One size does not fit all when it comes to livestock fencing! If your property contains chickens, horses and goats, you will need a different type of fencing for each of them. That is why hiring a good fence contractor in Carlsbad, NM is paramount—making this a do-it-yourself project can endanger your animals. However, it is a good idea to know how to assess the fencing you need and know why that fencing choice works. Here are four factors to take into account when considering fencing for your livestock:
- Animal size: Considering the size of your animals prevents escape holes in your fence and keeps them safe from predators. For example, chickens are small and face threats from multiple types of predators, so they need a woven fence that keeps them contained and keeps predators out. Goats are medium-sized and can get their heads stuck in woven fencing with seven-inch spaced nets. Intelligent or athletic animals respect fences that are electric, which is why that style is recommended for pigs and horses. Cattle can easily destroy most fences, so durability and high voltage is recommended for them.
- Behavioral attributes: Knowing your animals’ primary behavioral patterns also determines good fencing. Grazing animals often try to breach fences to get to more grass, and they will respect an electric fence. Sheep and goats often run and play, as well as grow horns, so they can do well with electric netting. However, you never want to use that material with horses, as they will spook and run and likely get caught up in fences they can’t see. With this in mind, your horses require an electric and visible fence that consists of fencing tape or coated fencing wire.
- Operation growth: You will make different fencing decisions depending on your plans for permanence. If you only need a fence to last through winter until you make land adjustments next spring, you want something secure, yet mobile. The same is true if you plan on expanding the operation (e.g. going from a herd of 100 cows to 250) and need to expand fencing as well. However, if you made a firm farm plan that you have no intention of changing anytime soon, you can set up your fencing for permanence and durability rather than flexibility.
- Types of predators: As mentioned above, chickens are in constant danger of predators, and usually smaller ones like raccoons, coyotes and bobcats. That is why a tight-weaved fence is recommended—the chickens stay in, but even smaller predators stay out. Goats and sheep are also in danger of predators, but it is usually limited to their babies, and most predators will not work too hard to get to them. Electric nets work well for that reason. Horses and cattle are rarely targeted by predators due to their size, although that can change if they have a foal or calf at their side. The solution there is an electric fence where there is no more than 18 inches between strands.
Guadalupe Mountain Fencing LLC is a trusted fence contractor in Carlsbad, NM. Contact us today if you require assistance with livestock fencing.