The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Young Ed on April 30, 2014, 09:25:23 pm
-
looking at the various different electric fencing options for sheep and have ruled out netting on the grounds of lambs and even fully grown sheep get caught n it from time to time potentially resulting in death and also it shorts out on the grass like mad!
so really i am looking at the stranded wire stuff or the white woven tape. i was leaning more towards the tape as it is more visible for the sheep so they are less likely to even test it
as the fence will need to be movable i need the stakes that you just pull in and out as you like, that means i am limited to 2 types:
we shall call this one type 1
(https://www.countrywidefarmers.co.uk/pws/images/guides/guides_electric_fencing_fence1.jpg)
we shall call this one type 2
(http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/634104/634104015686lg.jpg)
i would prefer type 2 as they are more durable and have infinitely variable height setting on the various starands, but it is more expensive and harder to source
so what do you say you i trust modern plastics and don't stick with the idea that plastics are as weak as they were before i was born and just go with type 1? or should i splash out on type 2? is there the right and enough height settings for wire or tape even to keep lambs in? stranded wire or woven tape?
sorry lots of wee little questions but i am just a tad confused!
Cheers Ed
-
I use option 1 with tape and 3 strands with pretty good success, although only dividing up larger stock proof areas. I have had first ewe out yesterday since post lambing turnout at the start of march. Probably best to train them to it when young or shorn, and some breeds seem to respect more than others. ( romneys I had wouldn, t even jump over 1 strand lying on the ground).
There's a big difference in the quality (price) of the different plastic posts available.
-
I use plastic posts with stranded white wire, 3 lines. Ewes and lambs all respect it but must admit it is on a massive powerful fencer which does our dear fence round our woods. Agree with horlicks regarding Romneys, mine have to have the wire completely removed before i can move them through the fencing!! RAPPA fencing do some good kits, i have 3 reels on a post which makes putting fencing out a doddle.
-
Plastic posts with wire or tape. I have found that poly wire frays quite easily and the wool gets stuck to it rather well if your sheep do happen to run through it. Tape in this respect would be more robust, however the conductivity is less I think. You could always just use plain wire - depends how often you are needing to move it.
-
I have not used these fences other than for the kids pony and pigs, I do use the nets and find they still work even with a fair amount of vegetation, I have found that sheep and lambs will get stuck in them the moment the battery runs down but have not yet had problems with a full battery
-
wire, 3 strands on plastic posts---light & cheap
80 acre blocks fenced at a time with 1 fencer, sheep only get out when pushed (by a dog for instance)
Rappa fencing are the best suppliers in my experience ---look them up online
-
I use yellow plastic rappa posts, with 3 strands of polywire, tape didnt work for me as if they do touch it they got less of a jolt
When I get a new kit one day (If I need to) I will use 2 strands of plain wire and 1 of polywire for a bigger shock, as sometimes the frisky ones need reminding
I have never had a post broken and I use my fence pretty much all year round, either to fence off large or small areas, from 1 acre up to 20 or more
This is the website http://www.rappa.co.uk/ (http://www.rappa.co.uk/)
-
The first year that I had lambs I lost one when it got caught in the electric netting as the battery had gone flat. Would never use it again, I would go with type 1 if I was using an electric fence.
-
Plastic posts with wire or tape. I have found that poly wire frays quite easily and the wool gets stuck to it rather well if your sheep do happen to run through it. Tape in this respect would be more robust, however the conductivity is less I think. You could always just use plain wire - depends how often you are needing to move it.
so the plastic posts last ok? and do they have enough and low enough slots for tape for lambs? aiming to make up one enclosure and then move it when and as needed when they have exhausted the grass in that area (pretty good grass here)
I use option 1 with tape and 3 strands with pretty good success, although only dividing up larger stock proof areas. I have had first ewe out yesterday since post lambing turnout at the start of march. Probably best to train them to it when young or shorn, and some breeds seem to respect more than others. ( romneys I had wouldn, t even jump over 1 strand lying on the ground).
There's a big difference in the quality (price) of the different plastic posts available.
and the 3 strands keep the lambs in? and again they go low enough? what plastic posts do you use and where do you get them from?
Cheers Ed
-
thanks all, will check out rappa
Cheers Ed
-
Our sheep have no respect for the electric tape, just walk on through and the fencer is a mains one!
-
Our sheep have no respect for the electric tape, just walk on through and the fencer is a mains one!
tried the stranded steel wire stuff? maybe less visible but more conductive then tape. what breed are your sheep? ewes or lambs or what?
Cheers Ed
-
no idea on posts or even tape vs polywire stuff
2.5mm HT steel wire with a mains charger hurts when you accidentally test it with your belly... trust me!!!
-
i was at one of these boring school presentations and one of the speeches was by a rather humorous guy who had been helping a duke of Edinburgh award expedition thing and at the camp site some lads decided they needed to get over an electric fence and they weren't sure if it was on or not so one of them decided to test it! :o........ with his tongue! :P he could only say uhhhh HAHA
they concluded it was live :D
Cheers Ed
-
so the plastic posts last ok? and do they have enough and low enough slots for tape for lambs? aiming to make up one enclosure and then move it when and as needed when they have exhausted the grass in that area (pretty good grass here)
Yes, use 20mm tape rather than the 40mm tape.
and the 3 strands keep the lambs in? and again they go low enough? what plastic posts do you use and where do you get them from?
Cheers Ed
Yes. I use hotline ones (MVF ones are very similar). I personally prefer them to the Gallagher style ones.
I'd use 3 strands of tape but 4 strands of wire.
