Fencing for Hogs

Hogs are intelligent animals that can find their way out of many enclosures. One of the most difficult and costly aspects of raising hogs is keeping them fenced in.

  1. Types of Fencing

    • The types of fence most commonly used for hogs are woven wire, welded wire, wooden or electric. Wire fences need to be tightly strung, and hogs will sometimes chew on wooden fences.

    Height

    • Wire and wooden fences should be at least 32 inches high. For electric fences, 14 to 18 inches is sufficient.

    Electric Fences

    • Use two-stranded electric fences for hogs. The first strand should be six to eight inches above the ground, with a second strand 14 to 16 inches high.

    Trenches

    • It is a good idea to dig a trench under the fence and fill it with logs or rocks. This will prevent the hogs from tunneling under the fence. Alternatively, place logs around the bottom of the fence inside the pen.

    Moving the Fence

    • Move the fence frequently to provide fresh forage. One advantage of electric fencing is that it is easily moved.