[cleopatra]

we are moving next yr and at the moment we are lucky as we have a burn/river all round our boundary, and double fencing. we are also backed by houses rather than livestock.
we have a stallion and a bull so was wondering what to look for in a new property that will limit any escapes or accidental pregnancies. we will be moving into crofting style areas where they are lot of little farms close by.
my bull can jump 4 ft no bother, and my stallion would do the same if there were ponies as neighbours.

any tips before we buy, or solutions to consider?
thanks

[Alistair]

A moat?

[in the hills]

   castration ?


Sorry, will leave sensible answers to someone in the know.

[Fleecewife]

We don't have a bull but two neighbours do, plus loads of sheep, dogs etc.   We double fenced the  whole holding - normal sheep mesh and stobs, about 2 - 3 metres apart, with a mixed native hedgerow planted in the gap.  Yes it cost and yes it took a few years to complete, but as well as stopping jumpers (no-one has jumped either in or out since the barrier went up) we also have bio-security in the event of another major disease such as F&M (no nose-touching through the march fence).  It doesn't keep foxes out though 

The hedgerow also provides a windbreak effect with shelter for livestock, and a wildlife corridor, with food, nesting sites and insect refuge to help birds, insects and small mammals.  For us, as well as peace of mind, there's wild fruit to collect and we have now developed our own slightly warmer, calmer micro-climate. 

[sabrina]

I have a Shetland stallion and 2 colts. My neighbour has an old mare who is a right flirt. In the summer the boys are on my hill field while my stallion was on loan to another stud. I have electric fencing everywhere and CTV. All my gates are tied up with rope just in case the boys sit on them when scratching and they manage to open. If any of my lot got in with the neighbours mare she could sue me so I take no chances. Its up to you to make sure all gates and fencing is high enough to keep your animals in. Also better to check for any rights of way on any land you may be thinking of buying. I also have warning signs up that their is electric fencing.

[lachlanandmarcus]

I put up 7 foot mesh fencing to keep my dog in: it works!......

[doganjo]

I put up 7 foot mesh fencing to keep my dog in: it works!....

Same as me, but it doesn't keep some breeds in - friends also put a roof on, and I have netting on my chicken runs now.