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Cattle panels are durable and designed for the rigours of farm life. Made of heavy-gauge, hot-dipped, galvanized steel wire, ranchers often use them for containing cattle and other livestock on farms and homesteads. However, they’re incredibly versatile and have many possible uses. Here are five creative ways to use cattle panels on your rural property.   Storage shelter. Using cattle panels, you can create a low-cost cover for farm equipment, small implements, and more. All you need are some T-posts, a few cattle panels and a heavy-duty tarp. You can customize the size of the shelter by using as many panels and tarps as necessary. Greenhouse. Have you always wanted a hoop house or greenhouse but don’t want to spend a fortune? Cattle panels are a great solution. They’re flexible, and you can shape them into an A-frame or arched structure. Simply attach a few cattle panels to a framed base and cover them with durable greenhouse plastic to create a warm space for flowers and seedlings. Garden supports. If you grow vegetables like pole beans, squash and cucumbers in your garden, you can easily create a vertical trellis or arch using cattle panels. You can also cut the panels down and fashion them into tomato cages. Chicken tractor . You can use cattle panels to build a portable chicken tractor to move around your property. With just four panels, you can create a sizable space. Using panels is a practical and inexpensive way to let your chickens graze while being protected from predators. Dog run . Why not use cattle panels to make an attractive and affordable space for your dog to run and play? One of the most significant benefits is the panels can easily be disassembled and moved to a different location. A 16-foot by 50-inch cattle panel at Wholesale Farm Direct only weighs 35 pounds, making them easy for one person to handle. If you come across a few extra cattle panels laying around your homestead, try repurposing them to create functional new items.   Cattle Panel Products in Southern Ontario Whether you have a large operation or a small hobby farm with a few animals, Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct has everything you need. We carry a variety of farming equipment, including livestock fencing , panels , gates and feeders . It’s easy to shop for what you need on our online store . If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us . We serve customers throughout Southern Ontario.

Commercial goat farming is gaining momentum in southern Ontario as more consumers look for cow milk alternatives. However, raising these curious, playful and highly social animals presents unique challenges to livestock farmers. Here are a few steps you can take to prevent your inquisitive goats from getting stuck in farm fences.     Install proper fencing First, install woven wire no-climb fencing around your goat enclosure. Woven wire fencing is strong enough to withstand the force of a goat ramming it, and the knotted construction will keep it intact for years. Choose a fence with a maximum hole size of 10 by 10 centimetres, small enough so that a goat can’t get its head or horns caught in the wires. By the way, goats can jump extremely high, so ensure your fence is at least 1.2 metres tall. Click here for more goat fence tips . Mow around your fencing Goats are voracious eaters and are attracted to anything they can munch on, including grass and weeds. If a goat sees something to eat, it’ll do almost anything to get at it, including jamming its head through a fence. Mowing and trimming around your fence will eliminate this temptation. Modify their behaviour Young goats aren’t used to having horns and will try to fit their heads through any tight spot. Attaching a piece of PVC pipe to the animal’s horns using duct tape will prevent the goat from sticking its head into small spaces. However, this isn’t a permanent solution, but it can teach your goat to avoid small spaces. If your goats don’t learn, you may need to invest in farm fencing with smaller holes.   What to Do If a Goat Gets Stuck No matter how many prevention steps you take, you’ll undoubtedly encounter a goat with its head or horns stuck in a fence. Here’s what to do if that happens. Approach the goat slowly and quietly. Don’t scare it. Lift the goat by its hind legs, like a wheelbarrow. Tilt the goat forward to encourage it to lower its head. Gently pull back, and the goat’s head should slip through. If the above steps don’t work, you may need to cut the fence wire to allow the goat to pass through.   Farm Animal Fencing Supplies in Southern Ontario At Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct, we specialize in farm wire fencing for clients across southern Ontario, including small hobby farms and large commercial operations. We also carry farm gates and a wide range of livestock feeders at wholesale prices. Contact us today to learn more about our farm fencing supplies and our delivery service.

