Hello liz
I've only been farming for 3 years and so am a novice really too.
I bought loads of electric fence cos thought it would work instead of putting up fencing, but it turned out to be a bit of a nightmare especially if there is juicy feed on the other side of the fence.
I'd only ever use electric fence now if I knew :-
a. it would never loose charge (which with a mains fence is all good)
b. they had experienced the charge while i was watching or they 'know' what it does.
I've sat and watched lambies stick their head through and shake and get caught with shock - I'm never using it for lambies again. If the fence goes off its the worst as mine just seem to clammer over it, through it, get messed up in it and need rescuing
If I have fencing out thats electric, I like to check it a few times a day.
Its almost as cheap these days to stick some temp posts in and a roll of wire?
Baz