How to Use Electric-Net Sheep Fencing

Electric-net sheep fencing is a sturdy fencing system that uses both netting and electricity to contain your sheep. The netting in this type of fence provides a visible barrier that discourages your sheep from trying to get out, while the electricity provides a psychological barrier that keeps your sheep from pushing against the fence in an effort to escape. This fencing is easy to install, since the system includes built-in fence posts, but it does require specific knowledge for you to use it effectively.

Things You'll Need

  • Mower/weed eater
  • Fence charger unit (battery or plug-in)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Decide where you plan to use your electric-net sheep fencing. You can use it effectively as a perimeter fence and as internal fencing. Maple Ridge Sheep Farm uses it as internal fencing, which allows them to remove it during the fall for maintenance and to make layout adjustments to their pastures. Sheep producers who rotationally graze their sheep (regularly move the sheep between small pasture paddocks throughout the grazing season) often use this style of fencing since it is so easy to install and take down.

    • 2

      Remove all grass and other vegetation that is more than 4 inches tall along your fence line. Mowing the vegetation or cutting it with a weed eater is a quick, effective option for weed removal. Make sure you remove the vegetation in a strip that is at least 1 foot wide to minimize the chances of having any grass touch the charged wires on your electric-net sheep fencing, which can short out your electrical charge.

    • 3

      Install your electric-net sheep fence. Unroll your net fence by firmly holding all the posts, which should allow the netting to fall down to the ground in front of you. Locate the first post, and insert it into the ground in a location where you can attach it to a support post or an existing fence. Unfold the rest of your net sheep fence along your fence line, dropping the posts individually as you unroll the fence. Insert the rest of the built-in fence posts.

    • 4

      Connect your electric net sheep fence to a fence charger. Fence charger options include traditional plug-in units and battery units, which are more portable. Typically, the end of your net fence will have an energizer clip that you can attach to the positively charged fence terminal on your fence energizer. Don't forget to connect the negatively charged terminal on your fence energizer to your grounding system to allow your fence energizer to work.

    • 5

      Maintain your electric-net sheep fencing by checking it regularly to ensure that it is still operating and is not grounding out on vegetation. You can minimize vegetation by mowing along the base of the fence regularly (after disconnecting it) or by using a weed spray.

    • 6

      Take down your electric-net sheep fencing when you're finished using it. Disconnect your sheep fence from the charging unit, and remove the posts from the ground, starting at one end of the fence. Keep the posts in your hands, and allow the net to drag on the ground behind you. When you reach the end of the fence, simply lay the netting on the ground and roll it up, ensuring that your posts are on the outside of the roll.