Allwebco Web Templates · Build your own toolbar · Site Building Articles · Audio, Fonts, Clipart
powered by
bravenet.com
|
|
Fencing
or "You mean I'm supposed to stay IN here?"
If there is one thing I've learned thru the years of Mini ownership, and now Shetlands, it is that these little guys are SMART, with a Capital S. Problem solving, intelligent thinking smart. Yes, it varies by individual, and the geldings usually do have the "ho-hum, what's to eat?" nature of their larger counterparts. Fencing stallions and mares, on the other hand, requires some thought and effort. I have been asked many times about fencing, so here are our thoughts.
Fencing hopefully will be relatively easy to install, durable, cost-effective, and attractive. If cost is NOT an issue the new white vinyl fencing - or wood covered with vinyl - contractor installed, is a wonderful thing. Just be sure the bottom rail is no more than 6"-9" above ground.
Over the years we've tried a variety of materials. Cedar post and rail is rustic, long lived fencing. Digging the post holes is no fun unless you have one of the new-fangled electric/gas post hole diggers. The problem we discovered is land doens't often lay flat. A bottom rail planned to be 9-12" above ground is easily high enough for a 30" stocky built stallion to lay down and shimmy his way out when he desires, and certainly high enough for a foal to lay down for a nap and roll out under. Trust me, they WILL find the low spots! Lining said fence with woven wire greatly increases it's functionality-and greatly decreases it's attraction!
Simple woven wire can be a very nice fence. It MUST be properly pulled and tightened as they WILL use it as a full body shed ring/scratcher. This results very quickly in unsightly sagging. A couple of strands of electric run 24" and 32" or so above ground can be a deterrent to scratching, but will not totally stop it necessarily. One advantage of the woven wire however is it is helpful in deterring predator's. Most can't go over and many won't bother to dig under. There are of course exceptions, but for most dogs and coyotes we've found it an effective deterrent.
Our other favored choice to date is cattle panels. They go by different names in various parts of the country I understand. Typically they stand 52", with 6" squares, are galvanized, and 16' long. They sell in our area for $15-16 each. Their installation is simple--but dont use the clips that come with them! Buy some electric fence wire of a decent thickness and cut 2.5-3' sections to wrap the fence to the T-Posts where they joint. The clips work fine on the middle post, but not on the joints. It only takes a few 300#-400# mares leaning on them to scratch to pop the clips off and then they are FREE!!! This type of fencing goes up quick, is very durable, attractive as it won't sag, and doesn't have to be stretched. The 6" squares allow nearly any Mini to stick a hoof thru and pull it back out without trauma or injury. The predators locally seem to respect them. Shorter 'sheep' or 'hog' panels can be purchased but a dog or coyote could jump them easily. We've lived thru a dog attack and so now think with that in mind.
What about electric? I know a few who have successfully used it, esp with Mini's raised to respect it. I also know many who's Mini's simply don't seem to care, esp in winter. Electric was already installed on our farm when we moved here, so I let a band of mares out one day after having tested it to be sure it worked. After they checked the whole fence line, they came back up by the barn, Red took hold of the fence in her teeth and lifted it, and held it while the others went under. When all were out (and I'm picking my jaw up off the ground) she let go of it, lowered to her knees and went under it, and away they went on adventures only a Mini knows! They are born with a mischevious spirit I am convinced =) I do not, personally, therefore recommend electric fencing for Minis! Thank goodness they are all suckers for the sound of grain in a bucket <VBG>
Hopefully this short article will be helpful. Be sure to visit our other articles, and feel free to contact us at any time!
bravenet.com