What is the best fence for your livestock? In the past your fencing options where very limited…wood panels, maybe a fence made of stone? How about that trusty barbed wire!? Well, today we are fortunate to have many more sensible options available. Although the history of fences is exciting, it’s rewarding to see how far advancements in agriculture have come. We are no longer stuck with using one single type of fence for all types of livestock. We now have the option to customize our fences to meet the needs of our animals. Each species of animal has a certain set of needs to either contain them safely or keep them out effectively. Kencove is an industry leader in fence advancements, and we are proud to say we have the right type of fence for any of your animal needs- big or small, pets or livestock, horses or exotics, we have it all.

Woven wire, high-tensile, electric netting, coated wire, and polyrope are just a few of the options available today. Depending on your livestock we can help you select the perfect option to safely secure your animals.

Let’s start with the smallest and work our way up!

Poultry

Needs to Consider

• Poultry are prey animals.
• They are small.
• They can fly.
• Keeping pests and predators out.
• The size of gaps in your fence.

Advice from the Pros

• Don’t use net fencing unless the birds are over 2 months old.
• Always keep your wire hot- maintain at least 4,500 volts.
• Use 3 ½” spacing or smaller so birds can’t walk through the wire.
• Try clipping one wing if your birds are flying over the fence.

What to Keep in Mind

• The types of predators in your area.
• Are your bird’s wings clipped?
• Are you looking for permanent housing or daytime grazing?
• Will you move the fence? If so, how often?

Our Favorite Type of Fence

Electric Net Fencing with 3 ½” Vertical Line Spacing-The NPC is portable and easy to move, allowing  you to rotate your grazing area and maximize your land with minimal fencing. Electric netting is also

very durable and easy to install. With no tools needed, anyone can easily set up the net and tear it down. We recommend keeping your nets electrified for maximum protection of your birds. Electric nets are only 164’ long. Since they have such a short length, you will only need a 0.25-joule energizer to electrify it. We offer a variety of nets in multiple colors and heights. For poultry, it is best to use fence that is 3 ½” line spacing and at least 40” high.  

PVC- Coated Hex Wire- This permanent apron fence is ideal for poultry housing. Our PVC-Coated Hex Wire is made of 20 gauge, 1”x 1” hex wire and will protect your animals from predators. If buried, the wire can provide protection from animals digging under your enclosure. When installing, it is important to remember that certain tools and a certain skill set are needed. Our coated hex wire is available in multiple heights and lengths to help meet your needs more efficiently.

 Goats

Needs to Consider

• They are a medium-sized animal.
• Young can be viewed as a prey animals.
• They like to graze.
• They are active animals that like to run and jump.
• Some may have horns.
• They have a determined personality but will respect a hot fence.
• They are strong for their size.

Advice from the Pros

• Only use 3 ½” vertical line spaced electric netting…they can get their heads stuck in the 7” spaced nets.
• Make sure you keep your fence hot and maintain at least 4,500 volts. Goats will respect it then.
• Try training your animals first before using electric netting.
• “I add 2 hot strands of 16 gauge soft wire on the inside to keep goats off the fence and outside of my woven wire fence for added protection from predators”- Carla, Kencove Product Specialist

What to Keep in Mind

• The cost.
• Size of your operation now and in the future. Are you getting bigger?
• Breed of goats you want to raise.
• Amount of land you want to use for grazing.
• Are you looking for rotational grazing fence or a more permanent fence?
• Types of predators in your area.

Our Favorite Type of Fence

Electric Net Fencing with 3 ½” Vertical Line Spacing- 

The NPC is portable and easy to move, allowing you to rotate your grazing area to maximize your land with minimal fencing. Electric netting is also very durable and easy to install. With no tools needed, anyone can easily set up the net and tear it down. We recommend keeping your nets electrified for maximum protection of your herd. Electric nets are only 164’ long. Since they have such a short length, you will only need a 0.25-joule energizer to electrify it. We offer a variety of nets in multiple colors and heights. For goats, it is best to use fence that has 3 ½” line spacing and is at least 40” high. Depending on the personality and breed of your animals, you may need netting that is 48” high.

