As a farmer, keeping your sheep safe is one of your primary jobs. Keeping them from getting out of the farm is a massive part of that responsibility since they could stray away or even fall victim to predators. You likely have your farm fenced, and while that should be enough to keep sheep in, do sheep jump fences?
Sheep are not the best jumpers, so it will be a toll order for them to get over tall fences. However, they can comfortably jump over a lowered, short, or damaged fence. Most sheep will stay in a flock happily, provided they are comfortable and safe, but the industrious few will attempt to get out.
So, can the average sheep jump over fences? Keep reading to find out.
Can Sheep Jump A 4-Foot Fence?
Most sheep cannot jump over a 4 feet (48 inches) fence but can go over shorter fences. Therefore, you must be careful when erecting a fence on your farm.
It’s also worth noting that some sheep are better jumpers than others, so you need to know your flock pretty well.
Therefore, a taller fence is better if you have good jumpers to be on the safe side.
Nonetheless, it’s unlikely that most of your sheep will attempt to escape their enclosure, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
Reasons Sheep Jump Over Fences
A couple of reasons would make sheep jump over a fence. These are:
You Have Good Jumpers in Your Flock
Most domesticated sheep will happily feed on pasture within the farm without attempting to get out.
However, this is not the case if you have good jumpers in your flock. You will find them out of their enclosure.
It is uncommon to see the entire herd escaping, but individual sheep can and do jump over fences.
The Fence Is Broken, Down, or Short
Your sheep will get out if you erect a short fence (less than 4 feet high). In addition, a damaged wall will not be able to keep your flock in since they can easily walk through or jump over it.
Still, different things can damage fences, including trees falling on them.
Moreover, your flock might attempt to leave if the fence is sagging or down. A storm, particularly one that causes a heavy load of snow to accumulate on the fence, can lead to the sagging of portable fences.
In addition, an ice coating or wet snow compromises the integrity of barriers. Additionally, heavy winds coupled with wet grounds cause the sagging of fences.
They do this by pulling the posts of portable fences sideways, sometimes up to an angle of 45 degrees.
To ensure your sheep stay in, you must reposition a sagging fence. Alternatively, you can repair a broken one or erect a new one if the damage is too extensive.
Keeping your sheep happy before the grass grows in spring is exceptionally hard. Nevertheless, they strive hard to get out to find and feed on the new green that emerges in the spring.
Since sheep’s primary food source is pasture, they will be the first to know when the greens grow.
What Are the Best Types of Fences for Sheep?
When choosing a barrier to keep your sheep safe and where you want them to be, you must decide on the fence type since various types are available.
Your decision will be based on your budget and whether you want a permanent or temporary fence.
This section covers the different types of fences at your disposal and their benefits and drawbacks. So, without much ado, let’s get started.
1. Traditional Sheep Fence
This fence is typically meant for large areas around the shed or barn. However, they are also excellent for small paddocks, lambing jugs, or holding pens because they can be flexible and move easily.
Moreover, when cleaning the barn, you can take down the fencing and use a rented skid-steer or tractor to clean your sheep’s bedding.
These farm fences are usually made of aluminum or steel panels, sturdy, lightweight tubular metal gates, and wooden fence panels.
Traditional sheep fences are made of wood, barbed wire, plain wire, and mesh or woven wire nets.
Pros
- Ideal for large areas
- Highly durable
- Cost-effective
Cons
- Installation can be costly and time-consuming
2. Welded Wire Fencing
This type of fencing offers long-lasting, sturdy, strong perimeter fencing. Usually, you will buy this fence in a large roll that you can attach to a post in the corner.
Then, pull it tight and stretch it along the bars of the fence using a come-along, a fence stretcher, or a tractor.
Sometimes, a high tensile electric fence or a barbed wire strip is attached on top or close to the bottom of the fence to keep predators away.
Ensure the fence is tall enough to prevent your sheep from jumping over and predators from entering. The main types of welded wires are- stainless steel, galvanized, and PVC.
Irregularities make pulling this fence tight along during installation quite tricky. In addition, leaving gaps below the fence provides an exit area for curios lambs and an entryway for predators. Beware that heavy snow will also cause sagging.
Advantages
- Strong, long-lasting, and sturdy. It lasts 10 to 15 years or even more.
- Keeps its integrity
- It is easy to re-install a welded wire fence if damaged
- It can withstand strong wind
Disadvantages
- Constructing a welded wire fence is time-consuming. Also, if it breaks, it will take time to repair it. However, it hardly breaks unless a tree falls on it or you drive a truck or tractor into it. Moreover, performing other forms of maintenance consumes time.
- Installation requires two people, even with a tractor. Do not attempt moving a heavy wire roll by yourself.
3. Plastic Mesh Fence
This fencing is ideal for a rotational grazing setup or a small, temporary paddock. It is exceptionally visible to predators and sheep, highly secure, and has plastic stakes to facilitate a solid installation in various soil types.
Plastic mesh fence rolls are usually 50 feet long, easy to remove and install, and lightweight. Once installed, it will stay put for a month or longer, but you can move it around as needed.
Pros
- Solid and lightweight
- Installation is pretty easy
- You can erect it in different places because it can easily be uninstalled and moved
- Long-lasting
- They are well-designed and a cost-effective fencing option for small and large farms
Cons
- It can get tangled when you roll it up for storage, causing you to spend a lot of time unrolling it when you want to use it
4. Electric Poly Rope Fence
Many farmers use electric tape or poly fences to divide their pasture lands for management and efficient rotational grazing.
Compared to welded wire fences and galvanized steel electric fences, electric poly rope fences are less durable but highly affordable and flexible.
It is suitable for interior fencing as long as your charger for the electric fence packs a great punch.
However, it is less long-lasting than other types of fences, but it doesn’t necessarily need to be since it is effective and affordable enough to buy every couple of years.
Pros
- Cheap
- Flexible and effective
- Ideal for interior fencing
Cons
- Less durable
What To Consider When Choosing Sheep Fencing
Sheep fences come in different styles, colors, heights, and lengths.
Ultimately, the type you pick will depend on your needs and preferences but consider the following during your selection.
Length
The number of rolls to order will depend on the area you want to fence- the bigger the space, the more rolls you need.
It is better to get an extra roll to ensure you do not run out before completing the installation.
Height
The height of the fence is pretty important because if you erect a short fence, your sheep will be able to jump over it.
Therefore, ensure the fence you install is a minimum of 4 feet high to keep sheep in and predators out.
Structure
As mentioned, fences come in different styles, so you will find fences made of vertical strips, rigid plastic, woven wire, and mesh wire.
Explore the available options before choosing what suits your farm best.
People Also Ask
1. How high should a sheep fence be?
A sheep fence can be as high as 4 feet or 48 inches, but you could go even higher. Some fences are also shorter.
2. Are sheep hard to keep fenced in?
Sheep are not hard to keep fenced because most of them do not mind staying in a confined area, provided they have enough space.
Conclusion
While fencing is important if you have sheep on your farm, a too-short fence will not serve its purpose because these animals can easily jump over it. You have plenty of options for fences, but make sure it is at least 4feet.
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