Raising livestock comes with numerous challenges. If you're a livestock farmer, one of the most significant concerns you have to deal with is how to manage parasites. If left unchecked, they can affect the health and productivity of your entire herd. Fortunately, you have several effective strategies and preventative practices at your disposal to keep your animals healthy and happy. Here's a helpful guide to best practices for controlling livestock parasites. 1. Feed Your Herd a Balanced Diet One of the easiest and most effective ways to manage parasites is to ensure that your herd is receiving a balanced diet that meets all their nutritional requirements. This not only bolsters their immune system but also reduces the impact of internal and external parasites. For instance, incorporating high-tannin forages like birdsfoot trefoil, chicory, and Sericea lespedeza into their diet has been proven to help minimize the effects of parasites. 2. Avoid Overcrowding Your Herd Overcrowding your herd can have detrimental consequences. When animals are in close proximity to each other, it increases the likelihood of external parasites spreading throughout the herd. Maintaining an optimal livestock-to-acre ratio is crucial to preventing overgrazing and ensuring that pastures aren’t contaminated with parasite eggs and larvae. This not only safeguards the health of your herd but also promotes the sustainability of your grazing areas. 3. Keep Grazing and Bedding Areas Clean Parasites are primarily transferred through manure, making regular cleanup and disposal an absolute necessity. By promptly removing and disposing of manure, you break the parasite lifecycle and prevent the buildup of infectious agents in your pastures and living areas. Additionally, it’s vital to keep hay and grain off the ground and in feeders. This practice minimizes the risk of contamination and ensures your animals are receiving clean, uncontaminated feed. Cleanliness not only promotes the health and well-being of your herd but also maintains a sanitary environment that can be a key factor in disease prevention. 4. Practice Good Pasture Management Techniques Pasture rotation is a great way to minimize the likelihood of parasite infection. Infective larvae are usually found on the lower part of the plant, close to the ground. Therefore, by moving your animals to a new pasture whenever the forage is no lower than eight centimetres, you can reduce the risk that your animals will contract parasites. If you plan to graze pastures multiple times in a season, it’s important to consider the order in which you graze. Start with young animals that have recently been weaned, then move on to lactating or pregnant animals and finally graze with the older, more immune animals last. It’s also beneficial to let pastures rest for extended periods, which allows earthworms, dung beetles and other organisms to destroy parasite eggs and larvae in the environment. 5. Safe Parasite Treatments If your cattle contract parasites, it’s essential to treat them before they can cause a variety of health problems, including reduced feed intake, poor performance and even death. Luckily, there are a variety of safe and effective options available. Whether you prefer oral drenches, pour-ons or injectables, you can choose the method that works best for your farm and your animals. Finally, beyond chemical intervention, managing parasites in your livestock requires a multi-faceted approach that includes a balanced diet, proper pasture management and regular cleanup. By implementing best practices, you can ensure the health and productivity of your animals while minimizing the need for chemical intervention. 6. Safeguard Your Cattle Against Building up Antiparasitic Resistance Overuse of dewormers can lead to parasites becoming resistant to these treatments over time, which can make it even more challenging to manage infestations in the future. To help prevent antiparasitic resistance, use the proper dosage of dewormers and rotate among various types of antiparasitic treatments. Additionally, implementing refugia practices can be an effective tool for minimizing resistance. By leaving some cattle untreated, you provide a refuge animal for the worms, which can reduce the selection pressure on particular dewormers. Livestock Feeders and Farming Equipment in Southern Ontario For livestock feeders to keep hay off the ground or heavy duty cattle fencing to facilitate pasture management, Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct has you covered. We source items directly from the factory, so we can offer some of the best prices in southern Ontario. You can buy our farming equipment online and have us deliver directly to your hobby farm or large commercial agriculture operation. We’re happy to answer any of your questions. Get in touch with us today.

