Sheep fencing

[RobA]

I'm thinking of getting some sheep for the fun of it (not for wool, meat or milk). I have a 2 acre pasture that is already fenced with 3 board fencing. Is it enough to add a strand or 2 of electric tape to the fence to keep them in?

 

[EddieWalker]

I have 3 strands to for my horses and pig and hoped it would be enough for some goats. They just walk through it like it's not even there, they even eat at the fence line where they have to be very close to touching the bottom wire without any problems. I don't know if sheep are more or less sensitive to it then goats, but if it wasn't for my horses, which the goats love to follow around, they would just leave and never be seen again.

 

[RobA]

I would like goats but knew they would require better (more expensive) fencing. Was hoping sheep were easier to keep in.

 

[PHPaul]

Depends on the breed of sheep to a large extent.

I've raised Shetlands and Katahdins for more than 20 years with minimal fencing. As long as they have plenty of pasture they don't tend to try to get out. In fact, I've only had one Shetland get out past the fences. Any other time, it's been because some dumb@$$ left the gate open.

The Katahdins will just stand there and look at the open gate and wonder why Dad left it open.

BTW, look into hair sheep: No shearing required, they just shed like a dog in the Spring. One of the main reasons I switched to Katahdins.

Goats are an entirely different situation. They get out just to show you they can.

 

[smstonypoint]

Is it enough to add a strand or 2 of electric tape to the fence to keep them in?

I don't know about keeping sheep in, but depending on your area, you may have to worry about keeping potential predators (coyotes and dogs) out.

Steve

 

[KubotaToy]

If you do not use a good sheep/goat fence, a 5 strand electric 10" apart with the biggest box you can buy to power it will work for both predators and sheep/goats.

 

[hslogger]

In the Willamette Valley of Oregon Grass seed farmers and sheep producers work hand in hand on thousands of acres that are grazed intermintedly. Temporary two or three strand hot wire go up with a minimal of effort relatively speaking. HOT fence chargers do the trick except for the most devious and determined coyotes and cougars.

On my own place I have RED BRAND woven wire fences and in other places two strand electric with Gallagher chargers. Woven wire is used for all my permanent exterior fence.
In time, the sheep rub the heck out them but if you put it up right, the fence will withstand the pressure. Other option is to run hot wire inside of it with offsets.

 

[NorTracNY]

I added 3 strands of electric (6-8K volts) to a 3 board fencing and it has keep goats in without a single problem. Make sure the pastures have what the animals want to eat.

 

[KubotaToy]

I'm thinking of getting some sheep for the fun of it (not for wool, meat or milk). I have a 2 acre pasture that is already fenced with 3 board fencing. Is it enough to add a strand or 2 of electric tape to the fence to keep them in?

Btw, forgot to answer your real question in my first response. Yes, what you propose to use will work. I use 1/2" horse tape on the inside of my yard where I have a 4 rail wooden fence, not permanent but works for the summertime.

 

[IndyIan]

3 board fence and a couple strands should work for sheep as long as the first board isn't 3' off the ground. We did have to shave a strip on the back of a couple goats who would duck under the bottom strand in places to make sure they got a good hit or two and they seemed to learn after that. Also if we do have an escape artist or problem animal, we keep it in the freezer, and often those ones seem make an extra satisfying meal.