Also to train your sheep, erect a bit of electric fence in the middle of the field, so that it is *not* containing them. Just put out like 10 metres or so. Switch on the electric and let them learn not to touch it. After a day or so you can then erect the electric fence proper and use it to contain them. This is easier than having lambs etc jump in fright the first time they touch it and end up on the wrong side of the fence. Less stress all round :).
-
I have tape - its rubbish. Gets all twisted and wires break at the corners. I have found solid galv wire best, but don't know on the rope, although its got to be better than tape. Have had no problems with stakes, mine are 4 ft and quite thick. I have found at corners its best to spend the time to put in a braced wooden post otherwise the strain is too much. As to getting out, ours haven't, and i know a farmer who doesn't have problems, but i think electric fencing is only really for subdividing, not as a perimeter fence.
-
We have posts as in your pic 1 with stranded wire. We only use it for subdividing the field for sheep. They are very respectful of it. In fact when we move them they don't even like going over the place where the line was.
It works very well for our purpose.
-
sorry, next question now!
spacing between the poly posts? is 4 m too far? would 2 m be ok? this is with nice solid wooden posts on each corner and either side of the gate with those screw in insulators
Cheers Ed
-
sorry, next question now!
spacing between the poly posts? is 4 m too far? would 2 m be ok? this is with nice solid wooden posts on each corner and either side of the gate with those screw in insulators
Cheers Ed
I use 14 paces which I am guessing is 10m+ between poly posts.
-
I usually look at the contour of the ground and go from anywhere from 2-3metres on rough ground to 10m if it's flat ground and straight in line wiring.
-
sorry, next question now!
spacing between the poly posts? is 4 m too far? would 2 m be ok? this is with nice solid wooden posts on each corner and either side of the gate with those screw in insulators
Cheers Ed
sounds good, i shall only order 25 poly posts for the moment then
I usually look at the contour of the ground and go from anywhere from 2-3metres on rough ground to 10m if it's flat ground and straight in line wiring.
I use 14 paces which I am guessing is 10m+ between poly posts.
level land but bumpy as in not flat and could do with a roller, so i should be okay with a 4-5m spacing?
Cheers Ed
-
I didn't realise what a difference there was in the voltage (and therefore energisers) required to contain sheep vs pigs....I was hoping to strip graze and have wire, post type 2 but pig energiser :-(. Sheep voltage energisers seem to be about £200? Think I'll be bashing in a few temporary fence posts and old fencing.......
-
Ed--- As Deere says the idea is to stop the sheep getting out so there has to be a certain amount of contour following to ensure there are no large gaps left under the wire. On a perfect flat surface you can put the posts 20m apart if you can keep the wire tight enough so that it doesn't sag between posts---but then when you cross a gully you may have to use 3 posts in 3 m
There is no hard rule I guess
-
I didn't realise what a difference there was in the voltage (and therefore energisers) required to contain sheep vs pigs....I was hoping to strip graze and have wire, post type 2 but pig energiser :-(. Sheep voltage energisers seem to be about £200? Think I'll be bashing in a few temporary fence posts and old fencing.......
what voltage roughly for each? i have been told no less than 2 joules for sheep is all you need to look for?
i think i will be getting this one at £110, opinions?
http://www.molevalleyfarmers.com/mvf/store/products/gallagher-powerplus-fencer-m300s-31j (http://www.molevalleyfarmers.com/mvf/store/products/gallagher-powerplus-fencer-m300s-31j)
Cheers Ed
-
last couple of energizers I bought were MVF B2000---2 J --- running 3 strands around 50 acres each with no problems
earth it well
-
last couple of energizers I bought were MVF B2000---2 J --- running 3 strands around 50 acres each with no problems
earth it well
can't find a B 2000, you sure it wasn't the D2000 with dual voltage of 12/230v? 2J
http://www.molevalleyfarmers.com/mvf/store/products/mvf-d2000-12v-230v-dual-power-electric-fencing-energiser (http://www.molevalleyfarmers.com/mvf/store/products/mvf-d2000-12v-230v-dual-power-electric-fencing-energiser)
also re they inside or at least sheltered or just outside on a stake or so?
Cheers Ed
-
http://www.molevalleyfarmers.com/mvf/store/products/mvf-b2000-battery-fencer-12v-20j (http://www.molevalleyfarmers.com/mvf/store/products/mvf-b2000-battery-fencer-12v-20j)
outside hanging on a stake
-
one final question now i have ordered the fence and just need to order one or two more bits and bobs including a earth stake
would something like this be total overkill and would there be any adverse affects?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Earth-Rod-1200mm-9-5mm-and-16mm-/171331875485?pt=UK_BOI_Materials_Supplies_Electrical_ET&var=&hash=item27e42cf29d (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Earth-Rod-1200mm-9-5mm-and-16mm-/171331875485?pt=UK_BOI_Materials_Supplies_Electrical_ET&var=&hash=item27e42cf29d)
in the smaller size of 9.5mm(3/8")X1200mm
if so can someone point me to something suitable at a cheap price?
Cheers Ed
-
Save your money Ed!
Just get hold of some old copper water pipe, bring it to a point at one end, and hammer it in the ground!
Depending on the the type of soil you have, it may not be possible to get a good earth in order to make the most of the energiser. In which case, put a series (3 or 4) copper pipes in and link them together in series. You can also enhance the earthing quality by pouring a strong salt water mix around the earth rod(s) if the ground is dry.
-
I just clip the earth wire to a steel corner post ---angle iron stuck about 8 ins into the ground---works well enough
-
thanks all i have plenty of scrap scrap copper pipe hanging about so will do one or two earths out of that and if it proves not to be good enough i will splash out
on very heavy clay so should be okay earthing, as the clay holds moisture/water well?
Cheers Ed
-
in one field I have an old muck fork that lost its handle, easy to push into ground and easy to clip to.