An electric fence differs from animal to animal mainly in its height and number of wires, and sometimes in its material. Getting the combination wrong means the animal either jumps or crawls under the fence too easily, or fails to notice it in time. Below we summarize PATURA's recommended electric fence dimensions for individual animal types.
Keeping animals in versus keeping them out
Before choosing a height, it is worth distinguishing between two purposes of a fence: containing an animal (keeping it inside) or excluding it (preventing access, for example to a crop). Contained animals get used to the fence relatively quickly and become cautious, whereas with exclusion fences new, inexperienced animals keep approaching the fence over and over. That is why, for exclusion fencing, it makes sense to use an energizer with a stronger pulse, regardless of the fence's height.
Recommended heights and wire counts
The list below summarizes recommendations for outer, permanent fences. For inner fences that separate sections of a pasture, you can lower the height by 10 to 15 cm and, if possible, use one fewer wire.
- Cattle: 0.85 to 1.05 m, 1 to 2 wires; for cattle with calves, 0.85 to 1.05 m and 2 to 3 wires.
- Horses, small breeds and ponies: 1.05 to 1.30 m, 2 to 3 wires.
- Horses, large breeds: 1.30 to 1.60 m, 2 to 3 conductors.
- Sheep: 0.90 to 1.05 m, 4 to 5 wires.
- Goats: 1.05 to 1.20 m, 4 to 6 wires.
- Pigs: 0.50 to 0.75 m, 2 to 3 wires; for safety we recommend two fences, an outer and an inner one.
- Poultry: 0.60 to 0.90 m, exceptionally up to 1.20 m, 5 to 7 wires.
- Dogs and cats: 0.50 to 1.05 m, 2 to 4 wires.
For permanent fences for cattle, sheep and goats, the dimensions differ slightly from mobile setups: a mobile cattle fence keeps the recommended installation height at 0.90 to 1.05 m with 2 to 3 wires, while for sheep and goats a mobile setup typically calls for a total height of around 0.90 m with 3 to 4 wires, whereas a permanent fence reaches 4 to 5 wires for sheep and 4 to 6 wires for goats. When choosing, it is therefore worth considering whether the setup is permanent or movable.
Protection against wild animals
Different recommendations apply for defending against wild animals or for protecting fish and aquatic habitats:
- Protection against wild boar: from 0.75 m, 2 to 3 wires.
- Protection against wolves: nets up to 1.20 m, 4 to 5 strands.
- Protection against otters: nets around 0.4 m, 4 strands.
- Protection against fish predators: up to 0.75 m, 2 to 3 wires; on riverbanks, the wire should run at an angle.
- Protection against game: up to 1.50 m, 5 wires.
Why these dimensions matter
The number of wires is not arbitrary: for several animal species, the lower wires target young animals or animals that would otherwise crawl underneath, while the upper wires prevent jumping or climbing over the fence. Goats and sheep therefore need more wires than cattle, since they are smaller, more agile animals that test a fence more quickly. For horses, visibility of the fence matters as much as its height, which is why wide-band tapes are often used instead of thin wire, since they are more visible and, when reinforced at the edges, also resistant to wind and weather. Better visibility reduces the risk that a horse running at speed will fail to notice the fence, which matters more for this animal than for cattle or small livestock.
When planning a fence for a mixed herd or for protection against wildlife, it makes sense to design for the most demanding animal type and adjust height and wire count accordingly, avoiding the need to extend the fence later.
As PATURA's Slovenian partner, Kancler Sistem Pro can prepare a concrete offer for your fence based on a sketch of your pasture and your animal type, tailored to your conditions.
Need advice?
If you graze several species on the same pasture, describe your herd to us and we will recommend a height and wire combination that suits them all.