The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Smallholding => Techniques and skills => Topic started by: melodrama on April 29, 2014, 04:00:27 am
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We have several smaller paddocks and a very large field. We were thinking that we could put the sheep in the smaller paddocks(about 2 or 3 acres each). We are only going to have 2 ewes and 4 lambs. However, it is a traditional style Canadian wooden fencing which was really meant for cattle and not sheep. Some of it also has up metal gates. Most of the fencing is in good condition but there are some breaks and lambs would be able to get out at almost every turn. My question is, should I just get some sheep fencing and put it up around the paddocks attached to the existing fencing. And also - can it just be tacked into place or does it need to be tighter and have some form of tension put in? We had someone do our fencing fro us in Scotland but can't find anyone to do it here and suspect it would cost a fortune so its all up to me. nThanks in advance.
Melanie
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forgot to say it needs to keep coyotes out!
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forgot to say it needs to keep coyotes out!
Gulp. I think I'd be exploring livestock guardian dogs.
Could you use electric (mesh or several strands of wire close together) fencing inside the wooden fence? Might be cheaper than proper stock fencing the lot.
Personally I would say yes, regular stock fencing would need to be pretty taut, otherwise they can get their feet or heads stuck in it and get trapped.
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Thanks Sally, We have a guard dog that lives outside, he came with the house and he keeps them off the property right now but I can't help but think that they'll be more interested once there are tasty delights to be had! We did think about electric fencing the lower portions of the fence but wasn't sure of the best option. x
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If your buying in new stock then put the electric up for a start - when they are used to the area they prob wont stray unless there is no food - they like home just as we do. :)
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If you wana be sure - just tack fence to the poles -(if they are strurdy) only a £1 odd a meter with clips and labour if the posts are there)
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thanks guys, I have bought some fencing and we are putting it up this weekend for the she eps imminent arrival! so excited