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If you’re raising pigs, you need fencing that can resist their physical strength, cleverness, and curiosity. Pigs have sharp teeth and strong jaws that can bend weak fence sections until they give way. While pigs don’t typically burrow under the ground, their pacing and rooting can wear down the earth enough to make space for them to escape.   The Cost of Bad Fencing Without adequate fencing, you risk your livestock escaping. Even if you can retrieve your pigs, you could be liable for damage caused to neighbouring properties. Moreover, it’s not just about keeping your pigs in; you also want to keep predators out. Types of Pig Fencing There are several reliable pig fencing options. Each has its benefits, depending on the amount of space and the terrain you’re working with. It also depends on the size of your animals. Hog panels . You can use hog panels to confine your pigs to a relatively small space. Each pig should have about three square metres of room to move around. This option is ideal if grazing isn’t an option. However, supplying food and water can become costly. Additionally, confining your pigs to a small space means they’ll churn up the earth, which may be helpful if you need it tilled for future planting. Wire fencing . If you have plenty of pasture land, heavy-duty wire fencing allows you to subdivide the space and move your pigs around from time to time as their pen gets muddy. This approach helps you save on feed costs and enables you to clear and fertilize a large swath of land for planting. High tensile wire fencing . One of the strongest fencing options is high tensile fencing . Similar to wire fencing, it’s secure, visually appealing, and can hold up for at least 20 years.   Electricity Adding two strands of electric fencing wire electricity to your fencing provides an extra level of security. When placed close to the ground, it can prevent pigs from digging. If you’re fencing growing hogs and sows, set your electric wires about 25 centimetres and 45 centimetres from the ground. To contain nursing pigs, a single wire about 15 centimetres from the ground is recommended.   Wire Fencing and Farm Gates for Sale in Southern Ontario For a wide selection of top-quality fencing and gates , make Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct your first call. Our team of experienced professionals can help you find the right pig fencing solution, provide competitive pricing and deliver directly to your farm. Contact us today to place your order.

Letting your chickens roam free makes for healthier birds, nutrient-dense eggs and potential savings on feed costs. The key to successful roaming is to keep your chickens safe and warm overnight when predators are most likely to do harm. Here are some ways to ensure your hens and roosters come home to roost.     Create a cozy coop Ensure you’ve made your coop a cozy place where your chickens want to live. For instance, install horizontal wooden perches and nesting boxes for laying hens. One nesting box per four hens is sufficient. Additionally, make sure the temperature is around 20 degrees Celsius. This will keep them warm in winter but not too warm in summer. Keep chickens in the coop at first At first, keep new chickens inside the coop for a week. This will give them time to adjust to the transition and gain a sense of safety and familiarity. To enable an uninterrupted adjustment, feed them regularly without letting them escape and be sure to change the soiled coop bedding immediately after the adjustment week is over. Release them to a fenced area At the end of the week, simply open the door and let them wander. Avoid interacting with the chickens other than feeding and cleaning as needed. At this point, they may be familiar enough with the coop to return to it instinctively.  Call and treat To further reinforce their identification with the coop, adopt a consistent, unique call or whistle the chickens can grow to recognize. When they respond to your call, reward them with a treat of greens or chicken pellets. It may only take a week or two for the chickens to grow familiar with the call. Make the space “spook-proof” Chickens can sometimes get spooked from their coop and refuse to re-enter. This may happen if a predator gets in, but it can also be caused by insufficient cleaning. Before retraining them, eliminate the reason they abandoned the coop and check the cleanliness and temperature. Finally, close and patch any gaps or holes in the floor, walls and roof where predators might enter. To further safeguard your chickens, ensure the coop door is closed every evening once they’ve been gathered. Remove any uneaten food to eliminate invitations to predators.   Wholesale Farm Equipment in Southern Ontario Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct, you’ll find everything you need to contain and care for your poultry, including chicken wire , poultry crates , and water and feed tubs . We not only sell quality farm supplies at wholesale prices in southern Ontario, but we’ll also deliver directly to your farm. Contact us to discuss your needs and place an order.

