Sheep fencing

[RobA]

A neighbor is looking to reduce her flock of sheep and said I could have a couple of ewes (4-year old Dorsets). 1 of my horse pastures is 3 acres and fenced with 3 board fencing. The bottom board is 16 inches from the ground. I'm assuming that's not sufficient to keep the sheep in. Or is it? I can add a strand of electric fence below the bottom board if necessary. Any thoughts or advice?

 

[BoylermanCT]

I would definitely add 2 hot wires at 5" and 10" since your first rail is at 16. You are not just trying to keep the sheep in, but you also have to keep coyotes and other predators out. I would also add a hot wire between the other two rails. Get a good charger so you have very strong shock. I have electric fences for chickens and ducks, and have mine at 8000 volts. No predator losses in the 3 years I have had the electric fencing.

 

[vvanders]

+1 on the above.

We use 2x4 no-climb which is probably a bit overkill. We've had smaller ewes get out of a 10"x12" hole that we missed when we first put up the fence.

Also if you ever plan to have lambs they can get through very small spaces.