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- 4 Chicken Coop Hacks to Make Your Life Easier
If you raise chickens, you know how fussy and messy they can be. Keeping your chicken coop clean and your birds protected is a constant chore. The good news is there are a few things you can do to make maintaining your chicken coop a bit easier. Try these four chicken coop hacks. 1. Use plastic nesting boxes Chickens often sleep in nesting boxes, where they also defecate. Wooden nesting boxes are difficult to clean and take a long time to dry out. Additionally, cleaning a nest box regularly with a pressure washer, for example, can wear down the wood, requiring premature replacement. Nesting boxes made of heavy-duty plastic are easy to clean and last for a long time. You can make your own by refurbishing an empty plastic kitty litter pail. 2. Install automatic chicken coop doors Save yourself the time and hassle of opening the chicken coop door in the morning and closing it at night by installing an automatic door opener. The solar-powered openers use light sensors to open automatically at dawn and shut at dusk. After closing, the door is set to reopen for one minute to allow any chickens that may still be outside to enter. If you’re not home, you can rest easy knowing your chickens are safe inside a closed coop at night . 3. Build a covered run Protect your chickens from the elements and birds of prey by building a covered run. You can use corrugated metal, plastic or PVC sheeting over a wooden frame. When it comes to size, a good rule of thumb is to provide at least three square metres of space for each chicken. For example, a flock of 10 chickens would need a chicken run area of at least 30 square metres. 4. Use water pans Chickens walk through and splash around their water bowls, soaking the floor beneath. If your coop has a wooden floor, the constant moisture could rot and destroy it. Place a large metal pan under each watering station to catch excess water. Also, consider installing rubber sheets on the coop floor, as they’re easy to clean and replace. Poultry Accessories and Farming Equipment in Southern Ontario At Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct (OWFD), we offer a wide variety of equipment and poultry handling supplies, including crates , tubs and rubber sheets. We also have welded mesh panels suitable for coops, pens and shelters . Learn more about OWFD’s wholesale prices and delivery services in southern Ontario and contact us today . Start shopping now by visiting our online store .
- 3 Types of Deer Fencing
If you grow vegetables, you understand the challenges of keeping wildlife at bay, especially deer. Did you know that white-tailed deer can jump more than two metres (eight feet) high? Although you can try sprays, noise makers and motion sensor lights, installing a fence is the best way to prevent deer from munching on your vegetables. Here are a few materials suitable for creating an effective deer barrier. 1. Polypropylene fencing Installing a polypropene fence is an excellent option for keeping deer out of your garden. The material is designed to flex if a deer runs into it, and impacts won’t dent it. It’s also nearly invisible and won’t detract from the look of your garden. Moreover, polypropylene is a lightweight material that’s easy to handle and install. 2 . Heavy-duty wire fencing High tensile wire fencing is designed for maximum strength and won’t collapse if a deer leans against it. At Wholesale Farm Direct, our 14.5-gauge hot dipped galvanized high tensile steel wire fencing will keep out even the most determined deer. The fencing material is 6.5 feet high and has a 4” x 6” to 8” x 6” progressive hole structure with fixed knots to help hold the wires in place. You may also consider placing one strand of barbed wire along the bottom of the fence to prevent the deer from digging underneath it. 3. Electric fencing Single strand electric fencing is effective at deterring deer and keeping them out of your garden for good. When a deer touches the fence, it receives a shock and quickly becomes trained to stay away. Remember that you must regularly maintain the fence line to ensure weeds and other plants don’t come in contact with the fence and render it ineffective. Finally, deer are more likely to jump a fence if they can sense its height. Therefore, it’s best to stay away from wooden top rails as this can give deer the perfect sight line to jump. The fencing experts at Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct can help you select the best fencing for your specific requirements. Farm Fencing in Ontario At Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct, we carry a wide variety of farm fencing to contain livestock and keep wildlife out of your yard. We also provide feeders , gates and farm equipment. We proudly serve farms of all kinds across Ontario, including large commercial farms and hobby farms. For more information about our products, contact us today .
