Electric Fencing for Hobby Farms: Pros, Cons & Practical Tips
Electric fencing wasn’t part of our original plan, but after separating our buck from the does during breeding season, we quickly realised our standard fencing wasn’t going to cut it. He was determined to get back to the herd—and determined bucks will find a way. That’s where electric fencing came in.
Why We Use Electric Fencing
The biggest reason we use electric is to keep our buck secure when he’s separated. A motivated goat will test boundaries—literally. We’ve had bucks go over and under fences. Going over is particularly risky for their "boy parts" and obviously, not ideal for their safety.
We’ve also found electric fencing useful when we need to temporarily divide paddocks for rotational grazing. It’s a simple way to shift boundaries without needing to install permanent infrastructure.
Another benefit? It keeps all animals off the actual fencing. That means they’re not rubbing, scratching or leaning on the wire mesh—so our fences last longer and hold their shape. We always make sure to provide something else in the paddock for scratching (a log or old brush works well).
How We Set It Up
We have standard fencing around our paddocks, and we run a single hot wire about halfway between a goat’s knee and shoulder height. We use 20cm standoff insulators that push the wire out from the main fence. Once they get zapped once or twice, they stop getting close.
Our energiser is connected to mains power. We chose it because it covers up to 15km of fencing—plenty for what we need. Solar units are an option, but for us, knowing the fence is always on (even on cloudy days) gives us more peace of mind.
Is It Safe?
Yes. We’ve both copped a shock here and there—nothing pleasant, but nothing dangerous either. It’s a quick zap that teaches animals (and humans) to respect the wire. Once trained, most animals don’t go near it again.
Handy Tips
Avoid shorts: Long grass or weeds touching the wire can reduce its effectiveness. Keep the base clear.
Test regularly: An old-school trick is using a long blade of grass to touch the wire—you’ll feel a low pulse. Or use a proper voltage tester if you want an accurate reading.
Training matters: Introduce animals to electric fencing when they’re calm and not stressed. A calm animal learns fast. A panicked one just gets more panicked.
Who Is It Good For?
Electric fencing is great for:
Hobby farmers with goats (especially bucks)
Anyone managing multiple paddocks
People trying rotational grazing
Farmers growing young trees or veggie patches that need protection
Final Thought
Electric fencing isn’t just about keeping animals in. It’s about giving you peace of mind. We sleep better knowing our goats are safe, our fences are lasting longer, and our veggie patch isn’t about to get raided.
If you’re thinking of making the switch or adding a hot wire to your setup, it’s a small investment that pays off quickly—especially if you’ve got livestock that test boundaries.