Managing livestock is a challenging job. A portable corral made of livestock panels can make handling livestock for vaccinations, tagging or loading onto trailers significantly easier. Here are five advantages of using a portable corral for a livestock farm.   They improve efficiency . With a portable corral, you can take the corral from one pasture to another rather than knocking it down and rebuilding it every time you move the cattle. A portable corral is an excellent choice for livestock operations that use several large pastures where rounding up and transporting cattle would take a lot of time and effort. Just load up a trailer with an adequate number of panels and travel to the animals. They’re customizable . Portable corrals can be adapted to serve the task at hand. You can create any design, including circles, alleys, rectangles and multiple-pen enclosures. In addition to grazing pens, you can add loading chutes, squeezes and headgates when needed. They’re easy to set up . Livestock panels are made of lightweight metal and are easy to transport and install. A typical livestock panel weighs between 23 and 30 kilograms. They fasten together quickly to construct a reliable enclosure. They lower stress levels . Using livestock panels to create a “Bud Box” is an effective method for moving cattle into a chute or onto a trailer. A Bud Box — designed by premier stock handler Bud Williams — is an alley used to manage cattle movement. It naturally guides them where you want them to go without the need for pushing or yelling. You can easily build a Bud Box on any sized pasture with panels and a series of livestock gates . They make vaccinations more effective . Stressed animals have compromised immune systems and don’t respond well to vaccinations. Vaccines are of little use to cattle stressed out after being transported from the pasture to the corral. Keeping cattle calm and stress-free by using a portable corral ensures vaccinations are more effective, helping your animals and your profit margins.   Livestock Panels in Southern Ontario At Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct, we’re your trusted source for durable and versatile welded mesh panels and livestock panels. As a cattle panel wholesaler, we have some of the best prices in southern Ontario. Contact us today to order your portable corral or shop online, and we’ll deliver your materials to your door in just a few days.

Building a livestock fence takes careful planning. Without proper preparation, you’re apt to make costly mistakes that could force you to rip your entire fence down. You should do these four things before you start digging to ensure your livestock farm fencing is installed correctly the first time. 1. Determine the type of fence you need . There are many types of livestock fencing , some suited for large animals like cattle and horses, and others made to contain smaller animals like goats and chickens. Find a fence with a suitable gauge, like heavy-duty wire fencing, and determine the best distance between the posts. Click here to learn more about choosing the best livestock fencing . Furthermore, consider your long-term future. If you have cattle right now and plan to raise goats in a couple of years, ensure your fencing will be able to contain both animals so you won’t have to replace the entire fence. 2. Locate all underground utilities . The saying, “call before you dig,” also applies to farm fencing. Before digging holes for your fence posts, locate the natural gas, water and electricity lines. Hitting a line with an industrial auger isn’t only dangerous; it can result in a fine and knock out electricity or water service to the entire area. 3. Mark property lines and easements . Even if you think you know where your property line is, double-check your property’s survey or deed. If you don’t have one, check your municipal office, or you may have to hire a surveyor. The effort and expense are worth it. If you build a fence on your neighbour’s property, they have every right to demand you rip it down. Conversely, you don’t want your fence to cut off your land. 4. Measure and mark the fence line . Start by drawing your fence plan on paper. Consider where you want to run water lines, and identify the locations for gates and feeders. Then, mark the fence line on the ground with a string. With this outline in place, you can determine how much fencing and materials you need to order from a farm fencing dealer.   Wholesale Farm Fencing Supplies in Ontario At Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct, we carry a wide range of cattle fencing, livestock panels and gates . We also have high-quality farming equipment like feeders and cattle-handling products at some of the best prices in southern Ontario. Contact us today to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff about your farming needs.

When it comes to managing livestock on your farm, selecting the right gate is crucial. Farm gates ensure your animals stay contained and keep predators out. Therefore, you may be wondering what’s better: metal or wood gates? Here’s an overview of each to help you make the right decision. Wood gates Wood gates are generally cheaper than metal gates, making them a popular choice for farmers on a budget or those with sprawling properties that need to cordon off large areas. Plus, wood gates with large panels offer increased privacy and lend a rustic and traditional charm to your homestead. However, wood gates require regular upkeep, including painting, staining and sealing to protect them from weathering, rot and insect damage. Wood gates are also prone to warping, sagging and breaking under heavy use or extreme weather conditions. Metal gates Metal gates are extremely durable and can withstand heavy use and harsh weather conditions. They also don’t bend or break if large animals run into or lean against them. Although metal gates tend to be more expensive than their wooden counterparts, their durability often results in long-term cost savings. You can also easily add locks and bolts to metal gates for added security. Metal gates come in various sizes and designs to suit specific livestock requirements. For example, at Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct, we carry pipe gates , panel gates , “walk-through” gates and mesh gates . Whether you need to contain horses, cows, pigs, sheep or goats, we have a gate to meet your needs. All our galvanized farm gates are available in a selection of seven different lengths from four to 16 feet. In short, the decision to erect a metal or wood gate for your farm depends on your specific needs, budget and long-term goals. For example, if you’re looking to keep your pasture secure, a metal gate would be a wise investment. However, if you simply want to cordon off your homestead garden, a wood gate would probably suffice. Farm gates and wholesale farm equipment for sale in southern Ontario If you need durable farm gates and animal fencing to keep your livestock safe and contained, Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct is the place to go. We source items directly from the factory, enabling us to offer some of the best prices in southern Ontario. You can buy our farming equipment online and have it delivered directly to your hobby farm or large commercial operation. Get in touch with us today, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have.

