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  Discussion on Temporary electric fencing
Author Message
Member:
Equus

Posted on Monday, Sep 9, 2002 - 11:38 am:

Hi all!

I would like to fence off smaller portions of my pastures to use rotational grazing techniques. To do so, I thought step-in fberglass rods and electric rope/tape would be the easiest to work with and move. Has anyone used these for rotational grazing? If so, do you need anything else? I mean, beside the charger of course. Do I need to worry about reinforcing corners or tensioning or gates or anything? I've never put up any kind of fence before..........
Member:
Imogen

Posted on Monday, Sep 9, 2002 - 12:24 pm:

Dear Heather

What sort of ground do you have? I find that the metal temporary fence posts go in and stay in a lot better than the fiberglass ones here in Ireland.

Also I do not know if Gallagher's stuff is available where you are but it is very good (from New Zealand but available all over Europe and elsewhere). They have something called Polytape which is a wide tape especially for horses. As well as being more visible it actually takes less power because it has more strands and cross links so the resistance is lower.

Again, it depends on the system you are using but if you are tying the fence off at the ends to natural features (eg trees here) then you need baler twine and plastic "eggs" (insulators - you tie baler twine round the tree and through one end of the egg, and the conducting tape through the other end).

I find timber posts are a good idea at corners.
Temporary fences will not stop a determined horse which will just gallop through it breaking the tape usually. I find this is not a major problem as it only happens about once a year. Never put out a new horse that doesn't know where the fence is (or an old horse when you've moved the fence) when it's getting dark.

All the best

Imogen
Member:
Lisao

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 17, 2002 - 8:58 am:

I love my temporary fencing so much it has become permanent :-). I use fiberglass step-in posts interspersed with some harder anchors (trees) wherever possible and polybraid. On the trees, I use a 5-inch extender. I have had a few run-through episodes, but no harm done beyond having to replace a few step-ins. They don't take trampling too well. It really is a convenient way to set up rotational grazing. Good luck.
New Member:
Qhsue

Posted on Saturday, Feb 1, 2003 - 7:32 pm:

I use the braid type electric fencing for temporary fencing. I connect it to wood posts that are 300 feet apart (my outside fencing) and put 3 or 4 capped Tposts to keep the fence from sagging. I use two strands at wither height and about a 18" below. I have not had to electrify it but the manufacturer does not recommend this!

This is an easy fence to put up and take down and I simply spool the braid for use next time. It takes me about an hour to put up and slightly less to take down. I leave the connectors at the wooden posts for use next time.

I protect part of my pasture during the early growing season and because my pasture is very rich, I am also protecting my horses from being overfed and the problems associated with too much rich forage.

Member:
Bonita

Posted on Sunday, Feb 2, 2003 - 8:11 am:

I've been interested in possibly utilizing this as well, but am concerned about our concrete-like clay ground. Does anyone have any experience using the step-in posts with this type of soil?
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Monday, Feb 3, 2003 - 6:28 am:

We use step in posts in clay soils frequently and they go in easy and stay pretty well.
DrO
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