Stock Fencing That Actually Keeps Goats and Sheep Secure

Fencing for livestock isn’t just about creating a boundary—it’s about ensuring the safety, security, and wellbeing of your animals. When it comes to goats and sheep, a standard approach won’t always work. These animals are intelligent, curious, and often surprisingly agile, making them particularly challenging to contain.

At Sevenoaks Fencing Services, we specialise in stock fencing solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of your livestock. Based in Sevenoaks, Kent, we help smallholders, farmers, and landowners install fencing that truly keeps goats and sheep secure—without constant repairs or escape risks.

Understanding the Behaviour of Goats and Sheep

Before choosing a stock fencing solution, it’s important to consider the behavioural traits of the animals you’re looking to contain.

Sheep:

• Tend to push through weak spots in fencing
  
• Often lean on or rub against posts and mesh
  
• Usually less prone to jumping but can climb low obstructions
  
• Can panic and bolt if frightened, placing stress on weak points
  

Goats:

• Notorious for escaping if fencing isn’t robust
  
• Can jump, climb, and test fencing for weaknesses
  
• Require greater height and stability than sheep
  
• Will exploit any gaps, loose mesh, or bent wires
  

With this in mind, your fencing must be purpose-built to prevent these common escape behaviours.

Features of Effective Stock Fencing for Goats and Sheep

1. Proper Height and Strength

To keep goats and sheep safely enclosed, fencing should be tall enough and strong enough to withstand pressure.

• Minimum height of 1.2m for sheep
  
• 1.5m or higher for goats due to their jumping ability
  
• Use of high-tensile or mild steel wire to resist sagging and stretching
  

2. Secure Post Installation

Post stability is essential to prevent leaning and collapse under animal pressure.

• Use pressure-treated timber or creosoted posts for longevity
  
• Posts should be spaced appropriately (typically 2.5–3 metres apart)
  
• Corner and end posts must be anchored and well-braced
  

3. Tight and Well-Strained Mesh

Loose or sagging mesh gives animals an opportunity to climb or push through. Mesh must be:

• Strained using proper tensioners and ratchets
  
• Fixed with galvanised stock fencing staples to avoid rusting
  
• Designed with appropriate mesh size to prevent heads or limbs from becoming stuck
  

4. Anti-Dig and Anti-Climb Features

Some goats and even sheep will try to dig or climb their way out. Prevent this by:

• Adding a ground wire or buried apron to discourage digging
  
• Installing electric fencing strands along the top or bottom (particularly for goats)
  
• Avoiding horizontal surfaces they could climb onto
  

5. Choosing the Right Type of Mesh

Different mesh configurations serve different purposes. For mixed herds or small holdings, a hinged joint stock fence is often ideal. Look for:

• Narrow mesh at the bottom (to prevent lambs or kids from slipping through)
  
• Gradually wider spacing towards the top
  
• Heavy-duty galvanised steel for weather resistance
  

Maintenance and Monitoring

Even the best fencing requires occasional checks and upkeep:

• Inspect regularly for sagging, broken wires, or uprooted posts
  
• Clear vegetation to prevent pressure on the fence line
  
• Ensure gates are properly latched and well-aligned
  
• Check that electric fencing (if used) is functioning and free from faults
  

At Sevenoaks Fencing Services, we also offer maintenance support and fencing inspections to help landowners in Sevenoaks and the surrounding Kent area keep their stock fencing in top condition all year round.

Conclusion

Keeping goats and sheep secure isn’t about a one-size-fits-all approach—it’s about thoughtful design, quality materials, and experienced installation. With the right height, structure, and layout, stock fencing can keep your livestock safely contained without ongoing problems or escapes.

If you’re based in Sevenoaks, Kent and need reliable stock fencing that works for goats and sheep, contact Sevenoaks Fencing Services. We provide tailored fencing solutions designed to keep your animals secure, your land protected, and your peace of mind intact.

Call us on: 01732 904 194
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