David Lucey
Keeping Animals Without Breaking the Bank – or Your Back
Building and maintaining effective fencing is one of the most important – and costly – investments in livestock management. A well-planned fence keeps animals where they belong, protects them from predators, and helps safeguard crops and property. This guide will walk you through the essentials of fencing systems, from choosing materials and construction methods to upkeep and cost-saving tips.
1. Match Your Fence to Your Needs
The right fence depends on what you’re keeping in – and what you’re keeping out.
- Species matters: Horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, alpacas, poultry – each has unique strength, size, and behavior considerations.
- Predators matter: Coyotes, cougars, weasels, and raptors all require different deterrence strategies.
Fence height, strength, and spacing should be tailored to these factors. For example:
- Horses/Cattle: Strong, tall fences (54”+) with multiple wires
- Sheep/Goats: Closer spacing to prevent escapes and predator access
- Poultry: Fully enclosed pens to protect from climbing and flying predators
2. Fencing Materials: Pros and Cons
Hot Wire (Electric Fencing)
- Pros: Lower installation cost, flexible, easy to expand
- Cons: Requires regular maintenance and vegetation control
Hot wire fences deliver a brief shock when touched, teaching livestock to avoid them. Regular mowing under the fence line is necessary to prevent shorting from grass or debris. Training animals to respect hot wire is key – always start in a secure area so they learn without escaping.
Woven Wire or Plank Fencing
- Pros: Durable, lower long-term maintenance
- Cons: Higher initial cost, more labor-intensive installation
Woven wire or planked fences are ideal for animals that test fences or for long-term enclosures. They provide a strong physical barrier and require less upkeep once installed.
Mixed Systems
Combining hot wire with physical fencing offers the best of both worlds: strength plus behavioral deterrence.
3. Hot Wire Setup Basics
Wire height and number of strands depend on species and predator pressure. Examples:
- Horses: 3–5 wires spaced between 12”–52”
- Cattle: 5–6 wires up to 54”
- Sheep/Goats: 4–7 wires, closer spacing near the ground
- Pigs: 3 low wires (6”–24”)
- Poultry: Low wires (6” and 10”) plus a physical barrier
Tip: Goats and sheep with thick fleece may ignore mild shocks – adjust fencing and power accordingly.
4. Physical Fencing Heights
Recommended minimum heights for woven or plank fencing:
- Horses: 60” with a top plank
- Cattle: 54”
- Alpacas/Llamas: 60” with 2”x4” “no-climb” mesh
- Pigs: 34”
- Sheep/Goats: 48” woven wire, small mesh for horned breeds
- Poultry: Fully enclosed with fine mesh and overhead protection
5. Alternative Materials and Cost-Saving Options
If traditional fencing materials are cost-prohibitive:
- Livestock panels: Durable and easy to install (~$1.70–$2.40/ft)
- Pallets: Free but require frequent posts
- Reclaimed wood or downed trees: Labor-intensive but low-cost
6. Posts and Supports
Posts provide structure and strength.
- Spacing: ~10’ apart for most animals
- Depth: About half the fence height below ground
- Material: 6”–8” posts for cattle and horses, 4” for smaller livestock
Use drain rock rather than concrete to avoid moisture damage and make replacement easier.
7. Bracing Assemblies
Corner and end braces anchor the fence and allow you to tension it properly.
- Double H-brace: Most stable and long-lasting
- Single H-brace: Standard for most installations
- Alternatives: Deep single posts or angled braces for lower-cost builds
8. Building Your Fence: Step by Step
- Plan and mark your fence line – keep it straight using stakes and twine.
- Install corner braces and posts – these anchor the entire fence.
- Roll out and attach fencing – staple or clip securely, wrapping around corner posts.
- Stretch the fence – tension until taut but not overstressed.
- Install gates – ensure proper hinge placement and clearance.
9. Fence Maintenance
Regular checks keep small problems from becoming big repairs:
- Walk the fence line to spot sagging, digging, leaning posts, or damage.
- Tighten wires as needed – a 90° twist can remove slack.
- Test electric fences – a weak charge often signals shorts from vegetation or debris.
- Patch holes quickly – use panels for temporary fixes or splice in new fencing.
- Replace compromised posts promptly to maintain integrity.
10. Final Thoughts
Fencing doesn’t have to drain your wallet or your energy. By planning for your specific animals and environment, choosing the right materials, and committing to routine maintenance, you can create a safe, long-lasting system that protects your livestock and your investment.