good neighbors. They keep animals in, keep predators out, and keep different species of animal separate from one another if needed - or keep males from females of the same species! They can be permanent, or temporary and movable, depending on your needs. But sometimes the options can be overwhelming, especially with some of the newer technologies like electric net fencing. Check out my fencing guide to get an overview of the types of fencing, and be sure to consider the different applications of fencing:
- Perimeter fencing. Many farmers choose to fence a perimeter around the border of the property. Perimeter fencing can keep out predators (even when those predators are wandering neighborhood dogs) and serves as a boundary for your animals should they escape from interior fencing.
- Paddocks. You can use electric net fencing or polywire to fence temporary pastures or paddocks within a larger grazing pasture. Rotational grazing is key to raising animals who are sustaining themselves on fresh, growing grass instead of grain.
- Permanent or semi-permanent pen. Depending on your management practices, you might not be moving animals very often, and require more permanent solutions to keeping your animals in one place. Choose a fencing solution that doesn't need to be moved frequently and that can stand up to the stresses of time and exposure, winds, vegetation, and animals pushing against it repeatedly.
It's not too late to get some fencing up before the snow flies! Depending on your climate, it might be an ideal time to work on fence solutions. And make sure to check and repair your fences before the cold season comes. Right now many predatory animals are looking for food before winter really sets in. You don't want that food to be your delicious, plump free-range chickens - trust me!
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