(7641 products available)
There are several types of goat sheep fence, such as:
Permanent fencing
Permanent goat/sheep fences are traditional wire such as high-tensile, barbed or woven, or wall structures that have been built to last. They are frequently employed in circumstances when livestock is left unattended for long periods of time and required a long-term solution. Most of the time, permanent fences are more expensive and hard to install since they take longer to install and move once established, but they require little upkeep and can survive for a long time.
Temporary fencing
Temporary goat/sheep fencing is made from lighter materials such as portable panels, woven electric fence wire, or ribbon. It is easier and quicker to put up and take down, but it has to be frequently checked since it can be damaged or destroyed by strong winds or weather conditions. Temporary fencing is ideal for activities that involve moving animals around or giving them access to fresh pasture.
Electrified fencing
Electric fences include one or more live wires that convey electric currents. When a current passes through the fence, it delivers an electric shock to any goat, sheep, or even wild animal like a deer that tries to brush against the fence wire as a means of entering the farm. Electric fences can be permanent or temporary, and they are often more affordable than traditional permanent fences. Keep in mind that electric fences require energizing and occasional maintenance to ensure the wires are not overgrown with vegetation and to ensure the current is passing through the fence.
Grid fencing
Grid goat/sheep fencing has a series of horizontal and vertical wires or PVC-coated rods that form a grid pattern. It is designed to prevent animals from passing through or jumping over the fence. Grid fencing is commonly used for small livestock such as goats and sheep. It is durable and requires little to no maintenance once installed.
Stock fencing
Stock fencing is a type of fence that is designed to contain larger livestock such as goats and sheep. It includes a combination of barbed or smooth wire at the top and bottom, with vertical wires or rods in between to create a barrier. Stock fencing is stronger than other types of fencing, and is suitable for rough terrain. It is often used in agricultural settings where large animals need to be confined over wide areas.
Goat sheep fences are made of distinct materials, such as:
Wire
Wire fences are among the most common types of fencing. Some wire that can be used to make goat/sheep fences include high-tensile wire, barbed wire, and welded wire. All these are durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions. They are ideal for rocky or uneven terrain. They can be straightened and used again if a part of the wire is damaged, and they can remain standing for decades.
Electric fence wire
Electric fence wire is typically made of steel, copper, or aluminum wire that is coated with a UV-resistant polymer, which helps it withstand the elements. The electric current in the wire can be changed depending on what animal it is meant to deter. For instance, a higher current can be used to deter larger animals like a bull and lower current for smaller ones like goats.
Fencing panels
Fencing panels, also known as fence gates, are pre-constructed sections of fence, which have been made from welded wire or metal. They are easy to install and portable and can be moved from one place to another with ease. However, they are more expensive than constructing a fence from scratch and can be difficult to transport if they are not of light weight. They also have a tendency to bend or get damaged when they are transported and hence need to be handled with care.
Wood
Wooden fencing is a more traditional way of fencing that is commonly used in rural areas or in places where the aesthetic value of the fence is considered. Wooden fencing includes split-rail, post-and-rail, or stockade designs, which are visually appealing and robust. However, wooden fencing is costly, difficult to install since it needs skilled labor, and the wood rots, which makes the fence have a shorter lifespan.
Treated bamboo
Treated bamboo is another common fencing material that is eco-friendly, strong, and lightweight bamboo fence poles. They're also resistant to termites and other insects if treated properly. However, bamboo fencing is difficult to get in some areas, and it can be bent or broken upon the application of great force to it. Also, over time, the bamboo might become brittle and weaker because of age.
The design of goat sheep fence is based on the specific requirements of the farmer and the types of sheep or goats he has, and may include the following elements:
Height
Electric fences as well as woven wire or mesh fences for goats and sheep should ideally be 4 to 5 feet tall, so that the animals cannot jump over them. In some cases, such as with particularly good jumpers or large breeds, it may be necessary to add an extra foot of height or use a barrier at the top designed to prevent jumping.
Width
Woven wire fencing for goats and sheep should have a mesh with openings that are ideally 4 inches by 4 inches or smaller, to prevent the animals from passing through. If a fence with a larger mesh is used, it should be combined with electrified wire or other deterrence methods to provide a barrier against the animals.
