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

Do you struggle with a dog that loves digging under the fence or have chickens that are skilled escape artists? Perhaps you have a flock of sheep that thinks the grass is greener on the other side of the fence?

If your traditional fence has left you feeling frustrated and anxious, you’re not alone. Thankfully, an electric netting fence offers a revolutionary solution, providing peace of mind and a safe haven for your beloved pets and livestock.

Imagine a lightweight, pre-constructed barrier that humanely discourages escape attempts, keeping your pets and livestock safely contained within designated areas without causing harm. Indeed, electric net fences are game-changers for pet owners and farmers alike.

They can be used to contain and graze livestock, such as sheep and goats, and poultry too. The tall netting fence is also more likely to keep out large garden predators such as coyotes, dogs, skunks, raccoons, foxes, etc.

This blog is a comprehensive guide on how to install an electric wire net fence, maintain it, and maximise its effectiveness. We’ll cover how to install your electric netting fence in a way that will keep your dogs, cattle, horses, and other livestock safely contained. 

Key Features of Electric Netting Fencing

Choosing the right electric net fence is essential for your animal’s safety and your peace of mind. Here are some important features of an electric netting fence:

Portable and easy to set up

One person can install the electric net fence with minimal effort. It’s lightweight and doesn't take up much space, allowing for quick setups and moves without any tools needed. The fibreglass posts with double spikes are already embedded in the mesh every 11 feet and can be pounded in with a mallet.

To reinforce them, you can use a tool to drive them in further. As an extra safety measure, there are 8 pegs and guy lines at the ends, corners, and bends, facilitating how to install electric netting fence setups efficiently.

Graduated spacing

The adaptable electric netting fence offers graduated spacing to enhance safety. The 18 horizontal strands (14 conductive) and semi-rigid vertical struts are spaced closer at the bottom and further apart at the top to prevent sagging. To avoid electrical shorts during weed growth, the bottom two strands are not electrified. 

Reliable and durable fence netting

Small chicks cannot escape through the electrified poultry fence since the bottom six strands are 3” (7.6cm) apart. The 11 conductive horizontal stainless steel wires provide excellent electric safety against predators, ensuring your livestock is safely contained within a pasture. The Pet & Livestock HQ poultry netting is strong and suited for windy conditions, offering peace of mind as your chickens roam freely.

Easy electrification

To electrify your netting, you'll need a fence energizer. The energizer is NOT included in the box. We recommend the Pet & Livestock HQ solar fence energizer, which requires no setup and can be used anywhere, at any time. For this reason, our electric fence netting is popular among free-range farmers and rotational grazers. 

For The Ultimate Livestock Guardian we recommend the Pet & Livestock HQ Electric Netting Fence – your best defence against active birds that have a penchant for flight and garden predators on the prowl. 

Guide for Installing an Electric Net Fence

1. Prepare the materials

• Fencing wire 
• Fence posts 
• Post insulators 
• Grounding rods and cable
• Wire tighteners and connectors
• Electric fence energiser
• Warning signs (required by law in many areas)

2. Mapping out your perimeter

Before you get started, you must first map out your desired perimeter. Use a measuring tape to identify the exact area you wish to enclose. Now, grab a pen and paper (or a digital tool, if you want) and sketch out your perfect arrangement. Consider strategically placing access points, such as gates for simple entry and exit, and don't forget to designate any potential escape routes your pets or livestock may devise.

Next, mark the locations for your fence posts around the perimeter, ensuring that they are evenly spaced (typically 10-30 feet apart) to create a strong and effective barrier. With this plan in place, you're well on your way to building a home that your animals will like and respect.

3. Installation of Posts

Secure the posts at the places that you have marked. Remember, a sturdy fence starts with a sturdy foundation, so make sure the posts are pushed deeply and securely. Don't skip the corner braces; they'll provide extra support and peace of mind. Next, attach the insulators to the posts at the right height for your pet or livestock.

Whether it's a playful pup or a curious chicken, make sure they have a clear understanding of the boundary line. Now that the posts are in place and the insulation is ready, you're one step closer to providing your animals with a secure and happy place.

4. Attaching the Fence Wire

Make sure the wire passes through each post's insulators neatly and without any slack. Consider it like giving your animals an electrified clothesline that runs continuously. If it doesn't appear precisely taut just now, don't worry—that's where the convenient wire tighteners come in. Use these tools to make sure the wire is smooth and firm, forming a secure barrier, just like you would when adjusting a guitar string.

Lastly, join the wire's two ends to create a full loop, which represents the safe area you've established. You now have a secure and confined area for your pets or livestock as soon as the fence wire is installed.

5. Connecting the the Energizer

The energizer, the system’s central component, is used in the last phase of powering up your perimeter. But always remember, safety comes first! Make sure you carefully follow the manufacturer’s directions while attaching the energizer to the grounding system and the fence wire.

Think of it like plugging in a vital appliance – caution and following the manual are vital. Don’t forget about the grounding rods; these safely deflect any excess energy away from the fence by acting like lightning rods. 

Now that everything is linked, it’s time to put it to the test. To make sure the system is operating correctly and providing a safe output for your animals, use a voltage tester. Always put safety first, and refer to the detailed instructions provided by the system you have selected.

Important Considerations When Installing Your Electric Wire Fence:

• To discourage digging, tiny dogs may benefit from having the bottom section of the fence wire buried.
• Use brightly coloured flags along the fence line to increase visibility for smaller animals.
• Use positive reinforcement to teach your pets to respect the fence's boundaries.
• For larger animals, such as horses and cattle, use sturdier posts and heavier gauge wire.
• Train your livestock to the fence gradually, beginning with a low voltage setting.
• Ensure proper grounding to prevent accidental shocks to animals or humans.
• Integrate the fence into existing structures, such as gates and pens, smoothly.

Troubleshooting Like a Pro: Keeping Your Fence in Tip-Top Shape

Even with the most carefully planned fence installation, problems can happen.  Here are some common issues and solutions:

Safety First!

Safety is the most important thing! Keep children and pets away from the live wire, and use caution when handling the fence. Don’t touch the fence while it is being worked on or when the energiser is on. Speak with a qualified electrician or electric dog fence installer if you are unable to resolve the issue on your own.

Troubleshooting Flowchart