Sheep
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Sheep
Electric Fence for SHEEP
For Sheep the grass is always greener on the other side! Sheep with a full fleece are very well insulated which can make them more difficult to shock, so taking both thickness of fleece and distance of the fence into account it is essential to ensure the energizer is sufficiently powerful enough to deliver an effective shock especially for initial training. FenceFast recommends a 3 joule energizer or greater for primary sheep containment and training.
Please see the information below on electric fencing for Sheep or email info@fencefast.ca to have one of our Certified Pasture Pros assist you in your sheep management requirements
There are 4 main options for sheep electric fencing and custom kits are also available:
- Mobile Gallagher SmartFence
- 3 Line/Reel System - Strip Grazing Systems for Sheep
- Galvanized Wire on Permanent Stock Fencing
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Electric Netting
Gallagher SmartFence Mobile System
SmartFence is the ideal mobile or temporary fence for sheep. The SmartFence is an all-in-one system of posts, reels and wires. It’s regarded as the perfect replacement of the standard net fence. It can be assembled and dismantled within five minutes. It’s easy to carry and store (use the corresponding SmartFence accessories for that purpose).
The SmartFence consists of four wires and 10 posts, and is 100 metres long. The barrier can be erected in any required line, as the posts can be positioned anywhere, and the wires are adjustable in height. It’s also possible to connect multiple SmartFences. Combined with a Gallagher fence energizer connected to the SmartFence, your animals will remain safe.
3 Reel/Line System - Strip Grazing Systems for Sheep
A 3-reel system is ideal for both 400m plus runs keeping the lines tight, storing the fence lines when not in use and for speeding up fence moves. Start and End of fence are standard for a straight line system. Multi wire posts are generally used throughout these systems
If your overall fence is going to exceed more than 400m be use to use a low resistance poly wire, twines or braids to ensure you have and effective shock over longer distances.
To create a controlled pasture management system, you may require both a fence 'in-front of' and 'behind the flock'. Depending on the area to be covered you could either use 2 separate electric fence systems or create a continuous fence line - whichever is the most suitable. Tread-in plastic posts are not sturdy enough for corners so use a 1” fiberglass corner post or a wooden post with wood post insulators.
Electric Netting
Electric Netting is ideal to create pens (perhaps at lambing time) if needed or for straight line fencing for strip grazing. Standard 50m netting comes with built-in posts making it easy to erect and move. Additional nets can easily be added on to create larger pens or longer lengths for strip grazing. Some systems have used up to 10 nets.
Permanent Electric High tensile fencing for sheep
A good current conductor, such as High Tensile power wire, combined with a powerful Gallagher fence energizer, offers you the security you want. The bottom wire of a sheep fence is close to the ground, which means that growing vegetation is quite likely to touch the wire. That's why you need a powerful Gallagher fence energizer, as it will singe the grass once it is touched. As a result, there’ll be plenty of power on your fence. A High Tensile fence, combined with a Gallagher fence energizer, forms the perfect barrier for keeping sheep safely and securely in a field. It will work well for many years to come.
Fence Configurations - Sheep/Goat
Sheep and goats can be contained by electric fence. Hi-Tensile combined with a powerful 3 joule output or greater electric fence Energizer can provide the security you need to keep your sheep and goats contained.
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Download Sheep/Pig/Goat Booklet ›
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Galvanised Wire On Permanent Existing Stock Fencing
Do you have a non-electric wood, mesh, or barb wire fence you want to fit with an electric wire? Whether you have a wooden or mesh fence, if a solution is required it would be possible to create an extra electric fencing barrier on livestock fencing that is already in place. Offset insulators would be attached to the wooden posts and galvanized wire would be passed through them - this is then electrified by an energizer (either mains or battery)
A simple, effective method for protecting your existing barrier or fence.
Our advice
Do you want to electrify an existing fence or enclosure? Then use offset insulators:
• Effectively keeps sheep within an existing fence;
• Protect or improve an existing fence;
• Can be used to power portable cross fencing for rotational grazing
There are several effective designs: mobile electric netting systems for rotational grazing; 3-line or multi-wire reel systems; permanent high-tensile wire fences; and offset electrified wires added to existing fences.
Sheep often carry thick fleece which insulates them from electrical shock, and they are smaller and more agile – this means your energizer must be stronger and your fence layout must ensure full contact and visibility.
For primary containment and training sheep, a minimum output around 3 joules or greater is recommended to ensure the shock is sufficient given fleece insulation and longer wire runs.
A good rule is five to seven wires, with bottom wires close to the ground to prevent slipping or crawling under. Heights range from about 36″ (≈90 cm) to 48″ (≈122 cm) depending on predator risk and terrain.
Yes – you can use offset insulators on the existing fence posts and add an electrified conductor as a barrier. This discourages leaning, rubbing or escape, and upgrades the old fence without full rebuilding.
Absolutely. Portable netting or reel systems allow you to subdivide pastures, rotate grazing, protect lambing paddocks, and adjust quickly – ideal for flexible management.
Monitor tension, ensure conductors are visible, keep vegetation clear from bottom wires, inspect insulators, verify grounding rods, and test energizer output annually or after severe weather.
Freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow, wet vegetation and uneven terrain can reduce grounding effectiveness and conductor visibility. Using corrosion-resistant components, deeper ground rods, and visible tape or wire helps mitigate the issues.
Training involves introducing sheep to the energised fence while grazing so they learn to respect it. Properly trained sheep are less likely to challenge the line and the system performs more reliably.
You’ll need heavier duty wire or tape, additional wires (six or seven strands), proper braced corners, visible conductors, secure bottom wires near ground, and an energizer with sufficient power to maintain deterrence.
Yes – most systems are modular. You can extend lengths, add wires, upgrade energiser, add portable netting sections or convert mobile systems into semi-permanent as your operation evolves.
Yes – for lambs or lighter breeds you may need lower height, closer wire spacing, lighter posts or temporary paddocks for flexibility and protection until they mature.