Different Types of Effective Range Fencing For Animals
Range fencing; the most effective and long-lasting fences are planned with the correct layout and built with appropriate material and construction. The cost of a properly built fence often returns its value in a short time.
It is most important to be aware of any regulations and zoning ordinances that pertain to the type of fence being built. When fences are built near property borders, it is essential to know the exact location of the boundary lines.
Types of Range Animal Fencing and Fences
A. Fence Post Options
Fence posts can be simple or fancy. From metal t-posts to wooden locust posts, each option has its pros and cons. Here are a few of the options to consider when purchasing fence posts.
i. Metal T-posts: T-posts come in a variety of sizes, from 4 feet to 8 feet. They usually come in bunches of 5 and are easy to find at your local farm store.
Pros:
• T-posts are easy and quick to install, and require only a t-post driver or even just a sledge hammer.
• Often less expensive than wood posts
• Reusable, moveable and long lasting
Cons:
• Not as aesthetically pleasing as wood posts
• They require the additional purchase of clips or insulators in order to attach your fencing.
ii. Store Bought/Treated Wood Posts: Treated wood fence posts are usually round posts that come in sizes ranging from 6-8ft. They are easily found at your local farm supply or home improvement store.
Pros:
• Uniform shape and size
• Posts are resistant to rot, which increases their lifespan
Cons:
• Most posts are treated with chemicals that are not healthy for people or the soil
• Heavy and cumbersome to carry
• Requires digging 1-2 foot holes in order to support the posts
• More expensive than t-posts
iii. Locust Posts: Split locust fence posts are a way to get wooden fence posts without chemical treatment. You can usually find them locally, ranging from 6 to 8 feet and sometimes longer.
Pros:
• Locust posts are naturally resistant to rot and require no chemical treatment
• Posts have a long lifespan
• they have a very natural, rustic look
Cons:
• Locust posts are not uniform in shape, size or looks. Depending on your personality, this can either be a good or bad thing
• They are harder to find
• The cost is usually higher than metal posts but usually less than treated, store-bought posts
• Like other wood posts they are heavy and require a deep hole to secure them in the ground
iv. Step-in Posts: Steps-in post light-weight posts are used primarily for temporary pastures. They are most often made of fiberglass or polypropylene.
Pros:
• Inexpensive with no extra materials required to secure your wire to the posts
• Very quick to install, using nothing more than your foot to push them into the ground
• Good for dividing pastures
Cons:
• Due to their lightweight nature, they cannot be used for large animals or animals that will test a fence
• Shorter lifespan
• Can only be used with electric wire, tape or netting
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B. Fence Wire Options
Just like with your posts, you have a lot of different choices when it comes to wire. This is where you need to decide the purpose of your fence- what do you want to keep in our out? Not all wire is created equal and knowing the answer can help you decided what is best for your farm needs.
i. Welded Wire About: Welded wire fencing is constructed by welding the connections between the horizontal and vertical wires of the fence. It can be purchased in a variety of gauges and most commonly comes with 2″x4″ mesh openings in heights between 3 ft and 5ft.
Their Uses:
Welded wire fencing is not quite as strong as its woven wire counterpart, so it is best used with animals who will not lean or stand on the fence. It is a great option for a chicken run or garden fence as well as used as a guard to protect trees from deer or livestock.
ii. Woven Wire About: Woven wire fencing is constructed with a wire knot at the junctions of the horizontal and vertical wires. It comes in lengths from 50ft to 330 ft and in a variety of mesh opening sizes and heights.
Their Uses:
A woven wire fence is a durable, long-lasting fencing option for livestock. Depending on your needs, you can choose a goat fence with smaller openings and strong construction to prevent animals from putting their heads through and to withstand impact from the animal leaning or standing on the fence. Larger animals or those who don’t stress a fence can have wider openings.
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iii. Field Fence About: Field fence is a specific type of woven wire fence. It typically comes in rolls of about 330ft and is much less expensive than other types of woven wire fences. The mesh spacing is variable, ranging from 3 inches to 7 inches, with the bottom spaces being closer together and the top farther apart.
Their Uses:
Field fence is best for low impact animals or if you need a secure, full fence for a large area. It is great for keeping deer out of a garden or for fencing a dog run.
iv. Barbed Wire About: Barbed wire fencing consists of 2 strands of wire that have been twisted together, with barbs placed every 3-5 inches throughout the length of the fence.
Use:
Barbed wire fencing is best used for large animals such as cattle or bison. It cannot be used safely with animals such as goats, sheep, llamas or alpacas.
It can also be used as a perimeter fence for you property or in conjunction with a woven or welded wire fence. Most barbed wire fences are made up of five strands of wire.
v. Electric Wire About: An electric fence is made up of multiple strands of high tensile wire. It requires the additional use of a fence charger, grounding rods and insulators. Most electric fences consist of 4-5 strands of wire.
Use:
Electric fencing is a durable, long lasting and flexible way to build a fence. It is a good option for goats, sheep, pigs, cattle, horses and llama. They are a good deterrent for keeping predators out as well as your livestock in.
Keep in mind that an electric fence is only a psychological barrier and may not be the best option for very strong animals, such as a buck in a rut. Electric fencing can be used as a permanent fence, a temporary fence, or to divide pasture.
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