A Guide to Choosing the Right Fence for Animals

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(Newswire.net — August 15, 2021) –There are endless choices when it comes to fencing animals and specified requirements. Most would be surprised to know that one type of fence does not fit the needs of every application. Depending on the animal, the type of fencing differs, and variables such as height, strength, and spacing requirements vary extensively. This will be an overall, comprehensive guide in helping select the proper fence for any circumstance, courtesy of height and spacing recommendations, and specified tools to select the perfect fencing for any need.

Livestock Fencing

Whether you’re a rancher or farmer with many animals or just a local neighborhood enthusiast with a family pig or goat in the backyard, knowing what type of fencing is appropriate for animals in every situation is a basic responsibility as an animal owner. This section will cover the basic fencing needs of traditional livestock animals.

Cattle and Bison

For animals like cattle and bison, the highest priority should be fortitude and strength. Because these animals are large and powerful, high-tensile fencing (mild carbon steel with a high-yield strength) with a fixed knot pattern is some of the strongest and most durable fencings on the market. Barbed or electric wiring fencing, or hinge-joint fencing, are also popular options. These types of fencing should be built with treated wood posts and T-posts for optimal strength. 

Hogs

Standard feed hogs tend to do best with a fixed knot design with a recommended 3-strand barbed wire top and bottom, or alternatively 3 to 4 strands of electrical wire fencing. Hogs that are feral or invasive must also have apron fencing included, for they will try to burrow their way beneath the fencing in order to get into pens with other animals.

Horse and Equine

Visibility to the horses is one of the highest priorities to consider when choosing the fence for equine needs because if they can’t see the fence, entanglement and injury become a huge issue. Wire fences fitted with a wooden-top rail will add visibility, as will white-coated wire.

Sheep and Goats

Because these animals are susceptible to predators and innate curiosity, fencing sheep and goats can be difficult. S-Knot 4”x4” fencing is the most common choice. If more strength is desired, a high-tensile fixed knot fence with a 3” or 12” vertical spacing is just as viable an option. These dimensions minimize potential injury and deter predators.

Pet Fencing

Because dogs are generally the only species pet owners use fencing for, this section will focus on canines.

Dogs

Kennel fencing is usually the best option when dealing with any sort of canine. Dogs don’t usually need overly strong fencing, and for this reason, the most important aspect to consider would be the sizing in the wire mesh fencing. Smaller openings for smaller breeds are ideal, but for larger breeds, larger mesh openings could save an owner money.  There are lots of options for mesh fencing for sale.

Other Fencing

Animals such as deer often wander into backyards and cause damage to trees and personal property, so finding exclusion fencing is often a popular choice. Fixed-knot fencing is one of the best options in this scenario.