When you keep livestock, you need to ensure your fields are accessible, but you also must prevent your animals from escaping. You may be considering installing gates or cattle guards for your entryways, but there are many factors to consider. To help you determine which access solution will work best for you, here’s a brief overview of the benefits and drawbacks of cattle guards and conventional gates.   Cattle guards A cattle guard, sometimes called a cattle grid, is a low-profile way of containing some kinds of livestock. It consists of a series of bars with gaps between them, laid over a depression in the ground. The gaps between the bars are narrow enough that the structure doesn’t impede foot or vehicular traffic. The cattle guard provides an effective deterrent for bovine livestock, both physically and visually. The gaps between the bars make it difficult for flat-hoofed animals to keep their balance. Some have round bars for an added deterrent. A brave cow might try one hoof but will immediately retreat when it feels unstable. Most livestock will be deterred simply by the shadows of the bars and will turn back without even risking it. Cattle guards provide quick, hands-free access for drivers and people with their hands full. There's no need to hop out of a vehicle to open the gate and then again to close it. You don't have to fuss with latches or risk a gate being left open. Unlike conventional gates, you don't run the risk of animals escaping while a vehicle passes through. Metal gates Although a metal gate requires more effort and attention to open and securely close, they're essential in situations where cattle guards provide insufficient containment. Gates are a safer option if you have horses because their smaller hooves may pass through the gaps of a cattle guard and cause catastrophic injury. You’ll need a gate to contain more surefooted livestock like goats and sheep. To keep nimble animals like deer away from your livestock, you'll want a sufficiently high gate rather than leaving a cattle guard for them to leap across. Wholesale Cattle Fencing in Southern Ontario For your farm gates , fences , cattle panels, and other cattle handling equipment make Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct your first stop. We’re committed to providing the highest value in quality agricultural equipment and supplies, and we’ll deliver directly to your farm. Contact us today and ask about our wholesale fencing solutions. .

From dangerous weather to scant daylight, winter brings a host of complications to your farming operation. To keep your animals amply fed and your costs under control, you must develop strategies to minimize the inevitable inefficiencies brought on by ice, snow and darkness. Here are four ways to streamline your winter feeding routine despite the elements.   Shorten travelling distances . When your workers have less distance to travel from storage to feeder, you cut labour hours, fuel consumption and vehicle wear and tear. These savings can be significant when weather conditions grow difficult and cause more lag. Keep feeders as near as you can to the storage location. Reduce mud . Mud generation from animal traffic is more than messy; it can be hazardous for the animals and your workers. A decentralized feeding system can spread mealtime traffic around rather than concentrating the tramping to one location. Minimize feed waste . The key to reducing waste is to minimize the steps between feed storage and the animals. If the feeding space is close to the storage space, you can prevent feed loss in transit and have the animals move to the food rather than vice versa. Repurpose existing structures . Evaluate your farm’s infrastructure and identify buildings that might be better used as feeding stations. With some minor adaptations, you may be able to create a weather-safe feeding station that doubles as a storage facility. Implement fenceline feeding cubbies . Consider incorporating a series of fenceline feeders along a roadside where workers have quick access, and the feeding gets spread over a larger area. Feeders should be placed on a concrete pad, about 15 centimetres off the ground or above the platform the animals stand on to feed. Adding a cover to the feeders can safeguard against rain and snow. Keep these considerations in mind as you develop your winter feeding strategy to trim feed waste and transport time while minimizing the dangers to your livestock and workforce.   Farming Equipment in Southern Ontario Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct is your source for farming and fencing equipment in southern Ontario. Whether you’re looking for livestock panels to manage animal traffic or a new round bale feeder to reduce wastage, we’ve got the necessary equipment and knowledge to help you find the right solution. We offer competitive prices and delivery to your southern Ontario farm. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our farm equipment and supplies.

