Electric fence?????

Not sure where to put this, this topic has the most activity so I thought I would try here. WHat are you thoughts on electric fence? My intended use will be multi purpose, keep critters (mostly deer) out of my garden, rotational grazing, and rotational pasturing of poultry, and maybe pigs in the future. How are the electric netting type fences, much problem with them shorting against grass or weeds around the bottom? I want something portable, mostly because I rent and want to be able to take it with me when I buy a place of my own.

I use electric fence for internal pasture fences. Polywire is extremely easy to use and effective for cows and pigs. Electronetting is more of a pain to move, and to keep from shorting out, and is a lot more expensive. It is necessary for poultry, sheep, goats. Deer really depend on your region, for me, only a tall permanent fence will exclude them from a garden. If you can use polywire for your objectives, it is highly reccomended. A good source is premier1.com Gallagher makes quality products.
good luck

I have had luck keeping deer out of the garden with a 5 strand steel wire perimeter fence.
I use 3 strand polywire for lanes, and netting for daily paddock moves. This keeps in my sheep and cows quite well.

If your primary concern is keeping deer out the key is a tall (ideally 8 ft min) and visible as opposed to strong or electrified.

Electric fencing is best effective for preventing climbing critters, as the shock is diminished significantly by fur.

As you rent, tall bamboo poles, with inexpensive bird netting attached with zap straps (cable ties) flagged every foot or so will generally eliminate deer access. Keep in mind, on downslopes it will need to be higher. This can even be done with closely spaced fishing line, flagged with mylar flagging tape or with suspended CD's spinning in the wind

If you already HAVE an electric system it would add a layer of protection, on the outside of the tall fence, keeping them from getting close enough to jump. They do require constant maintenance and monitoring, and may be better suited for smaller enclosures to keep stock/fowl safely contained.