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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.

In this blog post, Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct  shares some tips on how to alleviate stress in horses. Whether you are a horse owner, a horse trainer or simply an equestrian enthusiast, here are 17 stress reduction techniques that you can use to keep your horses happy and relaxed.   1. Check If Your Horse Is in Pain Common causes of stress among horses include pain and discomfort. Signs to look out for include unusual behaviour during groundwork, when the horse is in its stable, or when under the saddle. Increased agitation and aggressive behaviour, especially with other horses is also often symptomatic of an underlying painful condition.   2. Make Sure Your Horse Isn’t Bored To keep your horses happy, it is important to ensure that they have access to a variety of enrichment activities. This is particularly important given the amount of time that horses spend confined in their stalls. You can for instance provide your horses with treat balls and hay ball feeders, and hang fruits, trees, foraged items, and branches at different heights and in different locations in the stable.   3. Add More Horses to the Stables Horses may also show signs of stress if they feel lonely. As pack animals, horses find comfort in the presence of their own kind. They also tend to be quite social and will exhibit grief and loneliness when a companion is sent away or dies. It also gives them a sense of safety and makes them feel protected from predators. This is true even for domestic horses.   4. Make Sure Your Horse Has Plenty of Freedom Your horses may also feel stress if they are unable to express their natural behaviour. To feel happy and relaxed, your horses should be able to move, roll, scratch, and run freely, groom each other, sleep, eat, and drink whenever they need to, and interact with each other.   5. Make Sure Your Horse Is Sleeping Enough While horses equipped with a passive stray apparatus can sleep while standing, they also require rapid eye movement (REM) sleep for the healthy development of their memory and cognitive function. To achieve REM sleep, your horses need to be able to lie down completely with their head on the floor, have minimal exposure to noise and light during the night, and have access to comfortable bedding made of straw or shavings.   6. Add Mirrors to the Stalls Normally, horses should be able to see and hear each other when stabled to feel less lonely and stressed. If the stable’s layout does not allow this, mirrors can be added to achieve the same effect.   7. Use Music Therapy Playing music for your horses for several hours a day helps reduce stress, hyper-alertness, and aggressive behaviour.   8. Give Your Horses a Proper Diet A healthy horse will be happier and more relaxed. It is recommended to give your horses a diet full of fibres and made up of at least 80% forage items. This will give your horses the volatile fatty acids (VFAs) that they need to stay adequately energized. In order to avoid aggressive behaviour and gut issues, it is also important to avoid grain-based diets.   9. Be Mindful of Your Horses’ Feeding Patterns It is best to avoid intermittent feeding patterns as this will leave your horses with an empty stomach multiple times a day, which can lead to them developing stomach ulcers. Instead, provide your horses will a lot of accessible forage items that they can chew on throughout the day.   10. Ensure That Your Horses Have Access to Enough Water Your horses will be prone to stress and anxiety if they are dehydrated. Lack of water can not only increase their heart rate, but it can also cause spikes in their respiration and blood cortisol levels. As they get more nervous, they will sweat and develop diarrhea, which will make the dehydration even worse.   11. Give Your Horses Daily Massages The relaxing benefits of massages are not exclusive to humans! Daily massages can help reduce your horses’ blood levels of cortisol and keep them relaxed.   12. Make Use of Positive Reinforcement Training During positive reinforcement training, the horses’ handler will provide them with a cue, followed by a reward, or primary reinforcer. For instance, after the horses successfully completes a command issued by the handler visually or verbally, they can be rewarded by being given a delicious treat. The primary reinforcer or reward can also be paired with a secondary reinforcer, such as a clicker.   13. Do Not Subject Your Horses to Excessive Exercise While it is important for your horses to engage in daily exercises and physically stimulating activities, handlers should also be mindful of not overexerting their animals. Prolonged or high intensity exercises can trigger stress responses. This can affect the horses’ hormonal levels and neural responses, which can lead to unhealthy spikes in their cortisol levels.   14. Keep Your Broodmares Happy and Relaxed If your broodmares are stressed, it will increase their corticosteroids, which can lead to low progesterone levels. This can in turn negatively affect their reproductive hormones, leading to multiple issues during the conception and embryonic stages.   15. Minimize Your Foals’ Stress During the weaning stage, foals are prone to stress, which can trigger disease and injury. It is therefore important to adopt gradual weaning protocols. This includes providing your foals with access to creep-feed and increasing human interactions prior to weaning.   16. Minimize Transportation As Much As Possible Transportation causes a lot of stress to horses. It is therefore important to gradually acclimatize your horse to transportation in order to decrease their stress responses.   17. Avoid the Use of Cross-Ties During Transportation The use of cross-ties can not only increase the horse’s stress level, but it can also contribute to respiratory problems.   Wholesale Farm Products in Southern Ontario Do you need wholesale products for your farm or stables? Serving Southern Ontario, Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct provides a wide range of high-quality farm products  at competitive prices.   Contact us  today to learn more about our products.