In Ontario, heavy flurries and plunging temperatures are standard during winter. Therefore, farm animals, especially cattle that overwinter outdoors, require increased nutrients to stay warm and resist illness. Here are a few tips for keeping your livestock in tip-top shape in freezing temperatures.   Monitor your herd’s body condition . How well your livestock tolerate the cold depends largely on their body condition score (BCS) at the onset of winter. For cattle, an ideal BCS is between 3.0 and 3.25 . Thin cattle require between 50 and 70 percent more feed during a cold snap compared to a cow with some fat cover. Increase rations . Give your animals plenty of high-quality forage to help them combat the cold weather. Livestock can require up to 30 percent more feed in winter conditions. As a rule of thumb, cattle need an additional one to two pounds of grain per day for every 10 C drop in temperature below -20 C. Consider supplementing . Consider adding a high-quality supplement to fill in your herd’s energy gap and help them get the most out of existing forages. For instance, it’s recommended to supply your animals with a complete mineral supplement containing salt, calcium and phosphorus. Provide adequate water . Ensure your livestock have constant access to clean, fresh water throughout the winter. Ice-crusted, wind-blown or trampled snow aren’t adequate sources of water. For instance, beef cattle require between 26 and 66 litres per day, while lactating dairy cows require up to 120 litres of water daily. Watch the weather . When a winter storm is predicted, offer your animals more feed and water to prepare them for the changing conditions. Moreover, it’s important to plan ahead for available feed supplies so you never have to worry about running short. Finally, poor feeding practices can cause you to waste more than 25 percent of your hay feed. Fortunately, Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct carries various cone-type and tapered-bottom feeders that greatly reduce hay waste. We also have round bale feeder options.   Farming Equipment in Southern Ontario At Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct (OWFD), we carry a wide variety of farm supplies, including livestock feeders , cattle panels and heavy-duty wire fencing . We have everything you need to ensure your cows, goats, sheep and horses overwinter with ease. Whether you have a large commercial operation or a small hobby farm, OWFD has you covered. For more information about our products, contact us today .

Wire fencing is highly versatile. It’s sold in mesh rolls that you can cut, bend and splice into any size enclosure you choose. However, the wire is bound together using knots you’ll need to remove if you wrap a fence post or splice two pieces together. Fortunately, removing fence knots isn’t difficult if you follow these steps.   Identifying Wire Fence Knots First and foremost, you’ll need to determine the type of knot used in your fencing. The two most common knots are a monarch knot and a square deal knot. Monarch knot . A monarch knot is created by wrapping the vertical wire around the horizontal wire. It looks like a coil and is sometimes called a “hinge knot.” It’s designed to bend but not break and withstands pushing and leaning. Square deal knot . Also known as an S-knot, a square deal knot uses an extra small wire to wrap tightly around the vertical and horizontal wires. With fewer sharp barbs than the monarch knot, it minimizes animal injury and is often used on sheep and goat fences and non-climb horse fences. With familiar tools, each knot is easily removable in a few seconds, but monarch knots and S-knots require specific techniques, which we’ll explain below.   Removing a Monarch Knot To remove a monarch knot, you’ll need a pair of wire cutters and a pair of work gloves. Cut the vertical wire above and below the knot. You’ll be left with two short lengths of wire coming out of the knot. If you pull the two short wires simultaneously, you should be able to slide the knot off the horizontal line easily.   Removing a Square Deal Knot Square deal knot removal requires a pair of lineman’s pliers, wire cutters and work gloves. First, use the lineman’s pliers to loosen the “S,” the extra piece wound at the intersection of the vertical and horizontal wires. Grab the ends and pull them away from the knot. Second, cut the vertical wires above and below the knot. You can then slide the knot off the horizontal line, much like a monarch knot.   After removing a monarch or square deal knot, you should be left with long, smooth, malleable horizontal wires that you can bend and twist any way you want.   Wholesale Wire Fencing in Southern Ontario At Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct, we have a wide selection of farm animal fencing , including smooth wire fencing, barbed wire fencing and livestock panels. You can order your materials through our online store , and we’ll deliver them to your farm in just a few days. Contact us today to learn more about our inventory and delivery services for operations in southern Ontario.

