Besides land and sometimes feed, fencing is usually one of the most expensive components of owning a sheep. Therefore, it is very important that you do your research to find out which type of fence would be the best for you and your sheep.
What type of fence do you need for sheep?
Most of the time, sheep require two different kinds of fencing: Perimeter and Temporary
Perimeter Fence for Sheep
A perimeter fence is supposed to go around the entire edge of the property or grazing area that you will keep your sheep. This will be the biggest investment, because these fences are almost always permanent and thus should be built with expensive, long lasting materials. We recommend putting electric currents in the perimeter fence. The main goal of the perimeter fence is to keep sheep from wandering off the property and to keep predators from entering the property.
Temporary Fence for Sheep
As the name suggests, these fences are commonly moved around and don’t need to be made from very expensive material. It is mostly important that they can still withstand the force of a sheep, and that they can be easily transported to another part of the property. The main goal of a temporary fence is to keep sheep in certain grazing area, and is also used to keep certain sheep separated from each other or from other animals on the farm.
How High Does a Sheep Fence Need to Be?
On average, most sheep can jump a height of 3 feet. Therefore, it is essential that your sheep fence is at least 4 feet high. Some sheep can jump a little bit higher than 3 feet, especially if they are anxious or motivated.Â
Should you have an electric fence for sheep?
Yes, if you can afford it, we strongly recommend having an electric fence for sheep. Once a sheep is shocked once, they will remember the pain for months and even years. Therefore, after getting shocked by the fence one time, they will learn their lesson and never get too close to the fence again. The same is true for predators trying to enter your property.