As a sheep farmer, you know that predators such as coyotes, wolves, foxes, bears, cougars and even dogs can cause significant damage to your flock. Losing valuable livestock to predators isn’t only financially devastating but also emotionally challenging. Fortunately, there are several effective methods you can use to protect your sheep and prevent such losses. Here are seven. Get a guardian animal. One of the most effective ways to ensure the safety of your sheep is to get a guardian animal. Dog breeds like the Great Pyrenees and Bernese mountain dogs are excellent choices as they’ve been bred for centuries to protect livestock. These dogs are known for their gentle disposition and ability to form strong bonds with their charges. They’ll fiercely defend their flock against any perceived threat, including predators. Donkeys and llamas have also proven to be excellent sheep protectors. Implement nocturnal protection practices. Predators, like coyotes and wolves, are mostly active at night. Therefore, you can deter them by penning your sheep near buildings or close to humans at night. This makes it more difficult for predators to approach the flock without being detected. If your yard is well-lit, the risk is further reduced. It’s crucial to prioritize prevention when dealing with predators, as they’re more likely to attack repeatedly once they’ve already killed. Practice good flock management. Good flock management is another effective method of reducing the potential for attacks from common predators. Monitoring your livestock daily is crucial. It allows you to spot problems immediately and deal with them before they become critical. Moreover, keeping calving and lambing facilities near buildings and altering the timing of birthing seasons can also help prevent predators from preying on newborn lambs and calves, which are particularly vulnerable. Use frightening devices. Frightening devices can also be a useful tool in deterring predators. Noise makers like scare cannons, radios and motion-detecting noise devices can help scare off predators, especially when used in combination with visual deterrents like lights and scarecrows. It’s important to move these devices around often, so predators don’t get used to them. Try chemical repellants. Chemical repellents, like capsaicin, lithium chloride, pulegone and cinnamaldehyde have been proven effective repellents for certain predators when applied directly to inanimate or immobile objects. Keep in mind that these products can be expensive and must be applied frequently to be effective. Remove attractants. It’s important to promptly remove attractants from your sheep’s living areas to avoid giving predators a reason to investigate and frequent the area. Predators can be attracted to livestock sites for many reasons, including the carcasses of dead animals, compost, pet food and ripe fruit fallen from trees in yards. Junk piles can also provide protective cover for prey animals that predators like to consume. Therefore, regularly clearing your property of debris can help reduce the risk of attracting predators. Install fencing. When it comes to protecting your livestock, having the right farm fencing is crucial. Woven wire fencing is a great way to prevent predators from entering your pasture. It’s strong and forms a firm and definite barrier. Keep in mind that the fence’s bottom wire must be close to the ground to prevent predators from digging under it. The fence should also be at least 165 centimetres high (five feet, six inches) to prevent animals from jumping over the top and the wire spacing must be tight enough to prevent animals from squeezing through the mesh. Electrifying your fencing is another option. The electric current doesn’t hurt the animals but gives them enough of a scare to avoid trying to contact the fence again. Electrified fences should be made up of at least five strands of high-tensile smooth wire or barbed wire . The more wires, the more effective the fence will be at deterring predators. While there’s no single solution for addressing predator issues, combining two or three different methods can help improve the situation. However, there’s no guarantee for permanent elimination of predation. Farm fencing for livestock protection At Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct, we carry various types of fencing , including heavy-duty wire fencing and no-climb fencing to keep your sheep contained and predators out. In addition to our fencing products, we also carry a variety of durable and easy-to-move farm gates that can help you control access to your property. Whether you’re a small family farm or a large commercial operation, we have the products and expertise to meet your needs. Contact us today to learn more.