- 6 Tips for Caring for Piglets
If you’re new to raising pigs, you must ensure piglets get the care they need to grow into healthy adults. Whether you’re raising pigs for meat or breeding them to sell, healthy animals maximize profits. Here are six things piglets need to thrive. 1. Warmth . Keeping piglets warm is essential for the first few weeks of their lives. Piglets are often born in large litters and instinctively snuggle together to share body heat. It’s important to simulate those conditions. Ensure you have a pen or stall that provides adequate warmth and is free of drafts. Using a heat lamp can also help warm things up. 2. Clean and deep bedding . Provide a deep layer of hay or straw as bedding. Pigs have the instinct to dig and root, so ensure the layer is quite deep. Adequate bedding will help keep the tiny animals warm. Use an absorbent material like wood shavings at the base of the bedding and clean it regularly. 3. Colostrum . Colostrum is the first form of milk produced by the sow following the delivery of a newborn. It’s nutrient-dense and full of essential antibodies, proteins, minerals and enzymes. Feeding piglets colostrum, especially in the early days, increases their survival rates and promotes long-term health. After about three days, newborn piglets must be given milk every 30 to 60 minutes during the day and every four to six hours at night. You can feed them less frequently as they grow. 4. Nutritious food . Piglets are fully weaned by the time they’re four to eight weeks old. Once weaned, you must feed them a varied diet, including corn or soy meal, fruits, vegetables and food scraps, delivered in an appropriate livestock feeder . Pigs are omnivores. Therefore, allowing them to forage freely gives them access to nutritious insects and native plants to supplement their diet. 5. Deworming . Piglets are susceptible to parasites and need regular deworming. Consult a veterinarian about which parasites pose the greatest risk to your animals and devise a deworming regimen. 6. Processing . If you’re raising piglets, you’ll also need to consider processes like castration, docking tails, ear tagging or earmarking, clipping teeth and iron injections. You can administer many of these processes when the piglets are one or two days old. However, weak or underweight piglets should be given 10 to 14 days before processing. Farming Equipment and Wholesale Fencing in Southern Ontario At Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct, we provide high-quality, durable farm supplies and equipment for hobby farms and large industrial operations in southern Ontario. We also offer a wide range of wholesale wire fencing for every agricultural need. Contact us today and ask about our delivery services throughout southern Ontario.
- 10 Steps for Washing Your Livestock And Horses
Keeping your livestock and horses clean and well-groomed isn’t only important for their appearance, it’s also critical for their overall health and well-being. Regular washing helps remove dirt, sweat and debris while promoting healthy skin and a shiny coat. Follow these ten steps to wash your livestock and horses thoroughly and effectively. 1. Gather the necessary supplies. Before you begin, gather all the necessary supplies, including a hose, bucket, sponge, scrub brush, shampoo and conditioner and towels or a sweat scraper. 2. Prepare the area. Choose a suitable location for washing, such as a wash rack or an open area with good drainage. You can also use a corral shelter . However, make sure the space is clear of any obstacles that may pose a safety hazard. 3. Brush and hose down the animal. Start by brushing the animal to remove loose dirt and debris. Then, use the hose to wet the animal’s entire body, starting from the neck and working your way down the body. 4. Apply the shampoo. Dilute the shampoo according to the manufacturer’s instructions and apply it evenly over the body, using a sponge or soft brush. Pay attention to sweat-prone areas, such as the neck, underbelly and hindquarters. 5. Scrub and rinse. Using a sponge or scrub brush, gently massage the shampoo into the animal’s coat, focusing on areas that require extra attention. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to ensure all shampoo residue is removed. 6. Condition. If your animal’s coat requires conditioning, apply a suitable conditioner and follow the product instructions. Massage it into the animal’s coat and mane, allowing it to sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off. 7. Clean the face. Use a damp sponge or cloth to gently clean the animal’s face, avoiding the eyes and nostrils. Be gentle and patient. Animals are often very sensitive around the face. 8. Rinse thoroughly. Make sure to rinse away any traces of shampoo and conditioner from the animal’s body, mane and tail. Leftover residue can irritate the skin and attract dirt. 9. Use a sweat scraper and towel dry. After rinsing, use a sweat scraper to remove excess water from the animal’s coat, starting from the neck and moving down the body. Towel-dry any remaining moisture, paying attention to the mane, tail and legs. 10. Final grooming. Once the animal’s coat is mostly dry, perform a final grooming. Use a brush or comb to remove tangles and knots. Farm supplies and livestock equipment in southern Ontario At Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct, our inventory includes an array of farming equipment , including cattle fencing , livestock panels , heavy-duty wire fencing and welded mesh panels. We deliver farm supplies to big and small operations across southern Ontario. Contact us today to learn more about our products and pricing.
