[tirdu]

Hi ther guys, any advice on electric fencing for pigs would be helpful if possible regarding types of stuff needed and what not else.
thanks

Keith

[Hilarysmum]

We use blue ribbon.  You need a sender unit, either mains or electric.  Most people say two strands are fine. 

[tirdu]

Well i've got an electric battery unit, but would you say that the nylon single stran wire would do the same job as good as ribbon?

[Crofter]

We use the orange electric "string" and it's fine for pigs.  Like any electric fence they have to be trained to it or they'll run straight through it.  Watch out for the one (there's always one!) who figures out that you can short the fence out by piling soil on the bottom wire though.

Dave

[tirdu]

How many strands would you be using for sows then and at what spaces from each other?. Thanks for that valuable advice crofter. 

[garden cottage]

hi, we use single tape about 1/2 inch wide had no problems with escapees at all. 9" off the ground well tensioned. if your using a portable fencer a caravan leisure battery will last for months on it.     neil

[sausagesandcash]

I don't think a battery unit will cut it. At least if you go mains it will always be live, and you won't have to worry about the charge getting weaker or dying altogether. I picked up a substantial mains set for about 120 euro, and it gives a good solid jag. If your pigs have never been trained to an electric fence please read my post 'the one that got away', it will save you loads of hardship....and a mini-marathon! I also read once that pigs see the tape better than wire. Best of luck!

[tirdu]

Thanks all so far for the great advice for a newbie to pigs like myself. If anone needs advice with anything to do with sheep then just come to me. thanks all 

[sausagesandcash]

Might just take you up on that...someone recommended that I buy 'suffolks', what do you think? 

[tirdu]

O my god no!!!!!. I went down that route last year and bought five yearling ewes which have been a total disaster. They're just terrible things. They only eat eat eat. When they lambed they didnt really care much for their lambs, and when the lambs are born they are extrememly doppy and arent sure if to live or not really. The best sheep we've ever had and still breed for us have been the polled dorset, just magnifient sheep to work and live with. 

p.s. dont care what anyone tells you just please leave the suffolk alone!!!!

[woollyval]

Pigs need a good ping..... they know if the fence is not up to the job even if 2 or 3 strands!!!

Once pinged a bit they generally leave it alone.....I back it up with stock fencing, pigs do a lot of damage left unattended!!!

[sausagesandcash]

I'll take that advice gladly. You saved me a bundle, and a load of wasted time! What type of pig have you opted for?  

[tirdu]

Bundle?. Leave them seriously. Well talked to a breeder and good customer of ours who buys hay and straw and its either GOS or saddleback. Thought on these choices gladly appreciated 

[garden cottage]

ours were gos cross berkshire produced superb meat very lean carcass, docile easy to keep pigs. portable fencers are fine, the trick is to keep a spare battery charged up to maintain a good shock............neil

[tirdu]

Believe you me neil theres plenty of them here laying about of all these old tractors we've had over the years