Gates are just as important as fencing for keeping livestock contained. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose the right type for your farming needs. Here’s a look at four different types of farm gates . 1. Pipe gates As the name suggests, pipe gates are made of metal tubing and designed to be lightweight, durable and easy to handle. Despite being hollow, these gates are made to withstand heavy use and can put up with large livestock pushing up against them. Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct carries pipe gates constructed with medium-duty 17-gauge steel, complete with a black powder-coat finish for added strength and durability. 2. Panel gates Panel gates, or livestock panels, are typically constructed of five to seven horizontal metal bars joined together by two or three vertical bars. They come in varying degrees of security. For example, medium-duty panels are suitable for large animals like cows or horses, and light-duty panels can be used for smaller animals like sheep or goats. Panel gates can connect to other panels to create a customized enclosure for temporary or semi-permanent fencing setups. 3. Bow gates Bow gates, or “walk-through” gates , are pre-installed on rectangular metal frames. They’re made of tubular steel and are typically used around pens, arenas and working corrals. Because bow gates don’t need to be secured to the ground, they’re easy to move from one location to another. 4. Mesh gates Mesh gates , also known as wire gates, are made of wire mesh attached to a metal frame. The mesh provides excellent visibility and ventilation while preventing smaller animals, like sheep and goats, from putting their heads through and getting stuck. At Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct, our farm gates come in a variety of sizes to fit your specific needs. All our galvanized farm gates are available in a selection of seven different lengths from four to 16 feet. If you’re unsure, you can ask the team at Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct to help you choose the right type of gate for your operation. Farm gates and livestock panels in southern Ontario If you’re looking for high-quality farm gates for sale in southern Ontario, Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct is the place to go. Our team can help you choose a gate in the right height, material and style to ensure your livestock are safe and secure. We would be happy to answer any questions you might have about our selection of wholesale farm equipment. Contact us today in southern Ontario.

A cattle squeeze chute is an indispensable piece of farm equipment for many livestock operations. It makes catching and restraining cattle easier, improves safety for livestock and handlers, and reduces stress for the animals. Here are five things to consider when choosing a new cattle squeeze.   1. Head capacity Head capacity is a critical element of any cattle squeeze chute. It’s rare for a chute to have a headgate that’s large enough for bulls but small enough for young calves. Therefore, you must determine the size of the animals that’ll mainly be going through the chute. Look for a self-catch headgate to prevent animals from breaking out. Additionally, make sure the headgate and squeeze mechanism are easy to operate, adjust and release. 2. Accessibility Ensure the chute gives you access where you need it. For instance, feedlots require a snug, tight-fitting head restraint to access the animals’ necks for injections. Purebred breeders need access to the underside of animals for semen testing. Moreover, some surgical procedures, such as C-sections, require access through the sidebars. Fortunately, some models feature removable sides. Furthermore, make sure your cattle squeeze chute has a side release door, so downed animals can quickly be set free. 3. Palpation gates Some squeeze chutes come with palpation gates. Many farmers appreciate palpation gates because they allow easy access to the animal’s rear for pregnancy checking, artificial insemination, and castration. 4. Flooring Make sure the chute’s floor is made of high-quality steel to prevent it from deteriorating. Additionally, the floor bars must be securely anchored to prevent animals from slipping while inside. 5. Cost Manual cattle squeeze chutes are much cheaper than hydraulic-powered ones. However, manual chutes offer the least adjustability and have the fewest safety features. If you have a small herd or a hobby farm, a manual chute may suit your needs. Conversely, more extensive operations with hundreds of cattle would benefit from a more expensive hydraulic model. Lastly, some cattle squeeze chutes have additional features, such as platform or overhead weighing scales.   Livestock Equipment in London, Peterborough, and Barrie At Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct, we provide livestock farmers with cattle handling equipment , feeders , and livestock panels . As a wholesaler, our prices are some of the lowest in Southern Ontario. We also deliver products right to your farm gate. Contact us today to learn more about we can help improve your livestock operation.

