Quick Answer
Electric netting (electrified mesh) is the most effective portable containment option for sheep, goats, and poultry. Standard poultry netting is 48 inches tall with 3.5-inch mesh; sheep netting is 35–48 inches tall with larger spacing. The netting requires a proper energizer (minimum 0.25 joule for small setups, 1+ joule for large runs or predator pressure) and good grounding to be effective.
How Electric Netting Works
Electric netting consists of horizontal strands of conductive wire woven into a mesh with plastic vertical stays to maintain shape. The top 3–5 horizontal strands are energized; the bottom strand is typically a ground wire that completes the circuit when an animal simultaneously touches a hot strand above. This "hot/ground integrated" design makes the fence effective even in dry conditions.
The energized strands create a psychological barrier — animals that have been shocked once typically respect the fence without testing it again. The visual presence of the netting also provides some deterrence even when voltage is low.
Netting Types and Specifications
| Type | Height | Length | Mesh Size | Best For | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PoultryNet 48" | 48 in | 164 ft | 3.5 in | Chickens, ducks, turkeys | $90–$130 |
| PoultryNet 42" | 42 in | 164 ft | 3.5 in | Chickens, rabbit control | $80–$110 |
| SheepNet 35" | 35 in | 164 ft | 6 in | Sheep, lambs, goats | $75–$100 |
| SheepNet 48" | 48 in | 164 ft | 6 in | Sheep, goats, predator control | $90–$120 |
| PigNet 35" | 35 in | 164 ft | 4 in | Pigs and hogs | $80–$110 |
Energizer Requirements
A single 164-foot section of netting needs a minimum 0.25 joule energizer. For 3–4 sections (400–600 feet) with predator pressure, use a 1–2 joule energizer. A common mistake is using an undersized energizer — the netting itself has more surface area contacting vegetation than individual wires, so it drains power faster. An underpowered netting fence is worse than no fence because it gives false security.
Setup and Management Tips
- Clear vegetation under the netting before setting up — even short grass drains voltage from the low bottom strands
- Keep the netting taut — sagging sections fall to the ground and short out
- Move netting every 3–7 days in rotational grazing systems to avoid soil compaction and vegetation loss under the fence line
- Store netting carefully — tangles take significant time to unravel. Use the roll storage bags designed for each brand
- Inspect the netting for damage after each move — a single broken conductive strand can drop voltage significantly
Our Recommendation
Premier 1 Supplies (PoultryNet and SheepNet) and Gallagher are the most widely tested electric netting brands with consistent quality and good customer support. Avoid very cheap netting — the conductive strands corrode, the stays break, and the mesh geometry distorts over time. Quality netting at $90–$130 per 164-foot section lasts 5–10 years with proper care.