Sheep Fencing Guide: Types, Costs, and Installation

Good fencing is essential for successful sheep farming. It keeps your flock safe from predators, prevents escapes, and allows you to manage grazing effectively. This guide covers everything you need to know about fencing for sheep.

Fencing Requirements for Sheep

Before choosing a fence type, understand what sheep fencing needs to accomplish:

Keep Sheep In

• Sheep are generally not escape artists like goats
• Lambs can squeeze through small gaps (4” or larger)
• Rams may challenge fences during breeding season
• Minimum height: 4 feet (5 feet recommended)

Keep Predators Out

• Dogs are the #1 predator threat in most areas
• Coyotes, foxes, and mountain lions depending on location
• Electric fencing adds psychological deterrent
• Proper ground-level protection essential

Enable Management

• Rotational grazing requires multiple paddocks
• Sorting and handling areas need sturdy fencing
• Gates must accommodate equipment access

Types of Sheep Fencing

1. Woven Wire (Field Fence)

The traditional choice for permanent sheep fencing.

Specifications:

• 12.5 gauge wire (heavier is better)
• 4” x 4” spacing at bottom, larger at top
• 47” height minimum (sheep/goat specific)

Pros:

• Very durable (20+ year lifespan)
• Effective predator deterrent
• Low maintenance once installed
• Works well on uneven terrain

Cons:

• Higher initial cost
• Labor-intensive installation
• Permanent - hard to move

Cost: $1.50-3.00 per linear foot (materials)

Best For: Permanent perimeter fencing

2. High-Tensile Electric

Multiple strands of electrified wire.

Specifications:

• 5-7 strands for sheep
• 12.5 gauge high-tensile wire
• Strands at 6”, 12”, 18”, 26”, 34”, 42”
• Minimum 4,000 volts on line

Pros:

• More affordable than woven wire
• Excellent predator deterrent
• Long lifespan
• Can cover large areas economically

Cons:

• Requires power source
• Regular voltage checking needed
• Animals must be trained
• Vegetation management required

Cost: $0.50-1.50 per linear foot

Best For: Large acreage, predator pressure areas

3. Electric Netting (ElectroNet)

Portable, temporary fencing for rotational grazing.

Specifications:

• 35-42” height for sheep
• Built-in posts
• Solar or battery energizers available
• 164’ rolls standard

Pros:

• Highly portable
• Quick to set up
• Excellent for rotational grazing
• Great predator protection

Cons:

• Higher cost per foot
• Not permanent solution
• Requires daily/weekly moves
• Can tangle in vegetation

Cost: $2.00-4.00 per linear foot

Best For: Rotational grazing, temporary paddocks

4. Board/Rail Fencing

Traditional wooden fencing.

Specifications:

• 4-5 horizontal boards
• Posts every 8 feet
• 4-5 foot height

Pros:

• Attractive appearance
• Highly visible to sheep
• Traditional look

Cons:

• Expensive
• High maintenance
• Sheep can damage with rubbing
• Poor predator protection alone

Cost: $8-15 per linear foot

Best For: Show farms, front property lines, small areas

5. Cattle Panels

Rigid welded wire panels.

Specifications:

• 16’ length x 50” height typical
• 4” x 4” openings
• Heavy gauge steel

Pros:

• Very sturdy
• Quick to install
• Reusable/portable
• Long lasting

Cons:

• Expensive for large areas
• Gap size can trap lambs
• Not predator-proof alone

Cost: $25-40 per panel ($1.50-2.50 per foot)

Best For: Handling areas, small paddocks, gates

Cost Comparison Chart

Fence Type	Materials/ft	Labor/ft	Total/ft	1-Acre Perimeter
Woven Wire	$1.50-3.00	$1.00-2.00	$2.50-5.00	$2,100-4,200
High-Tensile Electric	$0.50-1.50	$0.50-1.00	$1.00-2.50	$840-2,100
Electric Netting	$2.00-4.00	DIY	$2.00-4.00	$1,680-3,360
Board Fence	$5.00-10.00	$3.00-5.00	$8.00-15.00	$6,720-12,600
Cattle Panels	$1.50-2.50	$0.50-1.00	$2.00-3.50	$1,680-2,940

One acre perimeter = approximately 840 linear feet

Recommended Combinations

Best Overall: Woven Wire + Electric

Combines physical barrier with psychological deterrent.

Setup:

• Woven wire as primary barrier
• Single electric wire 6” off ground (outside)
• Single electric wire at nose height (inside, optional)

Why It Works:

• Physical barrier stops most threats
• Electric trains animals away from fence
• Predators shocked before reaching wire
• Very secure system

Budget Option: High-Tensile Electric

For larger acreages where cost is a factor.

Setup:

• 6-7 strands of high-tensile
• Good grounding system
• Quality energizer (low-impedance)
• Proper training of sheep

Rotational Grazing: Permanent Perimeter + Electric Netting

Setup:

• Woven wire or high-tensile perimeter
• Electric netting for interior paddocks
• Solar energizer for flexibility

Installation Tips

Post Spacing

• Woven wire: 12-16 feet
• High-tensile: 30-50 feet
• Corner/brace posts: Set 3-4 feet deep

Corner Braces

Critical for fence longevity. Options:

• H-brace (most common)
• Double H-brace (for long runs)
• Deadman anchor (rocky soil)

Gates

• Plan gate placement before building
• Size for equipment access (12-16 feet)
• Use quality hinges and latches
• Consider sorting gate locations

Ground Clearance

• No more than 4” gap at ground level
• Use tension wire or boards at bottom
• Consider apron wire for predator areas

Energizer Sizing

For electric fencing, proper energizer sizing is crucial:

Fence Length	Minimum Joules	Recommended
Up to 5 miles	0.5 joules	1.0 joules
5-15 miles	1.0 joules	2.0 joules
15-30 miles	2.0 joules	4.0 joules

Rule of Thumb: Buy more joules than you think you need. Vegetation and conditions reduce output.

Maintenance Schedule

Weekly

• Walk fence lines
• Check energizer voltage
• Clear vegetation from electric

Monthly

• Test all strands
• Check insulators
• Inspect gates

Annually

• Tighten wires
• Replace damaged components
• Check posts for rot
• Test grounding system

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Undersizing energizer - More joules is better
2. Poor grounding - Use at least 3 ground rods
3. Wrong wire spacing - Lambs escape through 4”+ gaps
4. Skipping corner braces - Leads to fence failure
5. Cheap materials - False economy
6. Ignoring vegetation - Shorts out electric

Where to Buy

Online Suppliers

• Premier 1 Supplies (premier1supplies.com)
• Kencove Farm Fence (kencove.com)
• Gallagher (gallagher.com)

Local Sources

• Farm supply stores (Tractor Supply, Rural King)
• Lumber yards
• Agricultural co-ops

---

Looking for fencing supplies and equipment? Check our supplier directory for recommendations in your area.