- How to Choose the Right Hay for Your Horse
Are you confident your horses get sufficient nourishment from the hay you feed them? Horses eat up to 2.5 percent of their body weight in dry matter daily. That means that, on average, a 900-pound horse needs at least 18 pounds of hay every day. That’s why ensuring your horse eats the best feed is essential. There are two main types of hay feed: legume hay and grass hay. Here’s what you need to know to keep your horses fully nourished. Legume Hay Alfalfa, white clover, red clover and birdsfoot trefoil are common types of legume hay. Alfalfa hay is popular because it’s an excellent source of protein, digestible energy, calcium and other nutrients. However, you may need to add a high-phosphorus mineral supplement to alfalfa hay to balance the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio better. Legume hay is best for horses that require energy- and nutrient-dense food sources. It’s a better choice for broodmares, foals and working horses, which need to consume many calories. Grass Hay Kentucky bluegrass, orchardgrass and timothy are all common grasses used for hay. In Ontario, timothy grass is particularly abundant. Although grass hay is lower in protein and energy than legume hay, it’s often sufficient for most horses. Plus, it’s higher in fibre. Grass hay also more closely matches a horse’s natural diet. In general, grass hay is best for the average horse, as well as “easy keepers” and retired horses. It provides the animal with plenty of nutrients and roughage without adding too many calories or excess protein. How to Choose When determining what type of hay to feed your horse, remember that no two animals are the same. You must consider your horse’s breed, body type, weight, age, metabolism and workload. In many cases, a mix of legume and grass hay will provide a healthy, balanced feed. However, it’s best to consult an equine veterinarian and have your hay tested to know exactly what you’re feeding your herd. Equine Equipment in Southern Ontario Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct (OWFD) carries a wide variety of equine products, including corral shelters , cattle panels , welded mesh panels and heavy-duty wire fencing . We also have various livestock feeders , including tombstone, slant bar, manger and round bale feeder options that significantly reduce hay waste. We serve farms of all sizes in southern Ontario, from small hobby farms to large-scale operations. Contact us today for more information or to place an order.
- 5 Reasons to Raise Goats on Your Farm
If you're looking to diversify your farm's activities and enhance its sustainability, consider raising goats. These versatile and charming creatures have been domesticated for thousands of years and have proven to be valuable additions to farms of all sizes. If you're wondering whether to add goats to your small farm, here are five compelling reasons. 1. Goats have low space and maintenance requirements Goats are ideal for small farms because they don't require extensive grazing areas like some larger livestock do. They’re naturally curious and agile, making them excellent foragers that can find sustenance in many environments. Moreover, their smaller size means you won't need as much space for housing and can design practical, cost-effective shelters and pens . With proper care, goats require relatively little maintenance , freeing up your time for other farm activities. 2. Goats are sustainable and environmentally friendly Goats are highly efficient at converting vegetation into nutritious milk and meat. They're not picky eaters and can consume a wide range of plants, including weeds and brush, which can help manage overgrowth on your land. Integrating goats into your small farm can help reduce the need for harmful chemical herbicides, enabling you to create a more sustainable and eco-friendly farming environment. 3. Goats are versatile Goats can be raised for various purposes, including milk production, meat, fibre and even as companion animals. Goat's milk is nutritious and can be used to make delicious cheeses. Goat meat ( chevon ) is lean, tender and sought-after by health-conscious consumers. Additionally, Angora and Cashmere goats produce luxurious fibres used in high-quality clothing and textiles. 4. Goats provide personal connection and entertainment Goats have friendly and playful personalities that are endearing to both adults and children. Unlike some other livestock, goats are known for their social nature and intelligence, allowing them to bond with their owners and create a unique connection. Beware, however, as a goat’s mischievous and curious personality demands farm fencing that prevents them from escaping . 5. Goats are profitable With the increasing demand for organic and ethically sourced products, goat's milk, cheese and meat are popular with consumers. Additionally, goat breeding and sales can generate income, especially if you establish a reputation for healthy and well-cared-for animals. As goat farming is relatively low in cost compared to some other livestock ventures, it offers the potential for a solid return on your investment. Farm animal fencing and supplies in southern Ontario At Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct, we carry durable, high-quality farm fencing for all types of livestock, including woven no-climb fences for goats. We also provide welded mesh panels and wholesale farm equipment. Contact us today to learn more about our delivery services for small and large farms in southern Ontario.
