Search Results

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.