Transportation puts a tremendous amount of stress on your chickens. If done improperly, chickens can injure themselves or even die during the moving process. Taking steps to transport your chickens humanely will minimize stress, produce healthier chickens and a more profitable flock. Here are some tips for transporting chickens in Ontario.   Common Problems When Transporting Chickens Avoid these situations when transporting your chickens. Overheating . Chickens are vulnerable to heat and can die if there’s inadequate ventilation. Escaping . Chickens getting free from their crates puts them in danger in numerous ways. Overcrowding . Stuffing too many chickens into a crate can cause them to suffocate or injure each other. Cold or freezing weather . Chickens can get frostbite or hypothermia if transported in cold or wet conditions. Chicken Transportation Solutions To keep your chickens calm and safe while moving them, the Ontario government recommends the following: Never load birds and allow them to sit overnight. Depriving them of water, food and other normal functions can stress them out. Protect your birds from extreme weather by transporting them in the early morning during the hot summer months and avoid transporting them in freezing temperatures. Ensure your chickens are dry before transport. Wet feathers make them more vulnerable to extreme weather. Use chicken crates and containers designed for poultry transport. The compartments should limit their movement, but every bird should be able to rest without touching another bird. The number of birds per crate depends on the weather, the size of the birds and the species. Never put two roosters in one crate, even if they get along on the farm. When catching chickens, avoid loud noises, and don’t yell or run at the birds. Handle laying hens with extra caution as their bones are fragile. Hold chickens upright as they can suffocate if held upside down. Try to round up and transport your birds under low light, as darkness puts chickens at ease. Clean and disinfect your chicken crates before and after every use. Never transport birds inside the trunk of a car, in a bag, a closed trailer without ventilation, a wooden crate that can’t be disinfected, or loose in a trailer. Never mix birds of different sizes or species. For example, never place chickens in a crate with ducks or geese. Lastly, it’s illegal to transport birds that are sick or injured. Farm Supplies and Poultry Accessories in Southern Ontario At Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct, we offer a range of poultry accessories that make handling chickens easier, such as heavy-duty poultry crates. Our inventory of farming equipment also includes carefully crafted products such as water and feed tubs , coops and kennels. Contact us to place an order and schedule a delivery. We serve customers throughout Southern Ontario.

Although straw is the go-to bedding choice for many farmers, it’s important to have other options in mind if this material becomes difficult to source or drastically increases in price. Moreover, recent research suggests that excessive amounts of straw dust can be detrimental to animal health. Here are four alternative bedding options to consider for your livestock.   Sawdust One of the most popular alternatives to straw is sawdust. This material is comfortable and can be used for deep littering. It’s also easy to acquire and relatively inexpensive. In addition, you can spread the spent sawdust over your land as compost if made from virgin wood.   However, bacteria and mould can be an issue when the sawdust becomes damp. You can purchase treated sawdust that limits the growth of certain pathogens, but these varieties can be expensive. Recycled paper Plentiful and cheap, recycled paper is another bedding option to consider. When sufficiently dried, it’s extremely absorbent and easy to dispose of after use. However, make sure the paper has minimal amounts of high-ink or glossy content and is shredded to a sufficient fineness. Furthermore, keep in mind that recycled paper tends to clump when wet, making it difficult to spread and potentially serving as a breeding ground for pathogens. Sand Another plentiful and cheap bedding option is sand. Since sand is a non-organic material, it resists the growth of pathogens and has low levels of dust. It also provides good drainage.  However, it can increase wear on concrete surfaces and animal hooves. It can also stick to udders and teats, necessitating more frequent washing. Calcium carbonate Highly absorbent and resistant to bacterial growth, calcium carbonate is another non-organic bedding option you may want to consider. However, given its highly alkaline nature, it can damage your animals’ skin if used on its own. If you need help choosing a suitable bedding material for your livestock, the knowledgeable team at Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct can help. We have several years of experience in the farming industry and can use our know-how to serve you. Ontario’s Wholesale Farm Supplier At Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct , we carry high-quality cattle handling products, livestock feeders , farm fencing and more. As a wholesaler, we have the farming products you need at unbeatable prices! Contact us today to find out how we can help you.

