Pig Post Buyer's Guide

Purpose: Depending on how you plan to use the posts, different types and materials are recommended. Wood and recycled plastic posts are the top choice for a permanent and particularly sturdy fence. Line posts are suitable for permanent or occasionally movable fences, while plastic posts are ideal for mobile fencing. For a quick and easy setup, the SmartFence system can be a great solution.

Fence Height: Electric fences for domestic pigs are usually 55 cm to 75 cm high, with two additional wires placed at 45 cm and 20 cm. Since fence posts are inserted into the ground, make sure to account for the post's full length, including the pointed end that goes into the soil. Our product descriptions include both the total post height and the maximum fence height.

In addition to the physical fence, it's important to comply with animal health regulations, which require double fencing for pig enclosures. The inner fence should be an electric fence with two, preferably three, electrified wires at heights of 20 cm, 45 cm, and 75 cm above the ground.

For the outer fence, a height of approximately 1.50 metres is recommended, with a tightly woven lower section, such as a knot mesh, to prevent piglets from escaping and small wild animals from entering. To stop animals from digging under the fence, it should be buried 20 to 50 cm underground.

A 1.5 to 2-metre gap between the inner and outer fences is recommended. Additionally, the gates on the outer fence should be lockable and feature a sign stating: “Pig enclosure – unauthorised feeding and entry prohibited.”

Regularly inspect both fences and test the electric fence's functionality with a fence tester.

Durability: If the electric fence for pigs is intended for long-term use, it’s crucial to choose weather- and UV-resistant materials that are highly durable. This will ensure the posts remain securely in place for many years without requiring maintenance. Be sure to check the product description for details on durability and warranty. All of our posts are of superior quality and do not require additional treatments or preservatives.

Cost: The cost of posts varies depending on material, brand, and quality. We offer a wide range of manufacturers across different price categories, so you have plenty of options to find the perfect post for your pig fence.

Types of fence post materials

Plastic: Plastic posts are the most affordable and commonly used option for mobile fences. They are lightweight, easy to transport and install, and often come with integrated holders for electric wires. While they are weather- and UV-resistant, plastic posts don’t last as long as wood or recycled plastic posts. Their key advantage is flexibility in use.

Line Posts: Line posts combine the advantages of plastic and fibreglass posts. Their core is made of fibreglass, encased in a UV-resistant polyethylene coating. This makes them particularly sturdy, flexible, durable, and lightweight. They also feature customizable clips and insulators that can be mounted at any height, making them suitable for different animal types. They are ideal for both permanent and temporary fences, as they can be installed and dismantled multiple times. The 140 cm version is perfect for pig fencing.

Wood: Traditional electric fences are built with wooden posts. These posts are aesthetically appealing, landscape-friendly, and highly stable. Though installation is more labor-intensive, wooden posts can last up to 30 years. The material is resistant to fungal decay and requires no ongoing maintenance, making it a solid choice for long-term use.

Recycled Plastic: This eco-friendly alternative offers all the benefits of wooden posts but with added resistance to UV light, acids, alkalis, and rot. Recycled plastic posts are ideal for permanent pig fencing and contribute to environmental protection. Thanks to their durability, they are also a cost-effective long-term solution.

Our manufacturers of high-quality fence posts:

• Gallagher, e.g., for Insultimber, Line Posts, Eco Posts, Ring-Top Posts, and Pigtail Posts
• Pulsara, e.g., for affordable plastic posts and pigtail posts