A strong fence is one of the best investments you can make for your animals. However, no two herds are the same, and neither are their fencing requirements. As such, the fence material and structure you choose should best reflect your livestock’s habits and needs.
Before setting the first post, it’s worth understanding what will serve your animals best. Here are a few things to consider before installing livestock fences:
- Durability. Different animals pose unique challenges to livestock fences. For instance, cattle can lean heavily on a fence, testing its integrity. On the other hand, goats are agile climbers that will exploit any weak point in a barrier. Therefore, you should evaluate the physical characteristics of your herd in order to select a material that can withstand the livestock’s pressure over many seasons.
- Height and Visibility. Fence height should always match the size and behavior of your livestock. Horses, for example, need fences that are both tall enough and easy to see so as to avoid accidental injury and keep them calm. And while sheep may not need as much height, they could benefit from livestock fences with small gaps to minimize the chances of them squeezing through.
- Security. Your livestock are an invaluable asset, and the fence you install should perform the dual role of keeping them contained while also keeping danger out. In particular, high-value or vulnerable animals may need fences with specialized deterrents — like electrification — to provide an extra layer of protection against threats like coyotes.
- Maintenance Requirements. The long-term time commitment necessary to keep a livestock fence operational must be balanced against its initial effectiveness. Some construction types may require continuous vigilance against deterioration, while others may do with seasonal inspections. Regardless, it’s important to note that all livestock fences need some level of care to ensure they effectively serve their purpose.
If you need professional help deciding which livestock fence would suit your property best, talk to us at Detail Fence LLC today.