If you own small farm animals such as chickens, it is important to protect your property against raccoons. Despite their small size, raccoons are predators and frequently prey on farm animals such as chickens and ducks. Because of this, it is quite common for raccoons to invade animal enclosures and break into coops to attack poultry and other livestock.   Why Do Raccoons Infiltrate Properties? As mentioned above, raccoons often infiltrate farms and other properties to prey on poultry and livestock. Raccoons are omnivore and will also climb fences and trees in search of bird eggs, fruits, seeds, and even pet food left outside. Another reason why raccoons are likely to enter a property is to escape bigger predators that cannot cross fences or climb walls and trees.   Raccoons: Ingenious Predators and Expert Climbers Are you trying to defend your property from raccoon intrusions? To do so with success, it is important to first get a good understanding of their characteristics and behaviours.   Raccoons are excellent climbers –  Raccoons can easily make their way up most types of fences, including chain link fences and wooden ones. Those fences are quite common in residential areas and offer very little deterrence to raccoons.   Raccoons can easily wriggle their bodies through tight spots  – This allows them to easily slip under or through fences. Being very ingenious, they can also easily identify weak spots in fences. If you fence has a gap, it is very likely to serve as a convenient entry point for resourceful raccoons. Once they are through, they can easily climb their way up and into the property.   Raccoons have dexterous front paws – With strong, long, and dexterous digits, their paws are surprisingly similar to human hands. Their paws are also tipped with very sharp claws. This allows them to easily hold on to climbable surfaces.   Raccoons have good memory  – Once they identify good food sources, they are likely to visit those places again thanks to their excellent memory.   Raccoons are intelligent predators –  Their intelligence allows them to find clever ways around the obstacles and traps that humans leave for them.   Actionable Steps to Deter Raccoons from Infiltrating Your Property Here are some methods that you can use to defend your property against raccoon intrusions:   Use an exclusion technique – If you’ve noticed raccoons entering your property through a specific entry point, mount a one-way exclusion door there. This will prevent the raccoons from accessing that spot again.   Protect your garbage cans from raccoons – It is important to properly dispose of your garbage in a way that will not attract raccoons. Indeed, raccoons are attracted to leftover food and will often raid expose garbage cans, earning them the nickname of trash pandas.   If you have the space for it, it can be a good idea to store your garbage cans inside a shed or your garage. If not, you can use a raccoon-proof garbage can. These garbage cans are equipped with lids that can lock down tight, thus preventing small animals from routing through your trash. You can also create your own raccoon-proof garbage can by securing the lid with bungee cords, cement blocks or even large rocks.   Make sure that there are no gaps in your fences – As mentioned above, raccoons are not only very smart and resourceful, but their flexible bodies also allow them to easily pass through weak spots in fences. It is therefore important that you frequently check your fences for loose boards and gaps and fix them in a timely manner.   Use natural repellents against raccoons  – These include vinegar, ammonia, cayenne pepper, peppermint essential oil, sonic devices, or coyote urine, which you can purchase at some hunting stores.   Get rid of all potential raccoon food sources – Avoid leaving pet food and poultry seeds out in the open, especially overnight. You should also ensure to properly discard grubs and compost, as those also attract raccoons. If you have fruit trees, it is important to properly secure them to deter raccoons from climbing them to reach the fruits. It is also recommended to remove access to water sources such as pet water bowls and yard fountains.   Eliminate areas on your property that can serve as hiding spots for raccoons – Since raccoons are also known to invade properties to escape from predators, it is important to get rid of spaces that can serve as shelters and hiding spots to them. These usually comprise of piles of debris. It is therefore recommended that you get rid of piles of rock, wood, and other debris.   Upgrade your fences – As mentioned earlier, raccoons can easily climb chain link and wooden fences. Instead, consider using wire fencing . For enhanced protection against raccoons, you can also secure your fences with some electric wire. In addition, to prevent raccoons from slipping under your fences, consider burying them about 6 to 10 inches under the ground.   Ask fencing professionals for advice – If you need some further advice on how to secure your fences and which materials to opt for , consider hiring the help of fencing experts.   Seek the help of pest management professionals – Since setting out traps for wild animals is heavily regulated, it is best to hire professionals to handle this. Pest management professionals will provide humane traps designed specifically for raccoons. Once the raccoons are caught, they will then be taken away and released in an adequate habitat.   Routinely trim your bushes and trees – Trees are essentially bridges for raccoons, allowing them easy access into your property. If you have tall bushes and trees, especially in close proximity to your house or farm buildings, it is important to trim them back. Ground-level bushes can often provide raccoons with easy hiding spots and should therefore be trimmed to allow for more open ground on your property.   Shop for Wholesale Farm Products in Southern Ontario Are you looking for high-quality wholesale products for your farm? Serving the Southern Ontario region, Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct offers a wide variety of farming products at competitive prices. Visit our online store  or contact us  today to learn more about our products.

