Electronet Fencing for Goats: A Comprehensive Guide to Safe and Effective Containment

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Raising goats can be a rewarding experience, providing milk, meat, and even fiber. However, these intelligent and agile creatures are notorious for their escape artistry. Effective containment is crucial for their safety, the protection of your property, and the well-being of your neighbors’ gardens. One of the most versatile and effective solutions for goat fencing is electronet fencing. This article delves into the world of electronet fencing for goats, exploring its benefits, installation, maintenance, and best practices to ensure your goats stay safely within their designated area.

Understanding Electronet Fencing

Electronet fencing, also known as electric netting, is a type of portable electric fence constructed from interconnected strands of conductive and non-conductive materials. These strands form a mesh-like barrier that delivers a mild but memorable electric shock when an animal touches it. This shock deters goats from attempting to push through, climb over, or dig under the fence.

Benefits of Electronet Fencing for Goats

Effective Containment: Electronet fencing provides a psychological barrier that effectively deters goats from escaping. The shock is unpleasant enough to discourage them from testing the fence repeatedly.
Portability and Flexibility: Electronet fencing is lightweight and easy to move, making it ideal for rotational grazing or temporary enclosures. You can quickly adjust the size and shape of your goat’s pasture as needed.
Easy Installation: Setting up electronet fencing is relatively straightforward, requiring minimal tools and expertise. The netting comes in rolls that can be easily unrolled and secured with step-in posts.
Predator Deterrent: While primarily designed for containing goats, electronet fencing can also help deter predators such as coyotes and dogs from entering your property.
Cost-Effective: Compared to permanent fencing solutions, electronet fencing can be a more affordable option, especially for larger areas.

Choosing the Right Electronet Fencing for Your Goats

Selecting the appropriate electronet fencing is crucial for its effectiveness and longevity. Consider the following factors when making your decision:

Height and Mesh Size

Goats are notorious for their jumping abilities, so choose electronet fencing that is tall enough to deter them from jumping over. A minimum height of 42 inches is generally recommended for most goat breeds. The mesh size should be small enough to prevent goats from sticking their heads through and becoming entangled. Smaller mesh sizes are particularly important for young kids.

Conductivity and Durability

The conductivity of the electronet fencing determines how effectively the electric shock is delivered. Look for netting with highly conductive strands made of stainless steel or copper. The durability of the netting is also important, especially if you plan to move it frequently. Choose netting made from UV-resistant materials to prevent degradation from sunlight exposure.

Energizer Selection

The energizer, also known as the fence charger, is the heart of your electronet fencing system. It provides the electrical pulse that makes the fence effective. When choosing an energizer, consider the following:

Power Output: The energizer’s power output, measured in joules, determines the strength of the shock. Choose an energizer with sufficient power to maintain a strong shock throughout the entire length of the fence, even with some vegetation contact.
Power Source: Energizers can be powered by AC electricity, batteries, or solar panels. AC-powered energizers are generally the most powerful and reliable, but they require access to an electrical outlet. Battery-powered energizers are portable and convenient, but they require regular battery replacement. Solar-powered energizers are a sustainable and cost-effective option for remote locations.
Features: Some energizers come with additional features such as low-battery alarms, adjustable pulse rates, and remote control capabilities.

Installing Electronet Fencing for Goats: A Step-by-Step Guide

Proper installation is essential for the effectiveness of your electronet fencing. Follow these steps to ensure a secure and reliable enclosure:

Clear the Area: Remove any vegetation or debris that could come into contact with the fence. This will prevent the energizer from shorting out and reduce the effectiveness of the shock.
Set Up Corner Posts: Install sturdy corner posts at each corner of your enclosure. These posts should be strong enough to withstand the tension of the netting.
Unroll the Netting: Carefully unroll the electronet fencing along the perimeter of your enclosure. Avoid dragging the netting across rough surfaces, as this could damage the conductive strands.
Secure the Netting to the Corner Posts: Attach the netting to the corner posts using insulators or clips. Make sure the netting is taut and evenly spaced between the posts.
Install Intermediate Posts: Insert step-in posts along the fence line to provide additional support and prevent the netting from sagging. Space the posts according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, typically every 10-15 feet.
Connect the Energizer: Connect the energizer to the electronet fencing according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, one wire from the energizer is connected to the fence, and the other wire is connected to a ground rod.
Test the Fence: Use a fence tester to check the voltage of the fence. The voltage should be high enough to deliver a noticeable shock, typically at least 4,000 volts.

Maintaining Your Electronet Fence

Regular maintenance is crucial for ensuring the long-term effectiveness of your electronet fencing. Here are some tips for keeping your fence in good working order:

Keep Vegetation Clear: Regularly clear any vegetation that comes into contact with the fence. This will prevent the energizer from shorting out and reduce the effectiveness of the shock.
Check the Voltage Regularly: Use a fence tester to check the voltage of the fence regularly. If the voltage is low, check the connections, the ground rod, and the energizer.
Repair Any Damage: Promptly repair any damage to the netting, such as broken strands or torn sections. Use repair clips or conductive tape to mend the netting.
Store the Fence Properly: When not in use, store the electronet fencing in a dry place away from direct sunlight. This will help prevent damage and extend its lifespan.

Best Practices for Using Electronet Fencing with Goats

To maximize the effectiveness of your electronet fencing, consider these best practices:

Train Your Goats: Before relying on electronet fencing for containment, train your goats to respect the fence. This can be done by exposing them to the fence in a controlled environment and allowing them to experience the shock.
Provide Adequate Water and Shade: Ensure your goats have access to adequate water and shade within their enclosure. This will reduce their motivation to escape in search of these resources.
Monitor Your Goats Regularly: Regularly monitor your goats to ensure they are not attempting to escape or damaging the fence.
Use a Backup Fence: For added security, consider using a backup fence in conjunction with electronet fencing. This could be a traditional woven wire fence or a second layer of electronet fencing.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with proper installation and maintenance, you may encounter some common issues with electronet fencing. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

Low Voltage: If the voltage is low, check the connections, the ground rod, the energizer, and the vegetation around the fence.
Goats Escaping: If goats are escaping, check the height of the fence, the mesh size, and the voltage. Make sure the goats are not jumping over, crawling under, or pushing through the fence.
Fence Shorting Out: If the fence is shorting out, check for vegetation contact, damaged netting, or faulty connections.

Safety Considerations

Electronet fencing delivers an electric shock, so it is important to take safety precautions:

Warning Signs: Post warning signs along the fence line to alert people to the presence of an electric fence.
Children and Pets: Keep children and pets away from the fence.
Medical Conditions: People with certain medical conditions, such as heart problems, should avoid contact with the fence.
Proper Grounding: Ensure the energizer is properly grounded to prevent electrical hazards.

Conclusion

Electronet fencing is a versatile and effective solution for containing goats. Its portability, ease of installation, and predator deterrent capabilities make it a popular choice for goat owners. By choosing the right electronet fencing, installing it properly, and maintaining it regularly, you can ensure your goats stay safely within their designated area, protecting both them and your property. Investing in a reliable electronet fencing system is an investment in the well-being of your goats and the peace of mind of knowing they are securely contained. [See also: Goat Breeds and Fencing Needs] Consider the tips and guidelines outlined in this article to create a safe and effective enclosure for your goats using electronet fencing. Remember to always prioritize safety and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific electronet fencing system. With proper planning and execution, electronet fencing can be a valuable asset in your goat-raising endeavors.