Are you thinking about raising chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys together? This can be a great way to have a diverse and interesting flock, but you need to know how to make it work. Here are six tips to help you raise mixed species of poultry successfully. 1. Coop size The best practice for raising multiple species is to house each in their own coop. For example, chickens like to perch at night and need at least 20 centimetres (eight inches) of roosting space, while turkeys need a roost that’s at least one metre (three feet) off the ground. Ducks and geese prefer to sleep on the ground and appreciate soft bedding materials. 2. Grazing needs While each species should have its own coop, all birds can be allowed to free-range together in the same yard. This allows them to socialize and interact with each other while still having their own separate living spaces. Providing ample outdoor space is important for all poultry species, as they require plenty of room to graze and forage to stay healthy and happy. 3. Water requirements You must ensure you’re meeting the water needs of each bird. Chickens can drink from nipple waterers or water fonts, while turkeys only need a shallow water dish. However, ducks and geese need access to water that’s deep enough for them to dip their head in. They also appreciate a small pond or kiddy pool to splash, play and bathe in. 4. Feed type Feed is an essential factor to consider for a mixed flock. A mixed flock can have many different dietary needs, depending on their age and lifestyle factors. For example, chickens, turkeys and geese can generally all eat the same type of feed, but ducks need a feed that contains niacin and is lower in protein to prevent wing deformities. Additionally, geese need more protein during the breeding season and laying hens need extra calcium. 5. Male to female ratio Maintaining a proper male-to-female ratio prevents overbreeding and crossbreeding. For example, having too many males in the flock can lead to fighting and territorial behaviour. It’s recommended to have one rooster per six to seven hens and one drake per four to five ducks. Turkeys should be kept in pairs or small groups of three to four birds to prevent fighting, and geese should have a ratio of one gander to two or three geese. 6. Disease management Fresh air circulation is important for all birds, but turkeys are especially susceptible to blackhead disease. It’s important to monitor your flock for signs of illness and to avoid introducing new birds that could be carriers of disease. Geese are also prone to respiratory infections, so it’s important to keep their living area clean and well-ventilated. By following these tips, you can create a peaceful living environment for multiple birds while maximizing space and resources and addressing the unique needs of each bird. Benefits of raising different poultry together Raising different poultry together offers numerous benefits for farmers and homesteaders, including: Enhanced pest control. Chickens, ducks and geese have distinct foraging behaviours that target various insects and pests. Chickens scratch at the ground, while ducks are excellent at consuming water insects and geese graze on grass. This creates a comprehensive approach to pest management. Improved ecosystem. Raising diverse poultry can contribute to a healthier ecosystem. Ducks are natural foragers and can help keep water bodies clean, while chickens contribute to soil aeration through their scratching and pecking. Increased productivity. You can maximize your land use by utilizing different aspects of your property. For example, chickens can be kept close to the house for easy egg collection, while ducks can be raised near a pond or water source. This can lead to increased productivity and efficiency in your overall operation. Better flock dynamic. A mixed flock dynamic can result in a more resilient and adaptable poultry community, ultimately leading to healthier and happier birds. For example, ducks and geese are known for their calm demeanour, and their presence can have a calming influence on skittish chickens. Farm supplies in Ontario If you’re looking for high-quality poultry products, Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct has what you need. We offer a wide range of products, including crates and chicken wire . We proudly serve farms of all sizes in southern Ontario. For more information about our products, contact us today . Our team would be happy to give you advice on how to improve your farming practices to raise happy, healthy birds.