- How To Cool Your Horses When It’s Hot Outside
As temperatures rise during the summer, keeping your horses cool and comfortable is crucial. Horses are particularly sensitive to heat and may be susceptible to heat-related illnesses if not managed properly. Here are some tips for keeping your horses comfortable and safe during the hottest days of the year. Provide ample water. Hydration is key to keeping your horses cool and preventing heat stress. Ensure that fresh, clean water is always readily available. Check water troughs frequently to ensure they’re clean and full. Consider putting the water source in a shady area to encourage horses to drink more frequently. Additionally, putting out a salt block can help horses replenish the electrolytes they lose through sweating. Reduce workload and exercise . During hot weather, adjust your horse’s workload and exercise routine. Avoid exercising horses during the hottest parts of the day and instead opt for early morning or late evening rides when temperatures are cooler. Monitor your horse closely for signs of fatigue, such as excessive sweating, laboured breathing or reluctance to move. Provide adequate rest as needed. Provide adequate shelter. Make sure your horses have access to a shaded area where they can escape the sun’s rays. Natural shade from trees or man-made structures such as run-in sheds or corral shelters can provide relief from the heat. Regularly inspect the shelter to ensure it’s safe, sturdy and free of hazards. Use cooling techniques. Wetting down your horse’s body with a hose or sponge can provide immediate relief from the heat. Pay extra attention to the neck, chest and legs, as these areas are particularly effective in cooling the horse’s core temperature. Another effective method is using fans in the barn or stable to improve air circulation. Adjust your feeding routine. Adjust your horse’s feeding routine during hot weather to accommodate their decreased appetite and increased water intake. Offer smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to reduce digestive strain. Focus on providing high-quality forage , such as hay, to promote healthy digestion and help regulate body temperature. Signs of heat stress If you notice any of the following signs of heat stress in your horse, it’s important to act immediately: Heavy sweating Rapid breathing Lethargy Collapsing If your horse shows signs of heat stress, move them to a cool, shady area and offer them plenty of water. If your horse’s condition doesn’t improve, contact a veterinarian immediately. Farming and livestock equipment in southern Ontario At Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct, we carry an impressive range of farming equipment for horses, including feeders , fencing, shelters and troughs. We deliver farm supplies to operations across southern Ontario, from small hobby farms to large-scale operations. Contact us today for more information or shop our online store .
- How Far Apart Should Fence Posts Be?
When building a fence, the installation techniques and materials you choose are crucial to the fence’s sturdiness and longevity. So, too, is the space between the fence posts. The best distance between your fence posts depends on several factors. Here’s what to consider when designing a new fence for your farm. Why Fence Post Spacing Is Essential The distance between your fence posts is a critical factor in determining the durability of your fence. The closer the posts are to each other, the stronger and safer the fence will be and the less maintenance you’ll require down the road. However, if they’re too close, the fence will be too rigid and unable to absorb an impact. On the other hand, putting fence posts closer together can dramatically increase the cost of materials and installation. For example, let’s say you require 1000 metres of fencing. Placing the fence posts 2.5 metres apart requires about 400 posts. However, if you set posts 3.5 metres apart, you would need only 286 posts. That difference adds up to a significant cost difference in the materials you need to buy and the time and labour required to install them. Therefore, you must balance durability and longevity with the material and labour costs to ensure you don’t place fence posts closer than necessary. Standard Fence Post Spacing The minimum length between fence posts is usually between 2.5 and 3.5 metres. However, depending on the style of fence and the material you choose, that length can increase or decrease. For example, if you decide on high-tensile steel fence posts, you can increase the space between posts to 4.5 or six metres. Here’s a list of some standard fence post spacing recommendations: Field fence : 2.5 to 3.5 metres T-post fence : 2.5 to 3.5 metres Barbed wire fence : 2.5 to 3.5 metres V-mesh horse fence: 2.5 to 3.5 metres No-climb horse fence : 2.5 to 3.5 metres Sheep and goat fence : 2.5 to 3.5 metres Welded wire fence : 2.5 to 3.5 metres Yard, garden and kennel fence: 2.5 to 3.5 metres Deer and wildlife fence : 4.5 to six metres High-tensile barbed or smooth wire: six to nine metres What to Do Before Installing Fence Posts Remember, before digging holes for your fence posts, ensure you’re on the correct property lines using a surveyor plan or other official map. Also, call your local utility companies, including water, electricity and internet companies, to ensure you won’t hit any lines. Wholesale Farm Fencing Supplies in Ontario At Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct, we carry one of the widest selections of heavy-duty wire cattle fencing and livestock panels in southern Ontario. Contact us today to place your order and arrange delivery.
