Installing fences for animals: What should you consider?
Fences are important for your farm or ranch when you need to control animal movement. Animals can become a real nuisance when they're trying to access your garden (so they can eat your crops), or when they're simply exploring their surroundings.
Installing a fence for animals is much different from other fencing needs. You want to ensure that the animals don't access specific areas, but you also don't want to harm them in the process. So what factors should you consider for animal fencing on your premises?
The element of surprise
Animals always try to outsmart us. If they know what you're trying to protect, they will work relentlessly to find a way through. The best strategy is to keep animals in the dark about what you're trying to protect. They should simply view the fencing as a nuisance rather than a hindrance.
Consider fences that block the view of animals from what you're trying to protect. For example, solid fences around your garden can make them oblivious to the food that lies therein. Another option is electrical fencing. The shock that animals will receive as they approach the fence will keep them away from the secluded area.
Minimising harm to the animals
You should always opt for fencing that causes minimal harm to animals. As previously stated, animals may try too hard to access forbidden areas and they may harm themselves in the process. There are many cases of livestock such as cows and sheep being stuck in barbed wire fencing.
If the fencing pricks them in dangerous areas, you may lose a part of your livestock. As a result, you should avoid very sharp fencing that causes deep cuts or other bodily harm upon contact. Such fencing should only be used under extenuating circumstances (such as when human lives are at risk from roaming man eaters).
Keep the area as natural as possible
To restrict animal movement, fences that blend naturally with the environment work best. The animals will barely know that their movement is being controlled, and they will become less of a nuisance.
Wooden fencing, low post fencing and light wire mesh work well for ranches and farms. If you need electric fencing for larger animals such as horses, cord/tape fences can blend in with the landscape and provide an unexpected shock to keep animals away from restricted areas. you can also vary the size, length, and thickness of the fences as appropriate. For more information or assistance, contact a local expert in fencing supplies.