Strainers
Strainers are tensioning devices that are used on goat/sheep fences at the ends, corners, or changes of direction to tighten the wire and give it strength and rigidity. Common types of strainers include manual screw strainers, ratchet strainers, and hydraulic strainers. The choice of strainer depends on the type and number of wires to be fenced, as well as personal preference.
Gate
Gates are essential for livestock movement, vehicle access, and other practical purposes. Gates can be constructed from wood, woven wire, stock fencing, or other materials, and are available in a variety of designs and sizes. Some common types of goat/sheep gates include swing gates, sliding gates, and foldable or tip-up gates.
Width of wires
The gauge or thickness of goat/sheep fence wires influences the strength and durability of the fence. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the wire and stronger the fence. Electric fence wire is normally manufactured in gauges ranging from 12 to 20, with 12-gauge wire being thicker for the live and bottom wires and 20-gauge wire being thinner for the top wire.
Some of the uses of goat sheep fence include:
Containment of livestock
The primary purpose of a goat/sheep fence is to confine the animals within a specific area, ensuring their safety and preventing them from wandering off. Unlike regular wire fencing, goat and sheep fencing must be constructed with smaller openings to avoid the animals passing through or getting stuck. This incurs additional costs since such smaller openings require more materials to make the fencing.
Protection from predators
Goat/sheep fencing acts as a barrier against predators such as coyotes, dogs, and birds of prey. Just like with containment, the fencing for goats must be extra strong and have smaller openings than for sheep to prevent any predator from entering and attacking the livestock. A stronger fence also ensures that the livestock will be safe and secure and reduces the risk of disease and injury from predator attacks.
rotational grazing
Farmers use goat/sheep fencing to practice rotational grazing, which involves moving the animals from one pasture to another in order to give the land rest and allow it to regenerate. With goat/sheep fencing, farmers can allocate specific areas for grazing and easily move the animals using gates or portable panels. This minimizes overgrazing, enhances soil health, and promotes better forage growth.
Cross-fencing
Goat/sheep fencing can be used to divide a larger piece of property into smaller sections or paddocks. It allows farmers to manage livestock populations more effectively by controlling their movement between different areas. Many a times this is done with electrified fence, which is easier to put up and take down compared to more permanent fences.
Weed control
Around the goat/sheep fence, the goats and sheep will eat the weeds and undesirable plants within their reach, helping to manage weeds naturally without the need for chemical herbicides. This improves pasture quality, promotes the growth of desirable grasses, and supports a healthier ecosystem.
Some of the benefits of a goat sheep fence include:
Sustainability
A goat/sheep fence helps promote sustainable farming practices by allowing farmers to raise pasture-based livestock which are good for the environment. The goats and sheep will graze the grass and leave it nicely trimmed, reducing the need for mechanical mowing or chemical treatments.
Simple installation
Goat/sheep fences are easy to install, especially with temporary or portable options. Farmers with little fencing experience can set up cross-fencing and manage pasture access without the need for specialized skills or heavy machinery.
Prevent soil erosion
Goats and sheep will promote the growth of grass and keep the soil well covered with roots, helping to hold the soil in place and prevent erosion. The plants' healthy root systems will help maintain soil structure and quality, supporting longer-term agricultural productivity on the farm.
Cost-efficient
A goat/sheep fence is budget-friendly compared to electric fencing for larger livestock because it is lightweight and requires less material. For temporary fencing, plastic or metal stakes and lightweight wire can create a cost-effective barrier that is easily moved.
Supports animal welfare
By preventing the goats from straying away and keeping them on the pasture where they can feed, a properly constructed goat/sheep fence will promote good animal welfare. They will have access to enough forage, water, and shelter, and will be able to engage in natural behaviors like grazing, browsing, and exploring.
A1. Some types of pasture fences include woven wire, electric, barbed wire, stock fencing, or treated bamboo fencing, which is suited for goats or sheep, cattle, hogs, or horses, which has distinct characteristics.
A2. It is possible to use barbed wire to fence in goats and sheep by setting the wires close enough together to prevent them from passing through and ensuring that the animals cannot reach the barbs to avoid any harm.
A3. A goat/sheep fence can contain small animals such as rabbits, which have similar sized openings, but to effectively contain them, the fence should be buried a little underground so that rabbits don't pass through the openings and wander away.
A4. Goats and sheep require distinct types of fence since goats are more adventurous and want to explore, so they require a robust fence that will contain them, while sheep tend to be flocking animals that are easier to contain and will fare well with a weaker fence.