Fencing · 8 min read
Electric fence for goats: wire height, voltage and layout
Goats test every fence. Here is how to build an electric setup that actually holds them, from wire spacing to grounding.
By WORKING ACRE Field Desk · Updated
Key takeaways
- Keep at least 4,000-6,000 volts on the line.
- Use 4-5 strands, with the lowest about 6-8 in. off the ground.
- Most fence failures are grounding problems, not charger problems.
/ Why goats are harder to fence
Goats are curious, agile and insulated by thick coats in winter. They push under, climb over and learn fast when a fence goes dead. A goat fence needs more strands and a stronger pulse than a cattle or horse fence.
/ Recommended strand heights
| Strand | Height from ground |
|---|---|
| 1 (hot) | 6-8 in. |
| 2 (hot) | 12-14 in. |
| 3 (hot) | 20-22 in. |
| 4 (hot) | 30 in. |
| 5 (optional) | 40-42 in. |
/ How to ground an electric fence
- 01Drive three rodsUse at least three galvanized ground rods, 6-8 ft long, spaced 10 ft apart.
- 02Connect in seriesRun one continuous insulated wire from the charger ground to each rod with proper clamps.
- 03Test itShort the fence far from the charger and check the ground rods with a tester; any reading means you need more rods.
/ Train the herd
Put new goats in a small training pen with the fence inside a solid fence for a few days. One or two shocks teach them the line far better than learning on the open perimeter.
/ Fence maintenance checklist
| Frequency | Tasks |
|---|---|
| Weekly | Walk or drive the line, check voltage at the far end |
| Monthly | Clear vegetation, tighten wires, check insulators |
| Seasonally | Test ground rods, inspect gates and corners |
/ Frequently asked
What voltage do goats need?+
Aim for 4,000-6,000 volts on the line, and test it weekly with a fence tester.
Do goats respect electric fences?+
Yes, once trained and as long as the fence stays hot. A fence that goes dead even briefly teaches them to test it.
Is solar enough for a goat fence?+
Yes, for most small paddocks. Size the energizer by output joules and the battery for several cloudy days.