[robert waddell]

have seen alkathene pipe nailed to stobs taking the wire out at the top of the fence
we have the rubber pipe as described by princess  it earths out at these parts if you have high voltage fencing the pulse can arc up to half an inch from the bare wire

[Sharnoak]

Now I know we are talking UK here ( ), but have you considered solar energisers? I bought one some months back on ebay, and it works a treat with the polywire. Have strung it up in several areas as have been moving stock around to get the grass down in summer (high fire risk area), and it has kept in cattle (big buggers and the highlands), sheep and the alpacas. I know it gives a fair kick, as Gordy the puppy briards kindly ( ) decided to test it for me...and shot back to the house yelping! I have just bought another unit on ebay last night, does 3km of fencing, for $92.50-which is about 59 pounds, to set up strip grazing for the pigs in the wood.

[robert waddell]

if the cretins steal the battery fence units they will steal the solar energisers as well 

[Sharnoak]

if the cretins steal the battery fence units they will steal the solar energisers as well 

Good point! I am lucky however, as anyone wanting to steal has a 1/2 km walk down a 'driveway' (if you can call a rutted lane that!) before they get here 

[robert waddell]

that would be a godsend for the tea leaf ,tolly ,barsteward that is a Scottish low life

[Polished Arrow]

Not cheap, but you only have to buy it once... Gallagher FTW.  (Mains). 
So, we believe it will be cheaper in the long run.
It also takes considerably less maintenance than a battery system once set up.

We use Hotline for the poultry, though, running it off the main Gallagher system that surrounds our farm.

[ambriel]

I bought ours as a starter pack from Paddock Perfection on Ebay: http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Paddock-Perfection

It was £134 including delivery and contained everything we needed, including the energiser. All I had to do was connect it up to a battery.

I use a pair of old car batteries and just swap them round whenever one needs re-charging. Works fine and the boys quickly learned not to touch the tape.

[Sharnoak]

Have just tried out the new electric fencing with the solar energiser for Ella and Aretha (large black females, very vocal  ) and they have learned not to touch it VERY quickly! At this stage only used 2 strands of polywire, but will need to up it as they grow-which is pretty quickly at the moment  It doesn't give a constant charge, but a pulse, and it's not particularly strong, but appears to be doing the trick.

[robert waddell]

if it was continuous it would kill them    even with pulsing 20 min max and they are dead if caught on the fence

[Small Farmer]

Our sheep have dense wool and generally learn to respect the fence when exploring with their noses.  I have though seen occasions where one has leaned against the fence for twenty or thirty seconds, clearly feeling nothing. What always happens then is a sharp 'crack' as it finds a route through. 

All except one of last years ewes respect the fence even when it's off.  The exception definitely knows when it's off.