4”x4” Woven Wire- Our Sheep and Goat Fence (WH4X4) is ideal for containing your herd safely and economically. This woven wire is durable and safe. Made with class 3 galvanized steel and a smooth side free of knots, it allows animals to avoid injury and the fence will last for decades. Using 4”x4” spacing keeps animals heads from poking through the fence. WH4X4 is 48” tall and comes in 330’ rolls for your convenience. We also offer a variety of Fastlock Woven Wire Fence to best fit your operation. Installation requires posts, tools, additional materials, and labor. However, with a sturdy, well-planned fence design, woven wire will earn its keep by protecting your animals from escaping. And with a little added protection of electric high-tensile, you can ensure your goats are safe from predators as well.

Sheep

Needs to Consider

• They are a medium-sized animal.
• Young can be viewed as prey animals.
• They like to graze.
• They are active animals that like to run and jump.
• Some may have horns.
• They will respect a hot fence.
• They are strong for their size.

Advice from the Pros

• Make sure you keep your fence hot and maintain at least 4,500 volts. Sheep will respect it then.
• Try training your animals first before using electric fencing.
• “I add 2 hot strands of 16 gauge soft wire on the inside and outside of my woven wire fence for added protection from predators.”- Carla, Kencove Product Specialist

What to Keep in Mind

• The cost.
• Size of your operation now and in the future. Are you getting bigger?
• Amount of land you want to use for grazing.
• Are you looking for rotational grazing fence or a more permanent fence?
• The types of predators in your area.

Our Favorite Type of Fence

Electric Net Fencing with 7” Vertical Line Spacing- The NSG is portable and easy to move, allowing you

to rotate your grazing area and maximize your land with minimal fencing. Electric netting is also very durable and easy to install. With no tools needed, anyone can easily set up and tear down the net. We recommend keeping your nets electrified for maximum protection of your herd. Electric nets are only 164’ long. Since they have such a short length you will only need a 0.25-joule energizer to electrify it. We offer a variety of nets in multiple colors and heights. For sheep, it is best to use fence that has 7” line spacing and is at least 40” high. Depending on the personality and breed of your animals, you may need netting that is 48” high or has 3½” line spacing.

  

4”x4” Woven Wire-

 Our Sheep and Goat Fence (WH4X4) is ideal for containing your herd safely and economically. This woven wire is durable and safe. Made with class 3 galvanized steel and a smooth side free of knots, it allows for animals to avoid injury, and the fence will last for decades. Using 4”x4” spacing keeps animals heads from poking through the fence. WH4x4 is 48” tall and comes in 330’ rolls for your convenience. We also offer a variety of Fastlock Weoven Wire Fence to best fit your operation. Installation requires posts, tools, additional materials, and labor. However, with a sturdy, well-planned fence design, WH4x4 will earn its keep by protecting your animals from escaping. And with a little added protection of electric high-tensile, you can ensure your sheep are safe from predators as well.

Pigs

Needs to Consider

• Variation in size.
• They like to root.
• The type and size of operation you want to run.
• Pigs can grow to be very large and very strong.
• Smaller pigs can be viewed as prey.
• Pigs are very intelligent.

Advice from the Pros

• Make sure you keep your fence hot and maintain at least 3,500 volts. Pigs will respect it then.
• Try training your animals first before using electric fencing.
• Try reinforcing your corner posts to keep your fence strong and snug.
• When using electric netting, double up your posts. This prevents pigs from rooting under the fence.
• Try and keep your net in a square shape. This provides maximum stability.

What to Keep in Mind

• The cost.
• The size of your operation now and in the future. Are you getting bigger?
• Amount of land you want to use for grazing.
• Are you looking for rotational grazing fence or a more permanent fence?
• The types of predators in your area.

