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How to Choose Proper Fencing for Farm Animals and Livestock

Choosing the proper fencing for your farm animals is quite important, as this ensures their safety, investment security, and productivity within your farm. Some have peculiar behavior and sizes, needing the same fence application ineffective on all species. Well-chosen fencing prevents escapes, helps to keep predators out, and enables you to better manage rotational grazing. In this article, we shall talk about the main factors that one should observe when choosing fencing for different kinds of livestock-from cattle to chickens.

a person standing in a fenced in area
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Fencing for Cattle

Cattle are big and powerful animals; if the fencing is not strong enough, they can easily destroy it. When one is choosing a fence for cattle, strength and durability are of prime importance. A good option would be barbed wire or woven wire fencing; it might prevent cattle from leaning on the fence. Then there is electric fencing, largely in use for keeping cattle out, as this serves as a psychological barrier to the cattle to prevent them from testing the boundaries. In areas where there is heavy traffic or the need to move cattle in and out frequently, a solid cattle gate will be a necessary addition, providing strength and easy access. Make the fencing high enough, approximately 54 inches, to contain mature cattle since younger ones are apt to try and find out just what this fence will or will not hold.

Fencing for Sheep and Goats

The fencing requirement for sheep and goats is somewhat different from that of cattle. Smaller and more agile, sheep and goats test cattle fencing in various other ways. A wire fence with the openings too small to allow them to get their heads stuck, yet tall enough not to jump over, is effective. Other options include electric fencing; with goats and sheep, especially on rotational grazing, they learn to respect the electric barrier quickly. For these animals, the fence should be roughly 48 inches high, and extra reinforcing might be required at the bottom to hinder burrowing.

Fencing for Pigs

Pigs are intelligent creatures with a natural tendency for rooting and digging, and thus their fencing needs are focused on a low, secure structure. For the keeping of pigs, heavy-gauge hog panels or welded wire fencing are pretty good in the construction of pens because such type withstands the force of rooting. Others like to run an electric wire along the bottom of the fence to prevent the pigs from digging their way out. Fences for pigs should be about 36 inches high and well set into the ground to ensure that pigs do not get away. When a person is selecting a fence for keeping pigs, they should think about using sturdy, low-set fencing that is capable of withstanding the physical forces the pigs will apply.

Fencing for Horses

Horse fencing presents some special needs than other livestock. They are sensitive animals that can easily get themselves injured on harsh or jagged fencing. General preferences in horse enclosures are smooth wires, vinyl, and wooden fences, which keep the view clear without a threat of entanglement or injury. Electric fencing also works with horses if highly visible to them with vinyl or tape; Horse fences need to be tall- in the line of 60 inches high, to deter jumping and they need to be set closely enough apart to not allow horses to get their head and legs through the openings.

Fencing for Poultry

Poultry is a bit different to fence since their main concern is predator keep-out. Chicken wire or welded wire fencing is one of the common options; predators such as foxes and raccoons cannot gain entry through it, while it can contain the birds. In order to make the aforementioned option even more secure, some farmers bury the fence a few inches into the ground, stopping the digging predators. Electric netting fence is another option for protecting poultry; it is portable and quite effective in preventing ground and aerial predators. The fencing for poultry does not need to be as tall, about 4 feet, but it does have to be reinforced against possible attack.

Choosing the right type of farm animal fencing is an investment that pays off in safety, security, and ease of management. Each species has different needs, and selection should make consideration for the behavior, size, and possible threats from predators for that animal. An area that is appropriately fenced can maintain your animals within safe environments, reduce potential incidents of escape, and protect them from predators. Be it placing cattle gates for easy access to the pasture or reinforcing poultry enclosures, investing in appropriate fencing materials ensures a safer and more efficient farm.


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