Sheep Fencing with LIGHTNING Fence Droppers (6+ Wires)
Design lamb-safe, small-stock fences that stay straight and resist “paneling”. LIGHTNING fence droppers hold tight wire spacing so you can run 6, 7 or 8-wire sheep fences with fewer posts and cleaner lines.
Why LIGHTNING Droppers for Sheep & Small-Stock Fencing?
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Lamb-safe spacing. Droppers lock the lower wires tighter to prevent lambs from slipping through.
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Fewer posts, straighter lines. Run posts at 8–12 m and place droppers every 1.5–2 m for a flat, rigid face.
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High-tensile & electric compatible. Works with plain HT wire and hot wires (use insulators where required).
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Predator control ready. Pair with offsets or a hot bottom/offset wire to deter foxes and dogs.
Recommended Configurations (Sheep – 6+ Wires)
Guidelines for typical Australian conditions. Adjust to terrain, stocking pressure and local rules.
| Setup | Height (approx.) | Wires | Spacing bottom → top | Post spacing | Dropper spacing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6-wire droppers | 0.95–1.0 m | 6 plain (1 hot optional) | 100 / 120 / 140 / 160 / 180 mm | 8–10 m | 1.8–2.0 m | General sheep paddocks; closer spacing at the bottom protects lambs. |
| 7-wire droppers | 1.0–1.05 m | 7 plain (1–2 hot) | 90 / 110 / 130 / 150 / 170 / 190 mm | 8–12 m | 1.6–1.8 m | Higher stock pressure or mixed sheep/goat country. |
| 8-wire droppers | 1.05 m | 8 plain (2 hot recommended) | 80 / 100 / 120 / 140 / 160 / 180 / 200 mm | 8–12 m | 1.5–1.8 m | Pre-lambing, laneways and areas with predator activity. |
Tip: A hot offset 150–200 mm inside the fence discourages rubbing and climbing.
Installation Overview
- Set strainer/end assemblies and corners to the required height (≈1.0–1.05 m).
- Drive Y-posts/star pickets at 8–12 m; mark lower-wire positions for tight spacing.
- Strain wires from the bottom up; keep the first 3–4 wires closer together (80–150 mm).
- Clip LIGHTNING droppers every 1.5–2.0 m; reduce spacing in gullies or high-pressure areas.
- Add hot offsets/top wire as needed; tension and check gateways and depressions.
Ground clearance: Avoid gaps >80–100 mm at low points. Add a ground-hugging wire or apron if predators are an issue.
Sheep Fencing FAQs
In many paddocks yes—provided the lower spacing is tight. For pre-lambing or high-pressure areas, 7–8 wires are recommended.
1.5–2.0 m is typical. Close to 1.5 m in gullies, laneways or where stock pressure is high.
Yes. Use insulators for live wires and consider a hot offset to deter rubbing and predators.
Absolutely. Clipping LIGHTNING droppers between posts tightens spacing and reduces “paneling” without replacing posts.
Build a lamb-safe sheep fence
Choose LIGHTNING droppers and tools to keep lower wires tight and stock secure.