Animal Fencing & Animal Enclosures

Animal Fencing & Animal Enclosures — Complete Buying Guide

Animal fencing is one of the most specialised and critical categories within the broader fencing industry. Unlike boundary or privacy fencing, animal fencing must actively work with — and against — the behaviour, strength, and intelligence of the specific animals being contained or excluded. Choosing the wrong fencing system can result in escaped animals, injured stock, financial losses, and welfare concerns. Our comprehensive range covers fencing solutions for every species and application across South East Queensland and Australia.

Fencing by Animal Type

Cattle Fencing

Cattle are large, powerful animals that exert significant force on fencing — particularly when crowding, during mustering, or when bulls are present. Effective cattle fencing requires strong, well-tensioned wire with adequate height and strand count to prevent cattle from pushing through or jumping over. Standard cattle fencing uses 5–8 strands of plain or barbed wire supported by star picket line posts and robust timber strainer assemblies.

Sheep Fencing

Sheep are smaller and lighter than cattle but present different fencing challenges — they are prone to following each other through gaps and can slip under loosely tensioned fences. Ring-lock or hinge-joint mesh with tighter spacing at the base is the preferred choice for sheep containment, preventing both adult sheep and lambs from passing through. Fence height of 900mm is standard for sheep paddocks.

Horse Fencing

Horses require smooth, highly visible fencing without sharp edges or barbed wire — which can cause catastrophic injuries when horses run into or become entangled. The preferred fencing systems for horses are: plain wire with white sighter wire as a top strand, electric tape or poly wire, post-and-rail (timber or PVC Hamptons style), or purpose-designed horse mesh. A minimum height of 1500mm is recommended, with 1800mm for stallions or horses that challenge fences.

Dog Fencing

Dog fencing must address three key behaviours: digging under, squeezing through, and jumping over. The right mesh opening size (matched to the dog’s body size), appropriate fence height for the breed, and an underground skirt or concrete base apron to prevent digging are all critical. Chain wire mesh, welded mesh, and ring-lock rural mesh are all commonly used for dog enclosures — see our dedicated dog fencing range for full options.

Alpaca and Llama Fencing

Alpacas and llamas require smooth fencing without barbs or sharp projections that can snag their fleece and cause injury. Ring-lock mesh at 1200mm–1500mm height with star picket supports is the most commonly recommended system. Predator protection is essential — alpacas are highly vulnerable to dog attacks, making a tight base mesh opening (no larger than 150mm) and an underground skirt important features of any alpaca paddock fence.

Goat Fencing

Goats are notoriously difficult to contain — they are intelligent, agile, and persistent fence testers. Effective goat fencing requires ring-lock or fixed-knot mesh at minimum 1200mm height with tight mesh spacing, well-anchored posts at close spacing (no more than 3m), and no climbing aids near the fence line. Electric wire offsets on the inside of the fence significantly improve goat containment effectiveness.

Poultry and Small Animal Enclosures

Chickens, ducks, rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small animals require enclosures that keep them safely in and predators safely out. Heavy gauge welded mesh (not chicken wire alone) is recommended for predator-resistant coops and runs. For rabbits, bury mesh 300mm underground or fold outward to prevent digging escape. For aviaries and bird enclosures, fine hexagonal netting or welded mesh in the appropriate opening size provides containment while allowing light and air circulation.

Wildlife and Conservation Enclosures

Wildlife carers, conservation organisations, and native animal breeders require purpose-built enclosures that safely house native wildlife for rehabilitation, breeding, or display. Fine mesh appropriate to the species, smooth internal surfaces to prevent injury, and appropriate environmental enrichment features should be considered in any wildlife enclosure design.

Snake Exclusion

In Queensland — home to numerous venomous snake species including the eastern brown snake — snake exclusion fencing provides valuable protection around homes, gardens, play areas, and chicken coops. Fine hexagonal wire netting (8mm–13mm opening) extended underground 150–300mm and sealed at all post junctions provides an effective snake exclusion barrier. See our dedicated snake fencing range for specific products.

Predator Exclusion — Wild Dogs, Foxes & Feral Pigs

Rural properties across South East Queensland face significant livestock losses from wild dogs, feral pigs, and foxes. Purpose-designed predator exclusion fencing using heavy-gauge fixed-knot mesh with underground burial, tightly spaced posts, and electric wire offsets at the appropriate height provides the most effective protection. See our wild dog fencing and feral fence categories for specialist products.

Key Considerations When Choosing Animal Fencing

• Species-specific requirements: Every species has different strength, agility, and behaviour — match your fencing system to the specific animals involved
• Predator risk: Properties in areas with wild dog, fox, or feral pig activity need predator-resistant fencing features in addition to standard containment
• Terrain: Undulating and rocky terrain common in the Sunshine Coast hinterland and rural SEQ requires flexible mesh systems that can follow the contour
• Permanence: Permanent fencing warrants higher-quality materials (galvanised posts and mesh) than temporary yards or rotational grazing systems
• Budget: Balance upfront cost against long-term maintenance and replacement costs — cheaper fencing that fails frequently costs more over time

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best all-round fencing for a mixed livestock property?
For properties running a mix of sheep, cattle, and goats, ring-lock or hinge-joint mesh at 900mm–1050mm height combined with 2 strands of plain wire above and a barbed wire top strand provides effective multi-species containment. Adjust post spacing and strainer assembly size based on the stock pressure expected.

How do I choose between chain wire, welded mesh, and rural mesh for an animal enclosure?
Chain wire mesh suits medium-to-large animal enclosures (dog runs, horse yards) where flexibility and economy are priorities. Welded mesh suits rigid panel applications (rabbit hutches, bird aviaries, security enclosures) where structural firmness is needed. Rural mesh (ring-lock, hinge joint, stiff stay) suits open paddock livestock fencing where long, tensioned runs and terrain flexibility are required.

Do you deliver animal fencing to Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast?
Yes — we offer Australia-wide delivery including to Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, and all of South East Queensland. Heavy items including mesh rolls and posts are freighted by pallet for larger orders; contact us for a freight quote.

Order Animal Fencing Online — Sunshine Coast, Brisbane & Australia-Wide

Discount Landscape Supplies is your complete source for animal fencing and enclosure products across South East Queensland. Browse our full range of sub-categories below to find the right fencing system for your animals, or contact our expert team for tailored advice on the best fencing solution for your property and stock type.