The Perfect Sheep Fence - Keeping Your Woolly Geniuses In Line

When it comes to sheep, they’re not just known for their fluffy wool and cute faces—they’re also pretty clever at finding ways to escape. That’s why an electric fence is the ideal solution for keeping your flock safely contained, while also deterring predators. But not all electric fences are created equal, especially when it comes to sheep. Let’s break down what you need to build the perfect electric fence to protect your woolly friends and keep them in line.

1. Why Electric Fencing for Sheep?

Sheep are known for being excellent grazers, but they’re also sneaky escape artists who love to test their boundaries. Electric fencing is the perfect solution because it provides a safe, effective, and humane way to keep sheep where they belong. After just one or two zaps, they’ll learn to avoid the fence and stay inside the designated area. Plus, with the right setup, an electric fence can also protect your flock from predators like wolves, coyotes, and stray dogs.

2. High Voltage is a Must for Sheep

Sheep are well-insulated with their thick wool, which acts as a buffer against shocks. That means you need a fence charger that can maintain 4,000 – 5,000 volts on the fence line to be effective. Keep in mind that voltage levels can be impacted by vegetation touching the fence, the length of the fence, and the type of wire used.

If you’re in an area prone to predator attacks—such as wolves, coyotes, or stray dogs—you’ll need to up the voltage even more. A minimum of 5,000 volts on the fence line is recommended to keep predators at bay and ensure the safety of your flock.

3. Choosing the Right Energizer

To achieve the necessary voltage levels, you’ll need an energizer that’s powerful enough to handle the job. For sheep, you’ll want an energizer with at least 1.0 joules of output to make sure the shock gets through their wool. Here’s what to look for:

• Minimum Voltage: At least 4,000 volts, or 5,000 volts if predators are a concern.
• Solar or Battery-Powered: For remote areas or portability, consider a solar-powered energizer or one that runs on a 12V battery.
• Low Impedance: Make sure the energizer is low-impedance, which ensures consistent power even if the fence line touches vegetation.

4. Fence Height and Strand Spacing

Sheep may be small, but they’re determined. Your fence doesn’t need to be particularly tall, but it needs to be carefully designed to prevent them from slipping through or under.

• Fence Height: A fence of about 36 inches should be enough to contain most sheep.
• Strand Spacing: Use 4-5 strands of wire or tape, spaced 6-8 inches apart. The first strand should be 6 inches off the ground to keep lambs from escaping, with strands placed closer together at the bottom and wider apart at the top.

5. Best Fencing Material for Sheep

For sheep, visibility is key. They’re less likely to test boundaries if they can clearly see the fence.

• Polytape or Polywire: These materials are highly visible and easy to work with. Use 1-2 inch polytape or polywire with 6-8 conductors for the best results.
• High-Tensile Wire: If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, high-tensile wire is a durable option but requires more maintenance. Keep in mind that it’s less visible than polytape, so sheep may be more likely to test it.

6. Grounding: The Secret to a Powerful Fence

A properly grounded fence is critical to delivering the shock that keeps sheep in check. Without it, your fence won’t be effective, and your flock will figure that out quickly.

• Grounding Rods: Use at least 3 grounding rods, each 6 feet deep, spaced 10 feet apart.
• Wet Ground is Key: The wetter the soil around the grounding rods, the better. In dry climates, consider watering the area around the rods to improve conductivity.

7. Maintenance: Keeping Your Fence in Shape

Once your electric fence is up and running, regular maintenance will keep it in peak condition.

• Check Voltage Regularly: Use a fence tester to make sure you’re getting at least 4,000 volts along the fence line.
• Inspect for Damage: Look for any breaks or sagging in the wires or polytape and fix them promptly.
• Clear Vegetation: Grass, weeds, and other vegetation can reduce the effectiveness of your fence by drawing away power. Keep the bottom wire clear for optimal performance.

8. Predator Protection: Keeping the Big Bad Wolf Out

If your sheep face threats from predators like wolves, coyotes, or stray dogs, you’ll need to beef up your electric fence. A fence line with 5,000 volts or more will act as a deterrent, ensuring predators stay out.

Consider adding an extra strand at the top or bottom of the fence specifically to repel predators. The shock will be enough to send them running, leaving your sheep safe and sound.

Wrapping it Up

Building the perfect electric fence for your sheep doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By choosing the right energizer, materials, and setup, you’ll create a fence that not only keeps your flock in but also keeps predators out. And remember—maintenance is key. A well-maintained fence is a powerful fence!

Ready to get started? Your flock will thank you, and you’ll finally have peace of mind knowing they’re safely contained.