electric fence

These serve two purposes: 1) The calves get curious, and tend to walk up and sniff them. I think you can figure out the results. and 2) They aid in visibility of the fence. When the calves are running toward it (as they usually do) they'll have a better chance of seeing the white cloth, vs. that single strand of wire.

My two cents.

Your calves will spend a few days running through that type of fence, hot or not. They are just too excited, like any kids, and too dumb, like any kids, to know better or to learn quickly.

A small pen area with cattle panels or woven wire with a hot strand above would work better to let the kids get used to the place, smells, sounds, and so on of the new place. In a few days put them in the bigger area, and at least when the walk through, they will have a feeling of 'home' by the pen area & you should be able to recapture them.

Good luck. Enjoy your learning days with this - someday you will look back at the fond memories & colorful language used & chuckle at the next fellow with this same question & what he's in for. :)

--->Paul