7 Fencing Options for Small Livestock That Predator-Proof Your Homestead

Protecting your small livestock requires the right fencing solution to keep predators out and your animals safely contained. Whether you’re raising chickens, sheep, goats, or other small farm animals, choosing appropriate fencing can mean the difference between security and heartbreak.

Your fencing needs will vary depending on the type of livestock you’re keeping, your budget, and the specific threats in your area. From traditional wire options to modern electric systems, today’s livestock owners have multiple effective choices for creating secure enclosures. Let’s explore seven proven fencing options that provide excellent protection for your valuable small livestock.

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1. Woven Wire Fencing: The Traditional Choice

Woven wire fencing remains the gold standard for small livestock protection, combining traditional reliability with practical security. This classic fencing option features tightly woven horizontal and vertical wires creating a mesh pattern that’s particularly effective for containing smaller animals.

Benefits for Sheep and Goats

Woven wire’s tight mesh pattern prevents curious goats from poking their heads through and getting stuck. The 2″x4″ spacing option effectively contains lambs and kids while blocking predator access. Its 4-foot height discourages jumping attempts, while the sturdy construction withstands pushing and rubbing from adult animals weighing 150+ pounds.

Installation and Maintenance Tips

Install posts every 8-10 feet for optimal stability in varied terrain. Choose galvanized options for 20+ years of rust resistance in humid climates. Maintain proper tension during installation to prevent sagging that creates escape routes. Check fence lines quarterly for damage from fallen branches or digging predators. Apply fence stretchers evenly to distribute tension when making repairs.

2. Electric Netting: Portable Protection for Rotational Grazing

Electric netting offers an ideal solution for small livestock owners practicing rotational grazing. This portable fencing system combines physical barriers with psychological deterrents, making it highly effective for temporary enclosures that can be moved easily as your animals graze different areas.

Best Practices for Setting Up Electric Netting

Always set up electric netting on level ground to maintain proper tension throughout the fence line. Install the fence with adequate posts—typically every 10-12 feet—to prevent sagging that could create escape routes. Before introducing animals, walk the perimeter to identify any gaps or sections where the netting doesn’t touch the ground. A properly tensioned net should stand firm without excessive loose areas.

Power Source Considerations

Your electric netting requires a reliable power source—either a standard outlet with an AC/DC converter or a solar-powered energizer for remote locations. Solar units work best in areas receiving 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily. Always choose an energizer with sufficient joule rating for your fence length; undersized units won’t deliver effective shocks to deter predators. Consider battery backup options for continuous protection during power outages.

3. Welded Wire Panels: Durable Containment for Small Areas

Welded wire panels offer exceptional strength and versatility for small livestock containment. These rigid panels feature welded joints that create a sturdy barrier capable of withstanding pressure from animals and predators alike.

Applications for Poultry and Rabbits

Welded wire panels provide ideal protection for poultry and rabbits with their small grid patterns. The 1″x1″ or 1″x2″ mesh prevents escape of small animals while blocking entry of predators such as weasels and snakes. You’ll find these panels perfect for creating secure chicken runs or rabbit hutches where protection from multiple threats is essential.

Creating Secure Enclosures with Panels

You can quickly construct secure enclosures by connecting panels with hog rings or zip ties. These modular systems allow for custom configurations—from rectangular pens to circular enclosures—and can be reconfigured as your needs change. The panels’ rigid construction eliminates sagging issues common with traditional fencing, maintaining a consistent barrier height that deters jumping predators.

4. High-Tensile Wire Systems: Cost-Effective Perimeter Solutions

High-tensile wire fencing offers an economical solution for protecting your small livestock while providing lasting durability. This fencing system uses tightly stretched, high-carbon steel wires that resist stretching and breaking, making it ideal for larger perimeter enclosures.

Number of Strands Needed for Different Species

For sheep and goats, install 5-7 strands with 6-inch spacing at the bottom, increasing to 8-inch spacing at the top. Smaller animals like pygmy goats require tighter bottom spacing (4-5 inches). Chickens need additional protection—combine 8 strands with poultry netting at the bottom to prevent predator digging.

Tools and Techniques for Proper Tensioning

Proper tensioning requires specialized equipment: fence stretchers, crimping tools, and in-line tensioners. Always use gloves when handling wire and tension to 250 pounds of pressure for optimal performance. Install sturdy bracing posts at corners and every 100 feet along straight runs to maintain tension throughout seasonal changes.

5. Combination Fencing: Pairing Methods for Maximum Security

Sometimes a single fencing solution just isn’t enough to protect your valuable livestock from determined predators. Combination fencing leverages the strengths of multiple fencing types to create a more secure perimeter that addresses various threats simultaneously.

Using Physical Barriers with Electric Deterrents

Pairing woven wire or welded panels with electric wires creates a formidable defense system that few predators can breach. Install electric strands at nose height for common predators—12″ and 18″ from ground level to deter coyotes, and 6″ off the ground to prevent digging. This dual-protection approach provides both a physical barrier and a psychological deterrent, significantly reducing predation rates at vulnerable areas like corners and gates.

Custom Designs for Multi-Species Operations

Your fencing strategy should adapt to the specific needs of different livestock within the same operation. Create a base perimeter using high-tensile wire, then subdivide interior spaces with portable electric netting for chickens or lambing areas. This flexible system allows you to provide species-appropriate protection while maintaining a strong overall boundary. Consider installing specialized “creep areas” that allow smaller animals access to different grazing zones while keeping larger livestock contained.