Enhancing your outdoor space with a dog run can provide numerous benefits for your furry friend and you as well. It gives your dog a safe and secure place to play and relax and helps prevent them from digging up your garden or wandering off into the street.  Here are a few tips for creating a safe and enjoyable space for your dog. 1. Size First and foremost, the size of your dog run is critical. Ensure it’s big enough for your dog to move freely and exercise. A good rule of thumb is to make your dog run twice as wide and five times as long as your dog’s length. The average dog run is about one metre by three metres and two metres high. A run of about three square metres (30 square feet) is sufficient for a small dog. However, if you have a larger dog, you may want to consider a dog run that’s 3.7 square metres (40 square feet) or more.   2. Placement When determining the size of your dog run, you must also consider where it should be placed. It should be somewhere easy to access and near your home so you can keep an eye on your dog. Moreover, direct sunlight can cause discomfort and harm your pet, especially during the hot summer months. Therefore, placing the dog run in a shaded area or providing a cover is a good idea. This will protect your dog from the heat, rain, snow and other elements.   3. Base materials You must also consider the type of material you use for the base of the dog run. Grass may seem like a cheap option, but it’s not ideal because it can become messy and requires frequent replacement. Additionally, your dog can dig holes in the grass. Instead, consider using materials like pea gravel, washed stones or limestone. These materials are easy to maintain, provide proper drainage and are gentle on your pups’ paws.   4. Accessories and toys Add accessories to your dog run to make it more engaging and exciting for your furry friend. You can add ramps, hoops or tires to create a canine obstacle course and stimulate your dog’s senses. You may also want to consider installing a digging pit filled with sand for your dog to play in. If your dog enjoys chasing after things, you can set up a ball launcher or frisbee toss.  Feel free to customize it in any way you want to make it a space you and your dog can enjoy .   With the proper design considerations, you can create a safe and fun environment for your pet to play and relax while keeping them healthy and happy. So, go ahead and give your dog the gift of a fun and safe outdoor space.   Benefits of a dog run Here are some reasons why getting a dog run is a great idea, especially if you have a high-energy pup:   ·       It provides a safe and secure space for your dog. A dog run provides a designated area for your canine companion to run and play without the risk of escaping through an open gate or jumping over the fence. It also keeps them from hazards outside the yard, such as busy roads and other animals. ·       It encourages exercise.  A run creates a space for dogs to play and explore freely, essential for their physical health and well-being. Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, improves cardiovascular health and reduces the risk of obesity-related issues.   ·       It prevents destructive behaviour.  Dogs left alone for extended periods can become bored and develop destructive behaviours such as chewing, digging or scratching. A dog run provides them an area to play and release their energy, which can help prevent these behaviours.   ·       It provides a sense of security.  Dogs thrive in packs and feel safest when they have a designated space they can call their own. A dog run provides a sense of security and comfort for your dog, which can help reduce anxiety and stress.   Dog run supplies in Barrie, Mississauga, London and Kitchener At Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct, we offer a wide range of dog enclosure products, including welded utility  and field fencing , as well as portable panels . Our products are durable, safe and designed to keep your pets secure. We offer customized solutions to fit your unique needs and preferences. Contact us today  for more information. Our experienced team will be happy to help you design the perfect dog run for your best friend.