Donkeys are excellent guardians of sheep, goats and cattle. Here’s what you need to know about these intelligent animals.   You may think of donkeys when you think of words like "stubborn" and "aggressive." Although often considered negative traits, these behavioural characteristics make donkeys excellent guardians   • They don’t wander . Donkeys don't like changes in their surroundings, so they tend not to roam as much as guard dogs. They also don’t root or dig, so you don’t have to worry about them trying to escape.   • They’re easy to care for. Donkeys require no special care and have similar maintenance and feeding needs to their pasture mates. For example, they can eat the same feed as sheep, goats and cattle and be turned out to graze on the same pastures.   • They have a long lifespan. With an average life expectancy of 20 to 30 years, donkeys live longer than dogs. Moreover, with proper management, donkeys can provide up to 15 years of protection for your herd.   • They have a natural herding instinct . It’s natural for donkeys to be territorial and have a strong herding instinct. Therefore, if they’re properly bonded to the livestock they protect, they’ll remain loyal.   • They stand their ground. Unlike horses, which instinctively flee from perceived danger, donkeys tend to stand their ground. When it comes to a choice between fight and flight, donkeys often choose to fight.   • They naturally dislike canines. Donkeys have an inherent dislike for canines. If a wolf or coyote enters their territory, donkeys often bray loudly and charge to chase it away. When attacking, donkeys strike with both their front feet, kick with their hind feet and bite. However, while aggressive with canines, most donkeys are docile and gentle with humans.   Considerations when buying a guard donkey Here are a few considerations when looking for a donkey to protect your herd:   1. Size. Small and large standard-size donkeys make the best guard animals. As a rule of thumb, guard donkeys should be at least two years old and at least 112 centimetres tall at the shoulder. 2. Gender. Female donkeys and gelded males provide the best protection because of their even temperament. 3. Herd or flock size. You must consider how many animals you have in your care. Donkeys are best suited for herds of less than 100 animals.   Keep in mind that not all donkeys are suitable for guarding as there are significant behavioural differences between individuals. It’s a good idea to get your animal from a breeder that raises donkeys specifically to work as livestock guardians.   Wholesale farm equipment in southern Ontario Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct (OWFD) carries a wide variety of wholesale fencing products, including cattle panels, welded mesh panels and heavy-duty wire fencing. We serve farms of all sizes in southern Ontario. Contact us today for more information or to place an order.

As the summer heat ramps up, it’s more important than ever to keep your livestock cool. Horses are particularly susceptible to heat stroke, especially if exercising in hot temperatures. Here’s what you need to know about recognizing, treating and preventing heat stroke in horses. What’s heat stroke? Heat stroke occurs when a horse’s body overheats due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and humidity. Many factors can lead to heat stroke in horses, including inadequate hydration, poor ventilation, intense physical exertion and lack of shade. It can result in severe health complications and even death if not promptly addressed. Heat stroke can affect any horse but is especially common in older, obese and out-of-shape horses. Young foals also tend to be more prone to heat stroke and dehydration. Symptoms On very hot and humid days, even the best-conditioned horse can suffer from heat stroke in a short amount of time. The most common symptoms of heat stroke in horses include: Rapid breathing Accelerated pulse Increased body temperature Stumbling Weakness Refusal to eat or work Hot skin Sunken eyes If you notice any of these symptoms, immediately contact your veterinarian. Then, move your horse to a shaded area and wet its body with cool water. If possible, have a fan blowing on your horse and provide it with access to fresh water until the veterinarian arrives. Applying rubbing alcohol along your horse’s back and neck can also help cool it down. The veterinarian will likely give your horse some intravenous fluids and electrolytes to improve its condition. Horses that have experienced heat stroke must get plenty of rest and avoid exercise for a minimum of three to five days. Tips for keeping your livestock cool in summer You can help prevent heat stroke in your horse by: Providing constant access to clean, fresh water Offering shaded areas or shelter from direct sunlight Ensuring proper ventilation in stables and during transportation Avoiding exercising during the hottest times of the day Trimming or clipping horses with long hair Providing electrolyte supplements as recommended Recognizing and preventing heat stroke in horses is crucial to safeguard their well-being. It helps avoid serious health risks, organ failure and even death. Equine farming equipment in southern Ontario If you need wholesale horse fencing or corral panels , Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct is the place to go. We also carry various other products, including corral shelters and welded mesh panels . We would be happy to answer any questions you might have about our selection of farm equipment. Contact us today in southern Ontario.