MESH MADE IN ORANGE NSW
Sheep fencing: separate lamb containment from predator exclusion
Keeping sheep inside and keeping predators outside are related but different tasks. Write both into the brief so a single mesh label does not hide half the problem.
The short answer
Check the smallest stock against the full opening pattern and ground edge. If predators are a concern, separately assess routes under, through, over and around the boundary—including gates and drains.
Put both requirements on the page
Contain sheep and lambs
Animal size, openings, ground clearance, gateways and how stock move through the paddock.
Exclude outside animals
Approach routes, digging, climbing/jumping, existing gaps and how all boundary details join up.
A narrower stay spacing changes opening width within the mesh. It does not, by itself, settle opening height or the gap beneath the fence. Read the horizontal-line chart and inspect the finished bottom edge, especially low spots.
Walk the fence as a chain of transitions
- Mesh to groundHollows, washouts and lifted edges
- Mesh to gateHinge/latch ends and bottom clearance
- Mesh to existing fenceHeight and opening changes
- Fence to drainageWater, debris and erosion paths
The weakest point may be a few metres long. Changing the entire mesh specification without fixing that transition can leave the same escape or entry route. Photograph each transition and put it on the installer’s scope.
Plan before the paddock is needed
| Check | Record |
|---|---|
| Physical boundary completed | Runs and transitions inspected |
| Gates function | Hinges, latches and ground clearance checked |
| Ground-edge treatment, if required | Design and continuity confirmed |
| Existing fence reused | Condition and limitations recorded |
| After-weather inspection | Who checks affected sections before use |
The timing of stock movements and paddock use belongs in your management plan. A guide cannot set animal husbandry requirements for your flock. The practical fencing contribution is a complete and checkable boundary, not a promise that one roll solves every risk.
Brief the materials order
Sheep / lamb fence enquiry
Print this page and fill in the blanks. Keep it with your photos and quote.
- Stock classes and paddock purpose
- ________________________________
- Containment requirement
- ________________________________
- Separate exclusion requirement if any
- ________________________________
- Run lengths and full mesh pattern
- ________________________________
- Gate, low-ground and tie-in photos
- ________________________________
- Apron / top treatment if specified
- ________________________________
- Required completion and delivery access
- ________________________________
Before you leave this guide
Write containment and exclusion as two separate checks. Then make every gate, ground edge and tie-in part of the same finished system.
Compare mesh against the paddock brief
Use the full opening pattern, height and wire specification—not only the product name. Send run lengths and site photos when asking for a materials recommendation.
Compare hinged joint meshSources & scope
- Waratah — livestock fence planning
- Waratah — exclusion fence planning
- Waratah — Stocksafe-T integrated apron
This is an Outback planning guide, not a site-specific installation specification. Manufacturer references explain the subject; their branded product dimensions and methods are not automatically specifications for Outback products.
Editorial review: September 2026. Outback links identify our own product information. External sources are independent references, not endorsements. Product prices, availability and order quantities are shown on the current listings or your written quote.