- 3 Tips to Help Your Chickens Moult
Moulting is a natural and necessary process whereby chickens lose their old feathers and regrow new ones. Moult usually occurs in the fall when the days get shorter. It lasts about eight weeks and can cause a decrease in egg production. Here are three things you can do to improve the moulting experience for your flock. 1. Increase protein intake Making sure your chickens get enough protein during moult is critical. After all, their feathers are about 85 percent keratin, the same protein that makes up human hair and fingernails. When you notice your chickens starting to lose feathers, make sure they’re getting between 20 and 22 percent protein to help support healthy feather growth. You can do this by purchasing a high-protein commercial chicken feed or supplementing their diet with foods like nuts, seeds, bugs and fish scraps. 2. Limit handling During moult, the area where the feather shaft meets the skin can be very sensitive. Therefore, it’s best to minimize petting, holding and handling your birds as much as possible. It will also reduce the risk of transferring bacteria to the chickens’ skin. Since chickens dedicate most of their energy to moulting, their immune systems may be weakened, making them more susceptible to infection. 3. Reduce stressors Reducing sources of stress on your chickens is vital when they’re moulting. Avoid changing your birds’ living quarters and provide adequate space to rest and relax. Furthermore, ensure you give your flock plenty of fresh, clean water. Avoid introducing new birds because it could disrupt the flock’s hierarchy and increase stress. Moulting is a natural part of a chicken’s life and something you need to be aware of and prepared for to ensure your birds stay healthy and happy throughout the process. As always, a clean, well-insulated coop with good air circulation will safeguard them against contamination and disease spread. Wholesale Farm Equipment and Fencing in Southern Ontario Whether you have a small backyard flock or a large commercial poultry business, Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct has everything you need. We carry a variety of farm supplies, including chicken crates , plastic tubs, chicken wire and rubber floor mats. We sell high-quality farming equipment online , and we can also deliver directly to your farm. Our team provides experienced, knowledgeable service to customers throughout southern Ontario, including Barrie, London, Brampton and Mississauga. Contact us with any questions you have about our inventory or your farming needs.
- How to Winterize Your Chicken Coop
Winter is a difficult time for chickens. In addition to the threat of hypothermia and frostbite, extreme cold can weaken chickens and make them more susceptible to other illnesses. Moreover, stressed birds lay fewer eggs. Winterizing your chicken coop with these helpful tips can help alleviate winter effects and keep your flock healthy and happy through the harshest days. Clean the Coop Fall is the best time to clean the chicken coop thoroughly. Scrape and scrub the dropping boards, perches and roosts, replace all the bedding and install a layer of rubber sheets. Clean all the windows to maximize the amount of light that can enter the area. Also, clean the run and yard space to give the birds plenty of room to exercise. Repair and Seal the Coop Before the snow flies, inspect the coop and make any repairs, including fixing roof leaks, tightening perches and repairing ramps. Ensure the gates and doors all work correctly. Seal cracks and crevices around windows and siding to minimize drafts and prevent rodents from entering. Add Lighting Short winter days can reduce the laying rates of your hens, so add some lights in the coop to lengthen their perceived daylight hours. Put the lights on timers, as chickens lay best when they get 15 hours of sunlight daily. Add Insulation Add insulation to the roof and walls to better maintain indoor temperatures. Ensure the material you use is well out of reach of pecking beaks and scratching feet. Use Supplemental Heat Severe chills stress chickens, so install a supplemental heating system to keep the coop at a comfortable temperature and prevent water bowls from freezing. Heating lamps, plates and pads are effective and safe. Just ensure you use proper wiring and fuses. Cull the Flock Fall is an excellent time to cull unhealthy, unproductive or troublesome birds from the flock. The remaining birds will have more space and less stress. Fewer birds will also be easier and less expensive to maintain. Stock Up Ensure you have plenty of food and supplies to get you through possible winter storms that prevent you from leaving the farm and supply trucks from delivering. Stock up on food, bedding, fresh water, scratch feed and vitamin supplements. Wholesale Farm Equipment in Southern Ontario At Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct, we offer a range of poultry accessories and equipment, such as poultry crates , water and feed troughs, coops and kennels. We also carry a wide selection of wholesale farm animal fencing. Contact us today to order your farm supplies, and we’ll deliver them to your farm in southern Ontario.
