7 Tips for Customizing a Fence for Your Animals

1. How a fence is put together.

   Top and bottom wires should always be charged to deter both jumpers and crawlers. If you use grounded wires, place them in the middle of the fence.

2. The longer and thicker the hair or fur, the higher the voltage needed for the shock to jump all the way through to the skin and be convincing.
3. The faster the animal and/or the poorer the eyesight the more visible the fence should be. This is especially true for horses and bears.
4. Taller fences for jumping animals, tighter fences for smaller animals: The exceptions here are fences for deer, which are more easily confused by a three-dimensional electric fence than stopped by a 10-foot (3m) high fence.
5. Taller fences for teenaged animals. Young animals with lots of energy are far more likely to try jumping a fence than are mature adults. If you see a lot of this sort of youthful exuberance in your herd or flock, move the top wires higher, add top wires or purchase taller electric net fencing.
6. Humans often don’t notice or understand electric fences. If any of your electric fence borders public roads or walking, hiking, all-terrain vehicle, or snowmobile trails, then highly visible electric tape or twine is a good idea. Post “Warning! Electric Fence!” signs for added emphasis.
7. Rogue animals should be culled. An animal that is always trying to jump over, wiggle through, or crawl under the fence, even though said critter has plenty to eat, can be a real waste of your time and energy, not to mention the wear and tear on your fence. Consider culling the animal before it teaches all the others its bad habits.

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