All purpose fence...

equinecpa · #1 04/27/12, 08:14 AM

I am moving in a few weeks to our new property in the Rocky Mountains of CO.
Most of the property (18 acres) is fenced but needs some cross fencing, repair etc. The ground is believe it or not, is not rocky. The dirt is a gravel base mix. I want the fences to be functional but also for them to look nice. Our eventual goal is to have a weekend rental on the property, so we need it to look nice.

Existing perimeter fence is I believe 4 feet page wire (woven wire with I believe 4x4" spacing -it may be 6x6") fencing with wooden posts. I would like to electrify the top of the perimeter fence. I want something as maintenance free as possible that looks OK -I'm considering electric fence rope, in particular electrobraid - what's your thoughts on that? Is electrobraid worth the extra cost for use along a top rail? The reason I'm looking at this one over other ropes is that from reviews I've read it is lower maintenance-needs less tightening, springs back to shape if a tree falls on it etc. Is this true?

Then for cross fencing: We have sheep, horses and dogs. I'm planning on using woven wire 4"x4" and then run electric rope on top of everything. Where we have to put in new fence, I'm thinking t-posts with plastic sleeves to make them look "nice". Any feedback on t-post sleeves? Or should I stick to wooden posts? Any pros cons? I want to be able to work the sheep within one of these fenced areas with my dogs.

As for dog fencing, their yard is fenced with cedar rail and woven wire fence. It is only about 4 feet high and they jump/climb out. Again thinking of the electric rope on top? Thoughts? I may also need a base wire to stop them from digging -should I use plain old electric fence wire for this or do you have better suggestions?

o&itw · #2 04/27/12, 03:52 PM

I am not sure that we have enough understanding to address your questions. I don't think I have ever seen a "cedar rail and woven wire" fence. Are you saying that someone had a cedar rail fence, then stapled woven wire to it? I don't raise horses, but it also seems unusual to electrify the top of an existing fence. If something is going to jump the fence, it has already jumped by the time it hits the wire. Many people put the electric about half way up on (4-6") standoffs on the inside of a fence, and maybe a low wire on the outside. That way the animals are already cautious of the fence and don't try to jump it in the first place.

Dogs (what size?) and horses and sheep may all have different requirements. With sheep, you may also need to keep predators out (perhaps including the dogs). T posts actually look pretty decent if the are spaced evenly and driven plumb. If you are going to use woven wire and have the money, I suggest running one strand of barbed wire at the bottom of the post and 2 strands at the top of the posts (above the woven wire) about 6 inches apart. This will require taller T-posts.

Personally, I an not crazy about the type of electric fence wire that is wrapped in sting or rope. It doesn't seem to shock effectively unless the ground is damp or wet. Some people use smooth wire, but I prefer the thin barbed wire, I think it is called "gaucho" wire. It is sticky enough that it gets through heavy coats even when it is dry.

Again I am used to cattle and other animals, horses may need different.

equinecpa · #3 04/27/12, 08:27 PM

My concern is not keeping my animals in as much as predators out. Mountain lions though not frequent, are in the forest which borders our property. I don't want my sheep to be a tasty treat.

Perhaps I should be running the electric on the outside of the fence for the perimeter fence instead of on top?

I'm just trying to stay away from the electric fence wire that looks bad (saggy, stretched) after a couple of years.

Chixarecute · #4 04/27/12, 09:14 PM

I'm not sure that any kind of a fence that is only 5' tall will deter a mountain lion.

Hagler's Farm · #5 04/27/12, 09:37 PM

In my opinion as far as looks go I much prefer a wood post woven wire fence over T post. T post obviously last longer, I have some OLD ones along my property line that have been there long enough for the wire fence it's attached to to grow half way into a 2ft+ diameter tree. However I think you'll find that most woven fences will rust out probably about the same time as it takes a good cedar post to rot out.

equinecpa · #6 04/28/12, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chixarecute

I'm not sure that any kind of a fence that is only 5' tall will deter a mountain lion.

Agreed..but I want to deter them. I have a guardian dog, plan on putting up motion lights and as I say they aren't super common...I just don't want to make life easy for them! (In the beginning I believe my sheep will stay shut in at night until I see what comes around).

Anyone know if the rope gives as good a shock as the wire?