Hoof issues can be tough on horses, causing discomfort and even early retirement. However, by understanding what causes these issues and how to treat and prevent them, you can help keep your horse’s hooves healthy and happy. Types of Equine Hoof Issues Horses are magnificent animals that need to be taken care of properly to keep them healthy and happy. Unfortunately, their hooves are prone to various problems, ranging from minor to life-threatening. As a responsible horse owner, it is crucial to be aware of these issues and take necessary steps to prevent them. Here’s an overview of the five most common hoof problems. 1. Abscesses Hoof abscesses occur when bacteria invade the sensitive tissues within the hoof. This leads to the accumulation of pus, causing severe pain and lameness. With the help of your farrier and veterinarian, abscesses can be treated. The infected area must be identified and opened up for drainage. After cleaning and disinfecting the hoof, a protective pad or bandage may be applied to keep the area clean and cushioned. 2. Thrush Thrush is a common bacterial infection of the horse’s frog, the V-shaped structure on the underside of the hoof. It thrives in moist, dirty environments, causing the frog to become black, smelly, and crumbly. To treat thrush, a farrier will initially clean the affected area, remove any dead or infected tissue, and then apply a thrush treatment to promote healing. 3. Laminitis Laminitis is a very serious and painful condition that affects the laminae, the sensitive tissues connecting the hoof wall to the coffin bone inside the hoof. It often results from metabolic issues or excessive weight-bearing on one limb. Treating laminitis requires a collaborative effort between a veterinarian and a farrier, with measures including dietary changes, supportive bedding, corrective trimming, and therapeutic shoeing. 4. White line disease Also known as seedy toe, white line disease is a fungal or bacterial infection that attacks the inner layers of the hoof wall, specifically the white line area. It weakens the structure, causing separation between the hoof wall layers. To treat white line disease, a farrier must remove any compromised or separated hoof wall and then employ therapeutic shoeing or trimming to provide support and address imbalances. 5. Bruising Hoof bruising occurs when the sensitive tissues inside the hoof are injured, often due to trauma from hard surfaces or uneven terrain. Bruised hooves lead to lameness and discomfort. To treat hoof bruising, a farrier will carefully examine and trim the affected hoof to alleviate pressure and promote proper weight distribution. Applying protective pads or shoe modifications can also provide additional cushioning and support for a more comfortable recovery. By understanding these common hoof problems and their treatments, you can help ensure your horse’s hooves stay healthy and strong for years to come. Effective Preventive Measures Here are a handful of practices you should make part of your daily routine to keep your horse’s hooves in top condition. Feed your horse a nutrient-rich diet. Make sure you feed your horse a balanced diet with key vitamins and minerals like biotin, copper, selenium, and zinc. These nutrients help support hoof integrity and promote healthy growth. Consult your veterinarian and a horse nutritionist to set up a good nutrition plan. Keep your horse’s living area clean. Keep your horse’s turnout area dry. If needed, you can create a dry area by laying down gravel. Moreover, it’s good practice to clean and dry your horse’s hooves daily, especially in wet conditions. Ensure your horse exercises daily. Make sure your horse gets regular exercise to help promote healthy hooves. When horses walk, it stimulates blood flow within their hooves and brings in essential nutrients. Have your horse’s hooves trimmed regularly. In general, you should have your horse’s hooves trimmed by a professional farrier every four to six weeks in the summer and every six to 12 weeks in the winter. Regular trimming can help catch any hoof issues early on and prevent long hoof walls and imbalances. Equine Farming Equipment in Southern Ontario If you need wholesale equine products, Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct is the place to go. Whether you’re looking for durable horse fencing , strong welded mesh panels or sturdy corral shelters , we have everything you need to create a safe and comfortable environment for your horses to graze, roam and rest. We would be happy to answer any questions you might have about our selection of farm equipment. Contact us today for more information.

Bison is the largest animal in North America. Fully grown adult males are three metres tall, 2.7 metres long, and weigh between 900 and 1,300 kilograms. As a semi-domesticated animal, bison still have wild tendencies. Therefore, bison ranches need high, sturdy fences. Here are four things to consider when building livestock fencing for bison.   1. Material It’s best to use barbed or high-tensile wire fencing to contain bison. Keep in mind that you’ll need at least five strands of heavy-duty wire fencing, and at least three of the wires should be electrified with between 3,000 and 4,000 volts. You can easily set up a single-strand fence wire and have an electric current run through it. Moreover, high-tensile wire fencing with a fixed-knot design is also recommended for big games. The fixed knots help hold the wires in place for maximum strength and durability. 2. Height Bison fencing must be higher and more robust than cattle fencing. Despite their large size, bison can run faster and jump higher than cows. Therefore, you’ll need fencing that’s at least 1.5 metres high to contain them. If you experience significant snowfall in winter, consider adding 0.3 metres to keep your bison confined. 3. Spacing Post spacing is an important consideration if you want your fence to be sturdy. Install your fence posts five to six metres apart to hold bison. Spacing between the line wires on your woven wire fence should be a minimum of 15 centimetres for high-traffic areas and 30 centimetres for pastures. 4. Gates You must install livestock gates that are robust and able to withstand harsh weather. The gate should be at least as high as your fence. Latched gates should also have a mechanism to prevent accidental opening. Furthermore, cattle grids or cattle guards are effective at containing bison because the metal bars are spaced wide enough apart so that animals are reluctant to walk over them. Lastly, no matter how high or how strong you build your fence, nothing can stop a hungry or angry bison. Therefore, one of the best ways to keep bison contained is to keep them happy with plenty of food, water, and shelter. Fortunately, Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct carries various livestock feeders and water troughs to satisfy your animals’ needs.   Farm Fencing in Southern Ontario At Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct, we carry farm fencing supplies to contain almost any animal, including bison, cattle, deer, horses, rabbits, and sheep. We also have farm gates, pens, and stalls. Our dedicated team of farm fencing experts can help you select the best game fencing for your unique requirements. Contact Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct to find the best fencing product for your livestock operation.

