 |
RE: [RC] Barn/Fencing suggestions (long) - CharlesWe used Vinyl fence for the front field that
you see as you come in the property. It looks nice. It isn't really
my fence of choice.
For the back and remaining fields we are
using electric braid on pvc sleeves over steel t-posts.
Turns out a 10' PVC tube at 2" costs about $5
(bit less, rounded up). We cut it in half and put on a 2" cap. (57
cents at Lowes or Home Depot). We then put 4 insulators on the side
of the tube. The insulators we got from Ramm Fence. It's made for
wood posts but a box of self taping screws holds them to the pvc without a
problem.
We put a 5' Tpost in the ground and slide the
sleeve over it.
We've got 4 lines of electrobraid of which 2
are hot (top and second from bottom). We didn't make the bottom hot
because the goats and sheep like visiting the field now and then. Besides,
no reason to do it.
This has worked for our herd of horses.
We have a stallion and his permanent girlfriend (finally a use for an infertile
horse). And, we switch with a herd of 9 drafts and draft X's and their 5
babies. This fence holds them in without a problem. It's
cheap. It's easy to set up. It even looks nice. The only
complaint I have is minor. We didn't cover the red print on the side of
the pipe. So if you look closely you can see all kinds of manufacturing
information. On the other hand, it faces in, and nobody bothers to
look.
I'll be happy to make some pictures and send
them if you are interested.
Oh, before I forget, the TPosts are a pain to
put in. By the end of doing a field are arms are so tired from the sledge
hammer we can barely lift them. If anyone knows a cheap TPost pounder that
doesn't require I do work, please let me know. (I know about the sleeve
thing, I still have to lift it). I'm thinking of something mechanical that
can be attached to the tractor.
Charles
From: ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of abigail Madden Sent: Saturday, September 18, 2004 1:41 PM To: ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [RC] Barn/Fencing suggestions (long) Well, it finally happened. I was actually able to purchase some
property and if all goes well, we'll be living on it within the year.
Since this is bare land, we'll be starting from scratch with house, barn,
fencing, pasture, etc., and we want to do it "right." So, I'm looking for
input. Here's the story.....
Located in N. Butte County CA, about 10 miles outside of Chico city
limits and approximately 6 miles (with several turns) from the highway
with numerous other properties and fences in between. 20 acres,
flat open land (solar panels?). No trees, large seasonal creek running
along one edge, several smaller run off areas throughout the
property. This area was used to graze cattle on and the soil is
pretty good for growing, but there is lava cap several feet down.. When
the wind blows, it screams through here (windmill power?). The summers are
generally hot (90--100+) and the winters are cold and wet (the rain blows
in sideways sometimes). We get snow here about once every 5 years,
but not enough to stick for a more than a day. It generally does not get
below freezing for more than a few days and that is only during the
night time hours. We are located at approximately 125' elevation and
the property sits on a very prolific aquifer (irrigation for a few
acres). Not in a flood zone and since there is no scrub, brush, or trees,
fire danger is minimal ( grass fire would quickly burn past buildings as
there will be no fuel for them)
3 horses now, but will probably increase to at least 5 by the time we're
done. I'm looking at getting a "pre-fab" type barn. I'm thinking a
shedrow would be the best for our situation, but I want the overhang to
be enclosed for those times when the rain blows in sideways.
Concrete aisle, stem wall foundation, roadbase or similar under mats in the
stalls. Separate hay barn. Comments?? Suggestions????
Fencing. Normally, I would want "solid" fencing around the
perimeter and do electric tape for the cross fencing. I have always been
fearful of them blowing through the tape and getting out onto a busy road.
Since we are so far from the highway, with several other properties and fences
between, I'm thinking about doing electric tape all around.
Comments?? Suggestions???
I know it sounds like I'm moving to the Serengeti Plains, but the best part
is that I'm only about 1 mile from the foothills across private land and
into thousands of acres of private land. The owner and I already have
an agreement. He told me where the access points are, but did not give me
permission to ride there. Therefore, if I choose to trespass and get
hurt, I will have a harder time suing him. ; )
So, as you can see, I've got a lot of work cut out for me and would
appreciate info. from any and all. Who knows, maybe in a few years I can
manage a ride right out the back of my property. : )
abigail
Chico, CA
|