Goats are notorious escape artists. They climb, jump, and squeeze through tiny gaps, making fencing a serious challenge. If you want to keep your herd safe, an electric fence for goats is one of the best solutions.
But with so many options available, what’s the best electric fence for goats? Whether you need a permanent, portable, or solar-powered fence, this guide will help you find the right choice for your farm or homestead.
Why Use an Electric Fence for Goats?
✔ Prevents escapes – Goats respect electric fences after a few zaps.
✔ Deters predators – Keeps out coyotes, foxes, and stray dogs.
✔ More affordable than traditional fencing – Costs less than woven wire or wooden fences.
✔ Portable options available – Great for rotational grazing and temporary enclosures.
Key Features of a Good Goat Electric Fence:
- Height: At least 42 inches to prevent jumping.
- Wire Spacing: Close enough to stop them from squeezing through.
- Strong Charger: At least 5,000–7,000 volts for effectiveness.
- Durable Posts: Sturdy enough to withstand goat rubbing and pushing.
Best Electric Fences for Goats (Top Picks)
1. Premier 1 ElectroNet 9/35/12 – Best Portable Electric Netting
✔ Type: Electric netting
✔ Height: 35 inches
✔ Power Needed: 0.25-joule charger minimum
🔹 Why It’s Great:
- Easy to set up and move (perfect for rotational grazing).
- Stops goats and deters predators.
- Works with solar or AC-powered chargers.
🔹 Best For: Small farms, rotational grazing, temporary enclosures.
2. Zareba 50-Mile AC-Powered Fence Charger – Best for Large Farms
✔ Type: High-power fence energizer
✔ Coverage: Up to 50 miles
✔ Voltage: 7,000 volts
🔹 Why It’s Great:
- Powers long, multi-wire fences for large pastures.
- Reliable AC-powered system for continuous operation.
- Can handle heavy weed pressure.
🔹 Best For: Large homesteads, ranches, and permanent fencing setups.
3. Gallagher S400 Solar Fence Charger – Best Solar Electric Fence for Goats
✔ Type: Solar-powered fence charger
✔ Coverage: Up to 60 acres
✔ Voltage: 8,000 volts
🔹 Why It’s Great:
- Runs without electricity—perfect for remote areas.
- Weatherproof design for long-term durability.
- Powerful enough for stubborn goats and predator control.
🔹 Best For: Off-grid farms, mobile goat enclosures, remote pastures.
4. Patriot PE10 Electric Fence Charger – Best Budget Option
✔ Type: Low-cost AC charger
✔ Coverage: Up to 10 miles
✔ Voltage: 5,000 volts
🔹 Why It’s Great:
- Affordable and easy to set up.
- Great for small farms or backyard goats.
- Works with polywire, tape, or electric netting.
🔹 Best For: Small farms, hobby goat keepers, budget-conscious farmers.
Types of Electric Fencing for Goats
Choosing the best electric fence for goats depends on your needs. Here are the most common options:
1. Electric Netting (Best for Portable Fencing)
- Quick to set up and move.
- Ideal for temporary enclosures and rotational grazing.
- Needs regular maintenance to prevent sagging.
2. Multi-Strand Wire Fencing (Best for Permanent Fencing)
- Uses 4–6 strands of electric wire for durability.
- Requires sturdy wooden or T-posts.
- Works well for large herds and permanent pastures.
3. Polywire or Polytape Fencing (Best for Training & Small Areas)
- Highly visible and easy to install.
- Not as durable as netting or wire fencing.
- Good for temporary pens and training goats to respect electric fences.
How to Set Up an Electric Fence for Goats
1️⃣ Choose the Right Fence Type – Netting for portable setups, multi-strand wire for permanent pastures.
2️⃣ Pick a Strong Fence Charger – Needs at least 5,000–7,000 volts.
3️⃣ Install Sturdy Posts – Use wood, metal T-posts, or step-in posts.
4️⃣ Space Wires Properly – Bottom wire 6 inches from the ground, additional wires spaced 6–8 inches apart.
5️⃣ Ground the System – Install at least 3 grounding rods for maximum efficiency.
6️⃣ Train Your Goats – Let them touch the fence while supervised to learn boundaries.
🔹 Pro Tip: Always keep vegetation trimmed around the fence to prevent grounding issues.
Common Electric Fence Problems & Solutions
🚧 Fence Not Zapping?
✔ Check the grounding system—most issues come from poor grounding.
✔ Make sure wires are not broken or shorting out.
🚧 Goats Pushing Through?
✔ Increase voltage to at least 7,000 volts.
✔ Use closer wire spacing to prevent squeezing through.
🚧 Predators Getting In?
✔ Add an extra low wire (6 inches above ground) for coyotes and dogs.
✔ Use a solar or battery backup for 24/7 protection.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Electric Fence for Goats
A good electric fence for goats keeps your herd contained, safe from predators, and easy to manage.
Quick Recap:
✔ Best Portable Electric Fence? Premier 1 ElectroNet
✔ Best for Large Farms? Zareba 50-Mile Charger
✔ Best Solar-Powered Option? Gallagher S400
✔ Best Budget Choice? Patriot PE10
No matter your setup, choosing the right electric fence and charger ensures your goats stay safe, secure, and where they belong!
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