|
|
Post by Steve on Oct 10, 2007 20:27:23 GMT -5
As I said in the "Welcome" section, I'm getting ready to take the leap into Dexters. I'm going to start with 2 acres and next year fence 2 more. So .... I'd like your opinions and your input on (1) Barbed wire - 4 strands? 5? (2) Electric - 2 wires? 3? Wire or braid? (3) Woven wire - Probably too expensive, but 39"? 42"? 47"? Bother with barbed wire at the top of the woven wire? If you have other ideas I haven't listed, please add them in your comments. I'm here to learn, and I only want to build a fence once! No matter which one, I plan on doing it right!  |
|
|
|
Post by gene on Oct 10, 2007 20:34:32 GMT -5
if i were starting from scratch on 2 acres i would use 39" field fence with 1 barbed wire on bottom, and 2 on top, 1 of those at the top edge of the wire.
gene
|
|
|
|
Post by legendrockranch on Oct 10, 2007 23:07:21 GMT -5
We use a high tensile locking knot game fence/cattle fence referred to as locktight, solidlock or staytight depending on manufacturer. It is supposed to remain tight for the life of the fence, and is galvanized so no rust.
The majority of our perimeter and cross fencing is 1348 meaning 48 inches tall, 13 horizontal stands that are variable spaced, smaller on the bottom larger on the top with 6 inches between vertical wires setting it 2-3 inches off the ground with a single stand of barbed wire on the bottom, and two strands of barbed wire above the fence spaced 3-4 inches apart.
Great fencing, but it does cost more.
|
|
|
|
Post by copperhead on Oct 11, 2007 9:29:38 GMT -5
we use the 39 inch field wire with two strands of barbed on top, spaced about 5 or 6 inches apart. It's about the best for the least amount of money. I do use the twisted wire stays between the post for extra support. Some of my fields are barbed wire, 5 strands, but I don't really care for it, because I have had new calves go right out between them.
P.J.
|
|
|
|
Post by fuzzy on Oct 11, 2007 10:27:02 GMT -5
If you are going to just have cattle and not hogs or sheep the use of field fence{woven wire} is a lot of expense and will not give you any better fence. The use of high tensil smooth wire 12.5 guage will keep the animal in as long as you have one wire electrified. If there is no eletricity in at least one wire then they will learn to go through the fence. An electric fence should be at least two wires on with electricy and one which is a ground wire. The best and tried fence which will keep the cattle in over the long term is barbed. Two or three point will do well. For Dexter cattle you need a five or six wire fence with the top wire at 47inchs above the ground. Check your state laws on fencing since in most states they have laws by which the fencer must comply. This will tell you how high the first wire must be above the ground and the max heigth the fence can be. In many states it will tell you the spacing of the posts, the type of fence for each sp. of animal and in many cases if it needs to be inspected or not.
|
|
|
|
Post by legendrockranch on Oct 11, 2007 13:53:54 GMT -5
We used to have 5 strand barbed wire, calves could still get out and the bull would put his nose right through it.
We do have one side of a fence line, that is 5 strand high tensile that is electrified. Three strands are hot (top, middle and bottom) the other 2 are not. Guess what the young calves can still get out.
I figure if I have to on our current fence (mentioned in my first post) I can always put 1 strand of hot wire on 4-6 inch stand off clips about nose height.
|
|
|
|
Post by Steve on Oct 11, 2007 18:17:44 GMT -5
You guys (and gals!) can't imagine how helpful this is to me. I get the idea that y'all are old hands at this, and I really need and appreciate all the responses I've had. Keep 'em comin'!! What's worked - what hasn't? Like I said, I only want to do this once, I'm on a limited budget, and I've got 6 (soon 7!) kids to think about, so is electric really something I want to consider? This is for a milker with calf and another to raise for beef. Keep the ideas and thoughts comin'!
Thank you!
|
|
|
|
Post by triangles on Oct 11, 2007 18:40:34 GMT -5
We are using 48" Red brand Cattle Fence with one strand of barbed wire right across the top and a hot wire about a foot off the ground. Before we got the hot wire a calf was pushing it up and getting out. Once we put the one strand of hot wire in that stopped immediately. We actually haven't had the hot wire turned on for over a month but the cows don't know that.
Wes
|
|
