How-to Turn ON/OFF Virtual Paddocks

In this guide, you’ll learn how to activate and deactivate virtual paddocks effectively in eShepherd, focusing on using the Mobs Menu for consistent control over your virtual paddocks. This ensures that your virtual paddock settings are correctly applied across all animals in the selected mob.

Turning On a Virtual Paddock

To turn on a virtual paddock, open the Mobs Menu and select the mobs you want to move into the paddock. For example, if you’re working with the heifers mob (blue) and a bull in the same area, select both mobs. Click Turn On VP at the bottom, choose Now (immediate activation), then select the virtual paddock from the list, like "VP00." Your selection will highlight in pink, and once you click Turn On Virtual Paddock, the paddock appears as a solid orange line on the map.

Keep in mind that the system will take 30 minutes or more for the activation signal to reach all neckbands, depending on connectivity. During this waiting period, go to the Status Menu to monitor the activation. This will display the activation date, time, selected mobs, and the number of animals involved.

Transitioning Between Virtual Paddocks

When moving animals to a new virtual paddock, there is no need to turn off the previous paddock. Simply select the same mobs and follow the same steps as before to activate the next paddock. For example, if your Mob is in "VP00" and you want them to move to "VP01," select Turn On VP again, choose Now, and select "VP01." After a brief communication delay, the previous paddock will automatically switch to a dotted line, while the new paddock appears as active.

Deactivating Virtual Paddocks for Individual Animals

To turn off a virtual paddock for just one animal, go to the Animals Menu, locate and select the specific animal (e.g., the bull), and choose Change Virtual Paddock at the bottom. Then, select Turn Off. This process will also take some time to complete, and the animal’s icon will change once deactivation is confirmed. Allow around 30 minutes for the status to fully update before removing the animal from the virtual paddock.

Key Tips

• Patience is essential: Activation and transitions are not instant and can take time, often up to 30 minutes.
• Monitor Progress: Use the Status Menu to track activation completion.
• Avoid Overlapping Commands: Let each command fully process before issuing another.

By following these steps, you can efficiently manage your virtual paddocks and monitor animal movements within eShepherd. For more advanced options, like scheduling activations, please refer to the scheduling tutorial.

Deleting Virtual Paddocks

To delete a virtual paddock, do the following:

1. Go to your VP's tab
2. Find the VP you want to delete
3. Click the box on the left-hand side next to the VP
4. At the bottom, you'll see the red "Delete" button.
5. If you do not see this, look at the left edge of the VP's tab that is open and expand the view and the "Delete" button should appear

If you cannot delete a VP, check first that there are no Animals or Neckbands that are stuck on the VP. If they are stuck on that VP then unfit the Neckband from the Animal. If you are still having trouble deleting VPs then contact the eShepherd Team here.

Updated on: 18/11/2025