Installing an electric fence

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Radio interview source: Stephanie Sexton, marketing and sales director, Premier 1

We've used electric fencing for years to keep the sheep and goats in check. They always have to test it. But, it doesn't take long before they figure out what "ouch" means!

Electric fencing is effective and safe when properly selected, installed and maintained. Electric fences should be put up to match the animal's capabilities and size. Goats like to jump and climb, for example, so their fence needs to be higher than for most other animals. The voltage strength also varies depending on the animal. Another consideration is whether the fence will be permanent or moved around.

Stephanie Sexton is the marketing director for a fencing company and says the kind of animals you're trying to keep in -- or out -- determines what you'll need.

"If we're talking about sheep and goats on the temporary side, there's the electric netting," Sexton says. "Netting kind of fits the bill because they don't have to put up a permanent fence. But they can move these animals around to lots of different places on the acreage, and they can be their lawn mowers, if you will."

Electrified netting at least 20 inches tall also works well for keeping poultry in one place, and for keeping small wildlife out. To deter taller animals, netting from 30 to 48 inches in height should do the trick.