Our Favorite Type of Fence

4”x4” Woven Wire- Our 4” x 4” Woven Wire (WH4x4) is durable and safe. Made with class 3 galvanized steel and a smooth side free of knots, it allows for animals to avoid injury, and the fence will last for decades. Using 4”x4” spacing keeps animals heads from poking through the fence. WH4x4 is 48” tall and comes in 330’ rolls for your convenience. We also offer a variety of Fastlock Woven Wire Fence to best fit your operation. Installation requires posts, tools, additional materials, and labor. However, with a sturdy, well-planned fence design, WH4x4 will earn its keep. In order to keep hogs from rooting under the fence, we recommend reinforcing it with a hot wire along the bottom.

 

Electric Net Fencing with 7” Vertical Line Spacing-The NP7 is portable and easy to move allowing 

you to rotate your grazing area and maximize your land with minimal fencing. Electric netting is also very durable and easy to install. With no tools needed, anyone can easily set up or tear down the net. We recommend keeping your nets electrified for maximum protection for your herd. Electric nets are only 164’ long. Since they have such a short length, you will only need a .25-joule energizer to electrify them. We offer a variety of nets in multiple colors and heights. For pigs it is best to use fence that has 7” line spacing and is 48” high.

Cattle

Needs to Consider

• Type and size of operation you want to run.
• Breed of cattle.
• How much land you want to enclose.
• Rotational grazing or permanent fence.
• Young calves can be seen as prey animals.
• Cattle will respect hot wires.
• Cattle may push against fence that is not electrified.

Advice from the Pros

• Make sure to electrify your fence. Maintain at least 3,500 volts.
• When installing a permanent fence, use high-quality wood posts to ensure your fence is sound and sturdy.
• When using rotational grazing fence, reinforce your corners or add additional posts to support the line.

What to Keep in Mind

• The cost.
• The size of your operation now and in the future. Are you getting bigger?
• Amount of land you want to use for grazing.
• Are you looking for rotational grazing fence or a more permanent fence.
• The types of predators in your area.

Our Favorite Type of Fence

2x4 Fastlock Woven Wire- 2x4 Fastlock Woven Wire (WH4) is made from class 3 galvanized steel with

safe smooth side knots to prevent injury to animals. WH4 is ideal for containment as well as protection from predators. All junctions are held together with our S-knot for secure woven wire that still protects against injury to livestock. Wire spacing is 2” x 4”, however, we carry a wide array of woven wire with a variety of spacing. Our Fastlock Woven Wire also comes in a variety of heights and lengths. The type of your operation and the temperament of your animals will best determine the correct type of woven wire to install. As with all permanent fence designs, Fastlock requires tools, additional materials, and a plan to install a well-constructed fence.  

Max-Ten 200 Wire- Max-Ten 200 (WK2) is our most popular high-tensile wire. Our class 3 galvanized, American-made steel has a break strength of 1,540 lbs. and is one of the best wires on the market. We recommend using 8 strands on solid posts, electrified for optimum protection of your cattle. Max-Ten 200 comes in multiple coil lengths for your convenience. As with all permanent fence designs, WK2 requires tools, additional materials, and a plan to install a well-constructed fence.

 

Horses

Needs to Consider

• They are a prey animal.
• They require a highly visible fence.
• The fence must always be electrified.
• Type of operation.
• Age and breed of horses being contained.

Advice from the Pros

• Bottom strand needs to be at least 18” high.
• Always keep your fence electrified and maintain at least 2,500 volts. Horses will respect a hot wire.
• When installing a permanent fence, use high-quality wood posts to ensure your fence is sound and sturdy.

What to Keep in Mind

• The cost.
• Size of your operation now and in the future. Are you getting bigger?
• Amount of land you want to use for grazing.
• Are you looking for temporary fence or a more permanent fence?
• The types of predators in your area.