- Fencing to Protect Your Garden Bed
Protecting your garden bed is crucial for enjoying a thriving and bountiful harvest. From hungry pests to wandering pets, there are numerous reasons why you should safeguard your garden. Here’s how to protect your garden bed with fencing. Why you need to protect your garden Here are just a few reasons why you should install fencing around your garden beds: 1. Pest control. Garden pests, such as rabbits, deer, squirrels and birds, can wreak havoc on your plants. If you don’t secure your garden, these critters will happily feast on your vegetables and flowers. 2. Pet defence. If you have pets, you understand that their playful nature may lead them into your garden, causing accidental damage. Fencing can act as a deterrent, preventing your furry friends from trampling delicate plants. 3. Weed management. Fencing can also serve as a barrier to block weed seeds and invasive plants from encroaching on your garden bed, reducing the need for constant weeding. The best type of garden fencing Several types of wire mesh fencing can protect your garden. Hardware cloth fencing is a popular and effective choice, as it’s made from flexible 23-gauge wire and tightly woven with 3.5-centimetre holes. Moreover, mesh fencing still allows sunlight and rain to reach your plants. If deer and raccoons are your main concern, you may want to opt for a heavy-duty welded utility fence , with a high, robust design that’ll keep animals out. How to install garden fencing Before purchasing materials, measure the perimeter of your garden to determine how much material you need. Mark the area with stakes and strings to create a visual guide for installation. Then follow these tips: 1. Gather materials. Purchase the fencing material of your choice, along with posts and fasteners. You’ll need posts at regular intervals to support the structure. 2. Clear the area. Remove any rocks, debris or vegetation from the designated garden bed area. Level the ground if necessary. 3. Install the posts. Dig holes for the fence posts and insert them securely into the ground. Ensure the posts are level and at the appropriate height to accommodate your fencing material. 4. Attach the fencing. Unroll the mesh or wooden panels and attach them to the posts using appropriate fasteners or ties. 5. Secure the fence. Double-check that the fencing is firmly attached to the posts and make any necessary adjustments. W holesale farm fencing supplies and equipment in southern Ontario At Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct, we offer an unparalleled selection of agricultural equipment and farm fencing for livestock and gardens, including wire fencing , hardware cloth fencing and livestock panels . To learn more about our farm supplies and shipping services in southern Ontario, contact us today .
- How to Keep Coyotes Away from Livestock
Coyotes are a common predator in southern Ontario. They’ve adapted well to urban development and can live closely with humans. Coyotes benefit the ecosystem by controlling small rodent populations. However, they’re dangerous to livestock, attacking goats, sheep and calves. Here are some ways to protect your livestock from coyote attacks. Install Fencing Coyotes are extremely intelligent and almost impossible to trap. Therefore, the best coyote deterrent is a solid fence around your farm. Coyotes can leap as high as 1.5 metres, so you’ll need a fence between 1.8 and two metres high. Additionally, coyotes can dig and slip through narrow openings at the bottom of your fence, so ensure it’s tight to the ground. The best material is woven wire fencing , as coyotes can easily slip through tensile wire fencing. Welded wire mesh or woven no-climb fences are excellent options. Moreover, ensure your farm gate is made with a durable mesh, is high enough and has no gaps below or beside it. Inspect and Maintain Fencing Weather, foliage and stress from animals and wildlife can degrade even the most durable fence over time. It’s essential to regularly inspect your perimeter to look for narrow gaps or tears in the wire mesh that coyotes can slip through. Repair these gaps as soon as possible. Other Deterrents Besides fencing, a few other options can help protect your livestock from coyotes. Scarecrows . Coyotes are non-confrontational. They may live near humans but are also wary of human interaction. A scarecrow can keep the coyotes at bay for a while, but it won’t be long before these intelligent creatures figure out it’s not a threat. Fladry . Attaching red flags on your fencing can make coyotes skittish enough that they won’t try to enter your pastures. However, like a scarecrow, it’s only a temporary solution. Dogs . A large dog is an effective means of deterring coyotes. Other protective animals include llamas and donkeys. Protect newborns . Coyotes take advantage of babies rather than adult livestock. Keep expectant mothers and newborn animals in a barn or other enclosure. Also, ensure your household garbage and compost are stored in sealed containers away from your animals. Coyotes are opportunistic omnivores and will eat anything they find. Farm Animal Fencing in Southern Ontario At Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct, we offer a wide range of farming equipment and farm fence solutions to protect your livestock, whether you have a hobby farm or a large-scale operation. As a wholesaler, we have some of the best prices in southern Ontario. Shop online , and we’ll deliver your fencing materials to your door. Contact us today to learn more about our products.