The cost of feed is one of the greatest expenses associated with raising livestock. Unfortunately, a lot of it goes to waste due to poor storage methods and improper feeding practices.   Unrolling bales and leaving them unprotected on the ground can result in large amounts of loss. Using a bale feeder, however, helps contain the hay and stops cattle and other animals from trampling on it.   Types Bale feeders come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. Here are some of the most popular types:   • Open bottom feeders are lightweight and easy to move around. However, they result in more waste than other types of bale feeders.   • Sheeted bottom feeders hold hay inside the container, but they’re also heavier. This makes them less convenient to move around.   • Round bale feeders can hold large quantities of hay. They’re great for feeding many animals at one time.   • Cone-shaped feeders have an efficient design that suspends hay off the ground and results in less waste. One potential disadvantage is that they require the use of a tractor with a front-end loader to place the bale inside the feeder.   • Cradle feeders have a removable gate that makes it easy to load a bale inside. This design prolongs the life of the bale by holding it off the ground and keeping it dry. Cradle feeders can be used to safely feed both cows and horses.   • Rack and trough feeders can hold both hay and grains. The trough helps catch any hay that falls as animals pull at the bale.   Considerations When choosing a bale feeder for your livestock, here are a few things you should think about:   • Safety. This should be your number one consideration. What works for one animal might not work for another.   • Size. The dimensions of your feeder will depend on the type and number of livestock that’ll be using it. Large animals need bigger feeders.   • Cost. Your budget will help narrow down your choices.   Ultimately, choosing the right bale feeder is a matter of considering your needs and it may take some trial and error to find the right one.   Cattle feeders and fencing in Southern Ontario If you’re looking for a heavy-duty feeder, slant bar feeder or round bale feeder , look no further than Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct . We have a comprehensive inventory of livestock feeders, fencing and other farm equipment. We source our products from reliable suppliers and we offer them to you at honest prices. Contact us today to place an order or learn more.

Are you new to hobby farming? Do you want to expand your operation by adding another type of livestock? If so, here are five animals you may want to consider.   1. Chickens Poultry doesn’t require much space and are inexpensive to feed, which can make them a perfect animal to raise on a small hobby farm. In fact, they’ll eat just about anything, including compost and weeds. In addition, chickens are multipurpose animals that provide eggs, meat and fertilizer. However, it’s important to keep their coop clean, as chickens tend to roost in tight quarters and have weak respiratory systems. Often, if one falls ill, they all will.   2. Rabbits A great choice of livestock for homesteaders, rabbits breed quickly, produce high-quality meat and take up very little space. They can be fed a variety of foods, including store-bought feed, fodder, weeds, grass clippings and hay. Rabbits also produce rich fertilizer that’s great for flower and vegetable gardens. However, be aware that rabbits are vulnerable to predators and must be housed in hutches.   3. Goats A great addition to any homestead, goats are social animals that make great companions. Furthermore, they can help control brush and weeds, are a nutritious meat source and provide plenty of dairy. In fact, some goat breeds can produce over three litres of milk per day. However, they’re notorious escape artists, so installing proper wire fencing is a must.   4. Pigs There are plenty of pig breeds that are perfectly suitable for small hobby farms. For example, Berkshire and Gloucestershire Old Spots are easy-going and produce great-tasting meat. They forage well and will eat just about anything you feed them. However, since pigs produce a lot of manure, it can be time-consuming to keep their enclosures clean.   5. Sheep Able to provide dairy, meat and wool, sheep can be a great type of livestock to raise on a hobby farm because they don’t require a lot of space. In fact, four or five sheep can live comfortably live on one acre of land. Sheep are easy to feed as they can eat grass in the warmer months and hay in the winter. However, they’re often targeted by predators, which makes having the right fencing extremely important. If you want to raise animals on your hobby farm, the amount of time and space you have available are the two most important factors to keep in mind.   Farm animal fencing supplies in Southern Ontario If you’re thinking about adding a new farm animal to your hobby farm, Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct has everything you need to get started. We carry a variety of farming equipment, including fencing, panels, gates and feeders. It’s easy to shop for what you need on our online store. If you have any questions, however, please feel free to contact us .

