Electrical Fences: Setting Boundaries For Your Pets and Livestock

Boundaries provide security, order, and predictability for pets and livestock. Having their personal spaces can make them feel calmer and less anxious. For dogs, well-defined boundaries can help discourage undesirable behaviours, such as digging and aggression. Proper containment keeps animals safe from potential hazards like predators and traffic. For livestock, clear boundaries enhance well-being because they have a secure space to graze, rest, and socialise. When pets and livestock are properly contained, both humans and animals are protected from accidental injuries, and animals are prevented from causing damage to property.

Animals instinctively seek safety and security. Without a secure and predictable environment, animals can develop behavioural issues and face increased risks of injuring themselves or others. Additionally, uncontained animals can pose risks to wildlife and the ecosystem.

However, maintaining boundaries is not without its challenges. Some animals are accomplished escape artists and can easily find ways to break out. The surrounding terrain may also present a challenge. Bodies of water, hills, or dense vegetation can make containment difficult. The effectiveness of boundaries can also be affected by weather conditions. As pets and livestock grow, their containment needs may also change.

How Electric Fencing Works as a Boundary

The primary aim of pet and livestock containment is to ensure the well-being and security of animals.

Electric fences are a humane and effective method of setting boundaries. They are designed to deliver a low-voltage electrical impulse when an animal touches a conductive tape or wire. The low-energy electrical shock won’t harm the animal; it’s typically mild and extremely short in duration, but it is enough to startle them and teach them to avoid the fence or deter them from crossing the boundary. The unexpected static shock teaches the animal to respect the boundary without causing harm.

Essential Components of an Electric Fence System

The components making up a complete electric fence system include:

• Fence conductors: Fence wire, tape, or poly wire; the choice will depend on the type of animals and fencing needs.
• Insulators: Prevent electrical leakage into the ground or fence posts. They keep the electrical current contained within the fence conductors.
• Grounding rods: Assist in properly dispersing the electrical charge into the ground, preventing dangerous buildup of electricity and safeguarding both animals and humans.
• Gates and gate energisers: Gates provide controlled access, while gate energisers maintain the electrical charge in the fence when the gate/s are opened.
• Energiser: Provides the power needed to deliver the electrical pulse in the electric fence system.

Choosing the Right Energiser for Your Needs

The energiser is said to be “the heart of an electric fence system." To ensure optimal performance and animal safety, several important factors need to be considered when choosing an energiser. These include the following:

• Number of animals: The higher the number of animals, the more powerful an energiser is needed.
• Length of the fence: More powerful energisers are needed for longer fences. This helps ensure that a consistent voltage is maintained.
• Terrain: A stronger energiser is required in areas with increased resistance, such as hilly or wooded areas.
• Power source: Popular choices are battery-powered, solar-powered, or mains-powered energisers.
• Type of fence: Different materials used for electric fences vary in their conductivity.

Preventing Escapes and Protecting Your Animals

Understanding the specific threats in your surroundings can help you design an electric fence that provides maximum security for your animals. A well-designed fence can help deter potential predators and prevent contained animals from escaping or wandering off. Key considerations include the fence height, wire spacing, grounding, energiser power, and regular maintenance.

Electric Fencing for Different Animals

Electric fencing is versatile enough to suit the containment needs of various animals. However, it is important to understand the specific behaviours and requirements of your animals to ensure that the fencing is safe and effective. Considering the size, weight, temperament, visual acuity, and natural instincts of the animals can help you decide on the best fence height, voltage, and wire spacing.

• Size and weight of the animal: Taller fences with wider spacing between wires are necessary for horses, cattle, and other larger animals. On the other hand, sheep, goats, and smaller animals will benefit from closer spacing and lower fence heights.
• Temperament: Some animals tend to test boundaries. Stronger fencing and higher voltage will discourage them from testing the fence.
• Natural instincts: Adjust fence design (e.g., having an underground wire or taller fences) for animals with strong digging, jumping, or chewing behaviours.

Electric Fencing for Dogs

For dogs, electric fencing can be an effective tool for setting boundaries and training. Dog breeds with a high prey drive, notorious escape artists, or those that tend to wander will benefit from a good containment setup.

Electric fences can be used to train dogs to respect boundaries. Gradual introduction and positive reinforcement can teach them to stay within designated areas and prevent unwanted escapes.

How to Install an Electric Dog Fence System

Electric Fencing for Livestock

Electric fencing can be used to contain cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and other types of livestock. It can protect them from predators such as wolves and bears. Electric fencing can also be used to create temporary or permanent enclosures for livestock to prevent them from straying and to support the efficient management and implementation of rotational grazing systems.

The size and behaviour of your livestock should be carefully considered when choosing fencing materials. Sturdy posts and heavy-duty wire create strong and durable fences. A powerful energiser and hot wires can deter predators.

Electric Netting Fence for Pets & Livestock: Set Up & Troubleshooting

Electric Fencing for Horses

Horses are powerful animals with a strong flight instinct. To ensure safety, electric fencing should use high-visibility materials, and proper grounding should be a primary consideration. To prevent damage and discourage grazing, it is advisable to install a hot wire at ground level.

Electric Fencing for Poultry

A low-voltage electric fence can protect poultry from predators. Design the enclosure to include a predator-proof wire mesh base or underground wiring to prevent digging and boost the containment’s security. Wires should be installed at suitable heights to discourage both ground and aerial predators.

Effective Fence Settings

Achieving the Right Balance of Power

Once the electric fencing has been installed, the next step is to achieve the right balance of power. With too little power, the fence won’t be effective at deterring animals. Too much power might result in unnecessary stress and injury.

Understanding the electrical requirements in terms of voltage (power pressure), pulse duration, and grounding that are appropriate for your pet or livestock can help ensure consistent performance of the fence.

Tips for Avoiding Unnecessary Stress for Pets or Livestock

Even though electric fencing is considered a humane method of containment, without proper management, it can still be a source of unnecessary stress for the animals contained within. Some tips to help minimise or avoid unnecessary stress include:

• A gradual introduction so animals learn to respect boundaries without experiencing fear or discomfort.
• Observe how your animals react to the fence. Adjusting the fence settings may address persistent rubbing, pacing, pawing at the fence, and other signs of excessive stress or fear. To find the best settings for your animals, you may need to try different voltage and pulse duration combinations.
• Regular maintenance, such as prompt repair of broken wires or short circuits, keeps the electric fence in good condition and prevents unexpected shocks. Also, ensure that the energiser is functioning correctly.
• Identifying problem areas, such as sections of the fence that animals consistently test. There may be issues with the voltage, wire, or grounding.