Electric Fence Netting vs Wire – Which One Is Right for Your Livestock?

1. Introduction: Why Fence Choice Matters

Choosing the right electric fence type is not just about budget—it directly affects livestock safety, grazing efficiency, and ease of management. Two of the most common fencing solutions are electric fence netting and electric fence wire systems (including polywire, polyrope, and tape). Each has unique benefits depending on your animals and land setup.

2. What Is Electric Fence Netting?

Electric fence netting is a pre-fabricated mesh with conductive wires woven into vertical and horizontal lines, usually with step-in posts already attached. It’s designed for fast setup and secure containment.
✅ Best for: Poultry, goats, sheep, or areas with predator risks
Pros:
- Quick installation, minimal tools required
- Tight spacing prevents animals from slipping through
- Offers some predator protection

Cons:
- Heavier and harder to move
- More expensive per meter
- Difficult to repair if damaged

3. What Is Electric Fence Wire (Polywire, Polyrope, Tape)?

Wire-based fencing uses polywire, polyrope, or electric fence tape stretched between posts (plastic, fiberglass, pigtail, or metal). It’s widely used for rotational grazing and larger pastures.
✅ Best for: Cattle, horses, pigs, and goats
Pros:
- Lightweight and highly portable
- Cost-effective for long distances
- Easy to store, repair, and customize
- Works with a variety of post types

Cons:
- Requires reels and insulators
- Less effective against predators
- Needs proper tension to prevent sagging

4. Installation & Maintenance Comparison

Netting: Faster for small enclosures, but bulky to move or store; harder to untangle if rolled incorrectly.
Wire systems: Require more setup, but easier to repair, adjust, and extend over large areas.

5. Which Fence Works Best for Which Animals?

Animal	Recommended Fence	Why
Chickens	Netting	Prevents escape and deters ground predators
Sheep	Netting	Wool makes single wires less effective
Goats	Netting or multi-strand wire	Netting blocks escapes; wire works if set with multiple strands
Cattle	Polywire/Polyrope	Strong visual barrier, easy to move for grazing
Pigs	Low-strand polywire	Keeps them from rooting under the fence
Horses	Electric tape/rope	High visibility prevents accidents

6. Conclusion

There’s no single “best” electric fence—it depends on your animals, terrain, and management style.
- Use netting for smaller animals and predator-sensitive areas.
- Use polywire/rope/tape for larger animals and flexible grazing systems.

By choosing the right fencing method, you ensure safety, reduce labor, and improve efficiency on your farm.