Farmers often use fencing to protect their crops and contain their livestock. Wire fencing in particular is a popular choice in the agricultural industry because it’s affordable, customizable and easy to install.   It can also be very durable if it’s properly maintained. Here’s what you need to do to extend the lifespan of your wire fence.   • Inspect it regularly. Many things can damage your fence, including flooding, wood rot, corrosion, livestock, vandalism and machinery. Take regular walks along your fence and look for any areas that might need mending.   • Fix it as needed. Don’t leave repairs until the last minute. Make sure to address problems as soon as you notice them. Some common issues that may need to be fixed include broken posts and loose wires. You can address most of these issues using simple tools like pliers and a hammer.   • Keep it clear. Make sure your fence line is free of debris. Overgrown foliage, fallen tree branches, heavy snow and other materials can put pressure on your fence and cause it to sag or collapse. You should also trim overhanging tree branches to reduce the likelihood of something falling on the fence.   • Ensure it’s grounded. If you have an electric fence, make sure to always keep it grounded. Check the grounding rods periodically. If you notice any issues, use a voltage tester to locate short-circuits and to ensure that you have adequate voltage on the fence line.   • Stretch it out . It’s normal for wires to loosen over time. Examine your fence for any areas that may be sagging. It’s important to keep your wires stretched out so that they’re straight between posts, but not so tight that they vibrate when you hit them. You can help keep your fence stretched out by adding small kinks in the wire using pliers and a hammer. If you have wire tighteners, make sure to check them regularly.   Wire fencing in Southern Ontario Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct provides premium wholesale farm supplies at unbeatable prices. We specialize in agricultural fencing products, including barbed wire, HD welded, heavy-duty and light-duty fences. Plus, we ensure all our products meet the industry’s highest standards. If you’re not sure which material is best for your project, our knowledgeable staff is happy to provide you with our top recommendations. Contact us today to learn more about our products or get a free quote.

Ensuring that your horses have access to shelter is essential to their well-being. They need refuge from the sun, flies, wind and rain in order to feel their best. A good shelter should be well-ventilated and be easy to adapt to your changing needs.   Not only does a corral shelter check these boxes, but it also comes with a number of other benefits that might make it the perfect type of shelter for your farm.   What is a corral shelter? Made of a steel frame covered in durable fabric, corral shelters can be attached onto existing corral panels. The shelter creates a sturdy roof on the panels that keeps the elements at bay. For added protection, you can also invest in enclosure panels that cover the sides of the corral panels.   You can create shelter anywhere A big perk of corral shelters is that they can be installed just about anywhere. If at any point you want to relocate the shelter somewhere else, moving it is no problem. This is great if your horses will need to move between pastures.   They’re easy to install Installation is a breeze. This is because corral shelters are designed to fit snugly onto most corral panels by securely attaching to their frames.   They’re secure and reliable There’s no point in installing a shelter for your horses if you can’t count on it to protect them from heavy precipitation and intense heat. Corral shelters are made of strong, durable materials that are securely anchored in place to provide your horses with a safe haven from flies and extreme weather.   They’re reasonably priced A good shelter doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Corral shelters are a budget-friendly option, while still giving you the satisfaction of knowing the money you spent is going toward a quality product.   They allow horses to come and go Corral shelters are open in the front, which allows your horses to exit and enter as they please. This means that whenever your horse is feeling uncomfortable outside, they can always hightail it to the safety of their shelter.   Wholesale farm equipment in Southern Ontario If you’re in the market for farm supplies, look no further than Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct . With wire fencing , livestock feeders , farm gates and much more in stock, we can help you find the exact equipment you’re looking for. Contact us today to learn more about our products.