[Nikkijw]

Hi All, wondered if i might ask for some advice please. I have found some extra grazing for winter but am concerned there is a fairly large pond in the field (should i be concerned?). I was considering using some temporary fencing to screen it off, something like the green plastic security fencing & metal steaks. Unfortunately my finances dont allow me to properly fence on someone elses land. Anyone able to advise or have experience/tips please. Thank you

[Anke]

My sheep every so often manage to get through one of the fences in a field that I rent and it borders a (often) fast-flowing river. So far none of them have drowned or even got in the water. Also you see sheep in fields with ponds in them here all the time - especially at the moment after a few days of torrential rain. I wouldn't fence it off.

[twizzel]

Provided they don’t have horns- electric fence- polywire and plastic stakes. 2 or 3 strands should do the trick. Stick a decent energiser on, and a 12v battery. All of my sheep go behind electric. Most of our grazing is cow secure but not sheep.

[Fleecewife]

Even sheep without horns can get stuck in electric mesh fencing, which is not a pretty sight, so stranded is better but not as secure for animals not used to it.  I would think that unless the pond has very steep sides they are unlikely to go into the water.

[Nikkijw]

Thanks all, reassuring to hear none have gone in the water. Im hoping if they have fresh water easily accessible they won't be so inclined to go to the pond  . I have read the scaffolding debris netting may do the job?? I will have a look at that too. Unfortunately i only have a few sheep so electric fencing gets a bit pricey for a short term job. Thank you

[Richmond]

My neighbour has 1000+ sheep. The paddock closest to the farm has a large pond. As long as we have lived here (13 years) I have never seen a sheep stuck in the water and there have been sheep in that paddock regularly every year.

[landroverroy]

Logically - why would they go in the water? They are only going to go to the edge to drink and presumably the pond slopes gently and doesn't start with a precipitous drop so they might fall in and not be able to get out?
To me - a sheep with a pond is a bonus as you don't have to cart water.  I have 2 such fields and greatly appreciate the natural water supply. Think about it - where did sheep used to drink from before we had water on tap?

[Fleecewife]

The only drowned sheep I see have fallen into a fast moving flooded river which sweeps them away, which a pond isn't going to do, or if they get stranded in rising waters.

[Nikkijw]

Thank you, i really appreciate your views & taking the time to reply. Really reassuring. I'm clearly being an over protective mum! Ha ha