6. Wooden Rail Fencing: Aesthetic and Practical Options

Wooden rail fencing offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and functionality for small livestock enclosures. This traditional fencing style provides visual appeal while creating effective boundaries for your farm animals when properly implemented.

Spacing Requirements for Various Livestock

For sheep and goats, install rails with 4-6 inch spacing to prevent escapees, particularly kids and lambs. Chickens require additional 1-inch wire mesh attached to the rails to prevent predators from squeezing through. Larger animals like miniature horses need only 3-4 rails with 8-10 inch spacing, making construction more economical.

Treating and Maintaining Wooden Fences

Treat all wooden components with a livestock-safe preservative containing copper naphthenate to extend longevity up to 15-20 years. Apply maintenance coats every 2-3 years, inspecting posts annually for rot at ground level. Replace damaged rails promptly to maintain security, and keep vegetation cleared 6 inches from fence bases to reduce moisture accumulation and decay.

7. Living Fences: Sustainable Hedgerows for Property Boundaries

Living fences offer a natural, sustainable alternative to traditional fencing options for small livestock. These hedgerows create beautiful boundaries while serving practical containment functions, combining aesthetics with utility on your property.

Suitable Plant Species for Livestock Containment

Several plant species excel at containing small livestock while providing ecological benefits. Osage orange (Maclura pomifera) creates dense, thorny barriers that effectively deter predators and contain sheep and goats. Hawthorn varieties offer similar protection with their thorny branches, while blackthorn and rugosa roses create impenetrable thickets that small animals avoid. For less aggressive options, privet hedges and arborvitae provide thick vegetative barriers once established.

Establishment and Growth Timeline

Living fences require patience, with most hedgerows taking 3-5 years to become fully functional barriers. Plant young saplings 12-18 inches apart in double rows for quicker establishment and denser growth. During the first two years, supplemental temporary fencing will be necessary while plants develop. Regular pruning encourages lateral growth, creating denser barriers. With proper maintenance, living fences can last decades, regenerating naturally and requiring minimal replacement compared to traditional fencing materials.

Selecting the Right Fencing for Your Small Livestock Needs

Choosing the right fencing for your small livestock represents one of the most important investments you’ll make in their safety and your peace of mind. Each option—from woven wire to living fences—offers unique advantages that can be tailored to your specific needs.

Remember that the best fencing solution often combines multiple approaches based on your terrain, predator threats, and the specific animals you’re protecting. Consider starting with a secure perimeter fence and adding specialized enclosures for vulnerable animals or rotational grazing.

Whichever option you choose, regular maintenance will extend its lifespan and effectiveness. Take time to inspect your fencing regularly for damage or weakness. Your small livestock depend on you for protection—and with the right fencing system in place, you’ll create a safe environment where they can thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of fencing for protecting chickens?

Welded wire panels with small grid patterns (1″x1″ or 1″x2″) offer excellent protection for chickens. These panels prevent chickens from escaping and block entry from predators like weasels and snakes. For additional security, consider combining welded wire with electric strands at top and bottom. Burying the fencing 12 inches underground will deter digging predators.

How high should fencing be to keep predators out?

Fencing should be at least 5-6 feet high to prevent predators from jumping over. For smaller livestock like sheep and goats, 4-foot fencing is generally sufficient, but coyotes and dogs can clear this height. For maximum protection, install a 5-6 foot fence with an outward-facing overhang or add electric wires at the top.

Is electric fencing effective for small livestock?

Yes, electric fencing is highly effective when properly installed and maintained. Electric net fencing provides both physical and psychological barriers, teaching livestock boundaries while deterring predators. Ensure consistent power using a reliable energizer (solar-powered options work well), check voltage regularly, and keep vegetation clear of the fence line.

How do I choose between woven wire and welded wire fencing?

Choose woven wire for sheep and goats as it’s flexible, durable, and escape-proof with its tight mesh pattern. Select welded wire panels for chickens and rabbits due to their rigid structure and smaller grid patterns. Woven wire better handles terrain changes, while welded wire offers superior strength for small enclosures. Consider your specific livestock needs and predator threats.

What is the most cost-effective fencing option for small farms?

High-tensile wire fencing is the most economical option for larger perimeters. It requires fewer posts than other systems and offers low maintenance costs over time. For smaller areas, electric netting provides good value with its portability and effectiveness. Initial investment varies, but consider long-term costs including maintenance and potential livestock losses when making your decision.

How can I fence multiple types of livestock in the same area?

Combination fencing works best for mixed livestock. Start with woven wire or welded panels as your base, then add electric strands at appropriate heights for different predator threats. Create specialized areas within the larger enclosure for specific needs—for example, smaller mesh sections for chickens within a larger sheep and goat area. Ensure all animals have sufficient space.

Are wooden fences suitable for containing small livestock?

Wooden post and rail fencing alone isn’t suitable for small livestock as the gaps between rails allow animals to escape. However, when combined with wire mesh attached to the inside, wooden fencing becomes effective while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Ensure the mesh has appropriate spacing for your animals, and treat wood with livestock-safe preservatives for longevity.

How do living fences compare to traditional fencing methods?

Living fences (hedgerows) provide sustainable, long-lasting barriers that improve with age. They offer natural habitat for beneficial wildlife while containing livestock and deterring predators. The downside is establishment time (3-5 years) and regular maintenance through pruning. They’re best suited for permanent boundaries where immediate protection isn’t critical, or as supplements to traditional fencing.