Goats are escape artists—they jump, climb, and push through weak fences. If you need a temporary, easy-to-move fence for rotational grazing, mobile enclosures, or off-grid pastures, a portable electric fence for goats is the perfect solution.
But what’s the best portable electric fence for goats? In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔ The best portable electric fences for goats (netting & wire systems)
✔ How to choose the right setup (voltage, durability, portability)
✔ Step-by-step setup tips to keep your goats contained
Why Use a Portable Electric Fence for Goats?
Portable electric fences are ideal for:
✔ Rotational grazing – Move goats frequently to fresh pasture.
✔ Temporary enclosures – Use in fairs, markets, or temporary holding areas.
✔ Predator protection – Deters coyotes, foxes, and stray dogs.
✔ Off-grid & remote areas – Many portable electric fences work with solar chargers, making them perfect for remote pastures.
Best Portable Electric Fences for Goats (Top Picks)
1. Premier 1 ElectroNet 9/35/12 – Best Overall Electric Netting
✔ Type: Electric netting
✔ Height: 35 inches
✔ Length: 164 feet
✔ Power Needed: Minimum 0.25-joule charger
🔹 Why It’s Great:
- Easy to set up and move—perfect for rotational grazing.
- Built-in stakes for quick installation.
- Works with AC, battery, or solar-powered chargers.
🔹 Best For: Farmers needing a fast, flexible fencing solution.
2. Starkline All-Purpose Electric Netting – Best Budget Electric Fence for Goats
✔ Type: Electric netting
✔ Height: 35 inches
✔ Length: 100 feet
✔ Power Needed: Works with solar or AC chargers
🔹 Why It’s Great:
- Affordable alternative to Premier 1 netting.
- Pre-installed posts for easy setup.
- Works well for small farms and hobby goat owners.
🔹 Best For: Budget-conscious farmers needing temporary fencing.
3. Zareba Portable Electric Fence Kit – Best for Small Paddocks
✔ Type: Polywire & step-in posts
✔ Coverage: Up to 1/4 acre
✔ Power Needed: Works with any electric fence charger
🔹 Why It’s Great:
- Lightweight and easy to move.
- Includes fiberglass step-in posts.
- Best for smaller enclosures or dividing paddocks.
🔹 Best For: Temporary pens, fairgrounds, or small farms.
4. Patriot 50ft Portable Electric Fence Kit – Best for Small-Scale Goat Owners
✔ Type: Polywire with step-in posts
✔ Height: 30 inches
✔ Power Needed: Works with AC, battery, or solar chargers
🔹 Why It’s Great:
- Quick to set up and take down.
- Budget-friendly option for backyard goats.
- Works well for containing small herds.
🔹 Best For: Hobby farmers & small pastures.
5. Gallagher SmartFence 2 – Best Retractable Electric Fence for Goats
✔ Type: Polywire reel system
✔ Height: 42 inches
✔ Length: 330 feet
✔ Power Needed: Works with AC or solar chargers
🔹 Why It’s Great:
- Retractable fence—easy to roll up and move.
- Four strands of polywire for better containment.
- Great for mobile grazing systems.
🔹 Best For: Farmers needing a fast-deploying electric fence.
How to Choose the Right Portable Electric Fence for Goats
| Fence Type | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Netting | Rotational grazing, predator protection | Easy to set up, good for all terrains | Heavier than polywire |
| Polywire & Step-In Posts | Small pastures, dividing paddocks | Lightweight, budget-friendly | Less predator protection |
| Retractable Electric Fences | Quick-deploy setups | Fast setup, easy to move | More expensive |
🔹 For predator protection? Choose electric netting like Premier 1 ElectroNet.
🔹 For budget-friendly fencing? Use polywire and step-in posts.
🔹 For quick mobility? Try a retractable fence like Gallagher SmartFence 2.
How to Set Up a Portable Electric Fence for Goats
✅ Step 1: Choose Your Fence Type – Netting for predator control, polywire for rotational grazing.
✅ Step 2: Pick a Strong Fence Charger – Needs at least 5,000–7,000 volts.
✅ Step 3: Install Step-In Posts or Netting – Space them 8–12 feet apart for stability.
✅ Step 4: Connect the Fence to a Charger – Use solar, battery, or AC-powered options.
✅ Step 5: Train Your Goats – Let them see and test the fence under supervision.
🔹 Pro Tip: Always check voltage with a fence tester to ensure it’s working properly.
Best Portable Electric Fence Chargers for Goats
A portable fence needs a lightweight, efficient charger. Here are the best options:
🔋 Best Solar Charger: Gallagher S100 Solar Fence Charger
✔ Powers up to 30 miles of fencing
✔ No electricity needed—great for off-grid farms
⚡ Best Battery-Powered Charger: Parmak Magnum 12 Solar Fence Charger
✔ Solar-powered with battery backup
✔ Great for small to medium-sized pastures
🔌 Best AC-Powered Charger: Zareba 10-Mile AC Charger
✔ Budget-friendly plug-in option
✔ Works well with polywire & netting
🔹 Pro Tip: Always use at least 3 grounding rods for maximum shock power!
Common Problems & How to Fix Them
🚧 Fence Isn’t Delivering a Strong Shock?
✔ Check the grounding system—most problems come from poor grounding.
✔ Remove weeds or grass touching the fence, which can reduce voltage.
🚧 Goats Keep Escaping?
✔ Increase voltage to 7,000+ volts.
✔ Use closer wire spacing or electric netting.
🚧 Charger Stops Working?
✔ Clean solar panels regularly (if using solar).
✔ Check for loose wires or broken insulators.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Portable Electric Fence for Goats
A portable electric fence for goats is the best way to keep your herd contained while allowing for easy movement and rotational grazing.
Quick Recap:
✔ Best Overall? Premier 1 ElectroNet (most secure & effective)
✔ Best Budget Option? Starkline All-Purpose Netting
✔ Best for Small Paddocks? Zareba Portable Electric Fence Kit
✔ Best for Fast Setup? Gallagher SmartFence 2
No matter your needs, choosing the right portable electric fence will keep your goats safe and secure while making farm management easier.
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