6 Best Long Lasting Collar Batteries For Goats That Homesteaders Trust
Find reliable, long-lasting power for your goat collars. This guide reviews the top 6 batteries that experienced homesteaders trust for herd security.
A goat collar is only as good as its battery. That tiny power source is the single point of failure between a secure herd and a goat munching on your prize-winning tomatoes. Choosing the right battery isn’t about finding the cheapest option; it’s about investing in peace of mind and the safety of your animals.
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Why Battery Life Matters for Goat Collar Safety
A dead battery in a GPS tracker or containment collar turns a valuable tool into dead weight. Suddenly, you have no idea if your prize doe is safely in the pasture or testing the neighbor’s fence line. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a serious safety risk.
The real cost of a cheap, short-lived battery is the time you spend worrying and the potential for disaster. A goat can get into a lot of trouble in a short amount of time, from getting tangled in fencing to wandering onto a road. Long battery life means fewer moments of vulnerability and less time spent rounding up escapees, giving you the confidence to focus on other farm chores.
Energizer Ultimate Lithium CR2: Top Performance
When you need absolute, top-tier reliability, the Energizer Ultimate Lithium CR2 is the standard. These batteries are built to perform in the extreme temperatures we see on the homestead, from sub-zero winter mornings to blazing hot summer afternoons. A standard alkaline battery will die quickly in the cold, but these lithium cells keep going.
While they come with a higher price tag, the investment pays off in longevity and performance. You’ll be changing them far less frequently, which is a huge benefit when you have a whole herd to manage. Think of it as paying a premium for fewer "I hope the collar is still working" moments. For a high-value animal or a known escape artist, this is the battery to trust.
PetSafe RFA-67 Battery: Reliable Containment
If you use a PetSafe wireless or in-ground fence system, you’re already familiar with their proprietary RFA-67 batteries. You don’t have a choice in battery type, but you do have a choice in how you source them. Sticking with the genuine PetSafe brand is almost always the right call for these systems.
These batteries are specifically designed with a two-year shelf life and are engineered to fit the waterproof collar seals perfectly. Using a third-party knockoff might save a few dollars, but it risks a poor seal, leading to moisture damage and a failed collar. For containment systems where reliability is everything, using the manufacturer-recommended battery is the only way to ensure the system works as intended when your most stubborn goat challenges the boundary.
Duracell DL1/3N Lithium: Compact Power Source
Not all collars use the larger CR2 or CR123A batteries. Many smaller devices, especially anti-bark collars or miniature trackers for smaller breeds like Nigerian Dwarfs, rely on the compact DL1/3N. This little battery packs a surprising punch for its size.
Duracell’s version is known for its consistent power output, which is crucial for training collars that need to deliver a reliable stimulus. The tradeoff for its small size is a shorter lifespan compared to its bigger cousins. You’ll be changing these more often, so it’s wise to keep several on hand. They are perfect for specific, low-profile applications where a bulky collar just won’t do.
Tractive GPS Tracker: All-In-One Rechargeable
Track your dog in real-time with this GPS tracker, featuring unlimited range and location updates every 2-3 seconds. Set virtual fences and receive health alerts for unusual activity, ensuring your pet's safety and well-being.
Sometimes the best battery is one you don’t have to replace at all. The Tractive GPS tracker represents a different approach: an integrated, rechargeable system. Instead of buying disposable batteries, you invest in the device and commit to a charging routine. This completely eliminates the guesswork of battery life.
The main advantage is predictability. You get a notification on your phone when the battery is low, and you can simply swap the tracker for a charged one or bring the goat in for a "pit stop." The downside is the higher upfront cost and the need to handle your goats regularly for charging. For very hands-on homesteaders with a small herd, this system can be a fantastic, waste-free solution.
Panasonic CR123A Lithium for Heavy-Duty Use
For the most power-hungry GPS trackers and other high-drain devices, the Panasonic CR123A is a workhorse. This battery is slightly larger and more powerful than a CR2, making it ideal for collars that are constantly sending location pings or operating in harsh conditions. Cold weather is a massive drain on batteries, and the CR123A’s chemistry is exceptionally resilient.
If your tracker has an option for a "live tracking" mode that updates every few seconds, this is the kind of battery you need to support it for any meaningful length of time. They are a go-to for reliability in demanding situations. Always double-check your device’s manual, as CR123A and CR2 batteries are not interchangeable, but if your collar takes this size, Panasonic is a brand you can count on.
AmazonBasics CR2 Lithium: Bulk Value for Herds
Managing a larger herd means managing a larger budget. When you have five, ten, or more collars to maintain, the cost of premium batteries adds up quickly. This is where AmazonBasics CR2 Lithium batteries find their place. They offer reliable lithium performance at a fraction of the cost of the big brand names.
You might not get the absolute maximum lifespan of an Energizer, but the value is undeniable. Buying in bulk makes it affordable to have a large supply of fresh batteries on hand. For general herd tracking where you can check batteries on a regular schedule, this is a smart, economical choice that keeps your entire herd monitored without breaking the bank.
Maximizing Your Goat Collar Battery Lifespan
The battery you choose is only half the equation; how you use it is the other. You can stretch the life of any battery by being smart about your collar’s settings. If your GPS tracker allows, reduce the frequency of location pings. An update every hour uses far less power than one every five minutes.
Also, consider where you buy and how you store your batteries. Buy from a high-volume seller to ensure you’re getting fresh stock, not something that’s been sitting on a shelf for a year. Store your spares in a cool, dry place away from temperature extremes. A few simple habits can easily add weeks or even months of life to your collar batteries, saving you time, money, and hassle.
Ultimately, the right battery is the one that reliably powers your chosen system and fits your management style. Whether you prioritize maximum longevity, bulk value, or the convenience of a rechargeable system, the goal is the same. A dependable power source in your goat’s collar is a small detail that supports the much larger goal of a safe, secure, and thriving homestead.
