Electric Fence Charger Recommendation

[neilbedwell]

Hello all! I've been lurking here for a bit and need some advice. I need an electric fence charger. My pasture is about an acre. It's all very steep hillside and very weedy. I am planning on purchasing a couple of goats to clear the brush. I will be expanding my fence at a later date (we own about 16 acres total), but for now I'm going to start with an acre and go from there. I am supplementing and existing 5 strand barbed wire fence and really just want the electric fence to keep the goats away from the barbed wire. I am going to put a strand of electric wire about shoulder height and then run one near the top of the fence. I have a pretty good idea what I want to do but I am totally lost on what size/type charger to purchase. I have access to electricity in a couple different places near the fence so there is no need for a battery powered (DC) charger. Any recommendations for a charger? Brand? Size? Capacity? I am willing to spend the funds for a good charger (buy once, cry once) but I won't say that money is no object (it always is, LOL). I appreciate any help you guys can give. I hope everyone is having a wonderful day!!!

Neil

 

[AdoptAPitBull]

We got a 50 mile charger (we have less than an acre fenced) from Southern States for about $140. http://southernstates.com/catalog/p-1836-southern-states-fieldmaster-50-fence-charger.aspx We had a Zareba charger from TSC, but find that this one is better.

We needed one strong enough to deter a very large, fat wether who had no respect for fences. I tested it twice first to make sure it wasn't too strong. Sure, it gave me a jolt, but I was fine. You don't want them to test the fence; you want them to get bit once and never want to go near it again!

I'd run a few more than 2 wires to start, though, just to get your point across. We have 5 wires fairly close together so they can't jump through. Learned that the hard way...little stinkers.

Make sure the wires are always tight with no sagging or give, and buy yourself one of those little voltmeters that you stick in the ground and touch the wire with. Saves you from having to test it with your hand!