Our Favorite Type of Fence

HotCote Fence Wire-  

Hotcote is a coated fence wire with 3 black carbon strips extending to the surface to carry an electrical charge. Hotcote allows for an attractive, safe wire that still offers the security of electric. For optimal protection and containment, Hotcote provides both a visible barrier and electric to ensure the safety of your equine friends. We offer 3 colors (white, brown, and black) for your convenience, allowing you to select the color that works best with your existing operation. As with all permanent fence designs, Hotcote requires tools, additional materials, and a plan to install a well-constructed fence.

 

Safe-Fence Electric Tape- SAFE-FENCE is a UV-stabilized polyethylene tape containing 15 stainless-steel wires for optimum conductivity. With a 750-pound break strength, excellent visibility, attractiveness, and its ability to be electrified, SAFE-FENCE is a wonderful alternative to traditional wires and coated wires. SAFE-FENCE can be used as a permanent fencing, temporary fencing, or as an option to divide existing paddocks. SAFE-FENCE comes in 3 colors (white, brown, and black) and 2 lengths (825’ and 200’) for your convenience. As with all permanent fence designs, SAFE-FENCE requires tools, additional materials, and a plan to install a well-constructed fence.

Deer

Needs to Consider

• Containment vs. exclusion.
• Type of environment you live in.
• Deer are agile animals and can jump higher than most traditional livestock.
• Deer are prey animals.
• You want to separate wild from domesticated stock.
• Disease can be spread by wild populations.

Advice from the Pros

• If you are trying to contain deer, use at least 8’ fence with 6” spacing.
• If you are trying to exclude deer, you can get away with 8’ fence with 12” spacing.
• Run hot wires to keep stock in and predators out.
• “If you are trying to keep deer out, try baiting the hot wire with something like peanut butter. The deer will lick the food, get shocked, and not test your wire again!”- Hoss, Product Specialist

What to Keep in Mind

• The cost.
• The size of your operation now and in the future. Are you getting bigger?
• The amount of land you want to use for grazing.
• Are you containing or excluding deer?
• The types of predators in your area.

Our Favorite Type of Fence

Fixed-Know Woven Wire Fence- Fixed-Knot Woven Wire with 23 horizontal lines, 120” height, and 6” vertical spacing (WDN23-6) is made from class 3 galvanized steel. Fixed-Knot is ideal for containment as well as protection from predators. We recommend using 6” stay spacing wire for containing deer and 12” stay spacing for excluding deer. Our Fixed-Knot Woven Wire also comes in a variety of heights. As with all permanent fence designs, WDN23-6 requires tools, additional materials, and a plan to install a well-constructed fence.

 

 

Plastic Deer Netting-  Kencove Deer Netting has 2” x 2” openings and is made of UV-resistant polypropylene. This deer netting is virtually invisible among vegetation making it aesthetically appealing. Deer Netting is excellent for keeping deer and various other pests out of gardens, yards, orchards, and vineyards. Deer netting is much lighter and easier to install than woven wire making it a more economical choice for deer exclusion. We do not recommend this option for deer containment. This netting is offered in a range of heights and lengths for your convenience. As with all permanent fence designs, Deer Netting requires tools, additional materials, and a plan to install a well-constructed fence.

 

Tips to Remember for All Types of Fence

• If you plan to electrify a fence, you will need an energizer, insulators, and ground rods.
• Special tools are needed for cutting, splicing, and tightening high-tensile wire.
• Always think ahead. You may want to invest in a high-quality system if you think your needs will change in the future.

While each farm and operation is different, most livestock species share common characteristics. Based on these traits, we picked out what we feel are generally the best fence options for each type. Kencove offers a wide range of fencing solutions and products. We are a one-stop shop, which allows you to save time and hassle by ordering all your fencing needs at one time. From energizers to posts, wire and rope, gates and hardware, we have it all, and our product specialists are able to select the most efficient solutions for any operation. To shop our full line of fence products or to request a catalog visit kencove.com.

“Let’s do it one time, and let’s do it right”

 

 

 **It is important to remember that these are our suggestions, please call 1-800-KENCOVE, and our product specialists can help YOU order the best fencing option for YOUR unique operation.**