instances, swapping areas will need to be done twice daily. You will need to establish the best schedule for rotating based on the needs of your sheep and the grass growth.
How Tall of a Fence Do You Need for Sheep?
Fences that are 48 inches high are generally very good for sheep. If it is a wired fence, the wires will need to be spaced appropriately to prevent the sheep from escaping. Generally speaking, a fence this tall is also good for keeping predators out.
What to Use As Fence Posts for Sheep Paddocks
There are a variety of options to use as fence posts for sheep paddocks. One of the main deciding factors depends on whether you will be building a permanent or temporary fence.
Wood posts come in various shapes and sizes. Corner posts should be installed with a minimum of an eight-inch top diameter. The brace posts require a minimum of five inches in top diameter. Line posts, however, only need to be 2.5 inches in top diameter.
Steel posts are another effective option. They can also be used to ground the fence against lightning when they are in moist soil. Steel and fiberglass posts are viable options for temporary fence posts options.
How to Choose the Right Type of Fencing for Sheep
Evaluating all the options is necessary when choosing your sheep’s fencing. You also have to consider the amount of space you are enclosing and whether it will be temporary or permanent fencing.
Because they can be escape artists, you will want the most effective option available to you. This will automatically rule out rail fencing unless you want to put in the extra effort and investment into electrifying it or adding mesh or woven wire to it.
If it is a temporary situation, choosing the easiest option may be the best choice. You will want something you can easily put up and take down. Bear in mind that netting has a strong habit of tangling in storage, making these fences slightly harder to use.
Woven and mesh wire fences tend to best contain sheep because of their small holes. However, you will have to find the smallest holes possible so that your sheep do not get their heads stuck.
Electric fencing is the next best option. It functions as both a permanent and temporary solution.
Are Sheep Hard on Fences?
Sheep can be quite crafty when it comes to their fencing. For example, rail fencing by itself is no match for them and their escape artist activities. Woven and mesh wire fencing can also be problematic when the sheep stretch it out or get their heads stuck.
Choosing the right fence can prevent all these problems. The right size woven and wire mesh fencing will prevent heads from getting stuck while choosing the best option for your paddock will keep your sheep safe and contained at all times.
You can find options that are permanent or temporary. Using either option can help you establish the perfect rotational grazing plan that best suits the needs of your farm and sheep.
Ready to get started with your fencing for sheep? I prefer grazing sheep rotationally by using a combination of Gallagher wire reels and a portable solar charger (learn more about how to move around the solar panel for the energizer here).
Get your paddocks fenced in today! Your sheep look hungry.
What do you use for fencing for sheep? Let me know in the comments!
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