Fencing goats on hilly or uneven terrain is extra challenging. Goats are natural climbers, and hills make it easier for them to jump over or slip under fencing. If your fence isn’t built correctly, they’ll escape, and predators will get in.
So, what’s the best goat fence for hilly terrain? In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔ The best fence types for uneven land
✔ How to prevent gaps under the fence
✔ Tips for installing a secure fence on slopes
Challenges of Fencing on Hilly Terrain
Before choosing a fence, you need to account for the terrain:
✔ Uneven ground can leave gaps under the fence, allowing goats to escape.
✔ Hills give goats an advantage—they can jump over shorter fence sections.
✔ Soil erosion can weaken posts over time.
✔ Predators (coyotes, mountain lions) are more common in rugged areas.
The best goat fence for hilly terrain should be:
✔ Strong & flexible – Adapts to slopes without creating gaps.
✔ Tall enough – At least 48 inches to prevent jumping.
✔ Predator-proof – Protects against coyotes, foxes, and stray dogs.
Best Fencing Options for Goats on Hilly Terrain
1. Woven Wire Fence – Best Overall
✔ Height: 48+ inches
✔ Wire Spacing: 2” x 4” mesh
✔ Durability: Strong, long-lasting
🔹 Why It’s Great:
- Follows the contour of the land without leaving gaps.
- Tightly spaced wires prevent squeezing through.
- Durable against pushing & climbing.
🔹 Best For: Permanent fencing on hills and rough terrain.
🔹 Top Pick: Red Brand Goat & Sheep Fence (48” height)
2. Electric Netting – Best for Rotational Grazing
✔ Height: 35–42 inches
✔ Wire Spacing: Small mesh openings
✔ Power Needed: Solar, AC, or battery-powered charger
🔹 Why It’s Great:
- Flexible enough to follow hills & uneven ground.
- Prevents climbing & keeps out predators.
- Easy to move for rotational grazing.
🔹 Best For: Portable fencing on steep slopes.
🔹 Top Pick: Premier 1 ElectroNet 9/35/12
3. High-Tensile Electric Fence – Best for Large Farms
✔ Height: 42–48 inches
✔ Wire Type: 4–6 strands of high-tensile wire
✔ Power Needed: 5,000–7,000 volts
🔹 Why It’s Great:
- Stretches over hills without sagging.
- Cost-effective for large areas.
- Doubles as predator protection.
🔹 Best For: Large pastures with steep inclines.
🔹 Top Pick: Gallagher S400 Solar Fence Charger (for off-grid farms).
4. Welded Wire Fence – Best Budget Option
✔ Height: 48 inches
✔ Wire Spacing: 2” x 4” mesh
🔹 Why It’s Great:
- Affordable compared to woven wire.
- Works well with wooden or metal posts.
- Not as durable as woven wire but great for small farms.
🔹 Best For: Backyard goat enclosures & budget-conscious farms.
How to Install Goat Fencing on Hilly Terrain (Step-by-Step Guide)
✅ Step 1: Choose the Right Fence Type – Woven wire for permanent fencing, electric netting for portable areas.
✅ Step 2: Use Staggered Posts on Hills – Place fence posts closer together (6–8 feet apart) to prevent sagging.
✅ Step 3: Dig Posts Deeper on Slopes – On steep sections, bury posts 3–4 feet deep for stability.
✅ Step 4: Use Concrete for Corner Posts – This prevents erosion from weakening your fence.
✅ Step 5: Secure the Bottom to the Ground – Attach the fence 6 inches into the soil or add a wooden board to block gaps.
🔹 Pro Tip: Follow the land’s natural curves instead of forcing a straight fence—it reduces gaps and makes installation easier.
Electric vs. Non-Electric Fencing for Hilly Terrain
| Feature | Electric Fence | Woven/Welded Wire Fence |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Large pastures, predator protection | Permanent enclosures, small pastures |
| Ease of Installation | ✅ Easier on hills | ❌ Harder to install on slopes |
| Durability | ✅ High | ✅ High |
| Predator Protection | ✅ Excellent | ❌ Moderate |
| Cost | 💰 More affordable | 💰 More expensive |
🔹 For large areas? Choose electric fencing—it’s easier to install on slopes.
🔹 For small farms? Woven wire is long-lasting and secure.
Common Fencing Problems on Hills & How to Fix Them
🚧 Fence Sags on Slopes?
✔ Use shorter post spacing (6–8 feet apart).
✔ Tension wires properly on high-tensile fences.
🚧 Gaps Under the Fence?
✔ Bury the bottom 6 inches or use wooden boards to close gaps.
✔ Add an extra low strand of electric wire to stop digging.
🚧 Fence Posts Leaning on Hills?
✔ Bury corner posts deeper (3–4 feet) and use concrete for stability.
✔ Set posts at an angle to match the slope.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Goat Fence for Hilly Terrain
Fencing on uneven land is tough, but with the right materials and setup, you can keep your goats safe and contained.
Quick Recap:
✔ Best Permanent Fence? Woven Wire (2” x 4” mesh, 48” tall)
✔ Best Portable Fence? Premier 1 Electric Netting
✔ Best for Large Pastures? High-Tensile Electric Fence
✔ Best Budget Option? Welded Wire Fence
No matter your land type, using staggered posts, burying the fence bottom, and following natural slopes will create a goat-proof fence that lasts.
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