Petting zoo fence build out

So for those who are following us on social media, this has been an exciting weekend.

We have one half of the posts in the ground for our petting zoo!

We are using 7 ft high x 2 7/8 diameter x 1/4 inch wall pipe. This pipe is repurposed from the oil well industry and we have elected to auger the post holes, filling them with premix concrete mix.

Building a fence for a petting zoo requires careful planning to ensure the safety and containment of the animals, as well as the enjoyment and safety of visitors. Here are some steps we have consider when building our fence:

1. Determine the Animal Types: Identify the types of animals in the petting zoo and their specific needs. Different animals may require different types of enclosures, such as tall fences for large animals or smaller gaps in the fence to prevent small animals from escaping. Goats will probably be as big as our animals get at 120-140 pounds.

2. Choose the Right Material: Select appropriate fencing materials based on the animals' sizes, strengths, and behaviors. Common materials include wood, vinyl, chain link, and mesh. Ensure that the material is durable, non-toxic, and can withstand outdoor conditions. Pipe, goat/sheep wire, welded horizontal corner braces with a live edge face board for the visitor side and coupled with cross bucks for a farm/park appearance.

3. Set the Height: The height of the fence should be adequate to prevent animals from jumping over or climbing out. For goats, we are using 5 feet high which will cover us for poultry with clipped wings disallowing them to fly over.

4. Consider Electric Fencing: Depending on the animals and the level of containment needed, electric fencing can be an effective option to deter animals from attempting to escape. It's essential to use appropriate voltage and follow safety guidelines.

5. Choose a Secure Gate: The gate should be designed to prevent animals from pushing it open or squeezing through gaps. Use sturdy locks and latches to keep the gate securely closed. We have an eight foot utility gate for the tractor and small trailers.

6. Consider Visibility: If the primary purpose of the petting zoo is for visitors to interact with the animals, ensure that the fence provides good visibility while still maintaining safety.

7. Regular Maintenance: Fences should be inspected regularly for wear, damage, or weak spots. Repair any issues promptly to maintain the safety and security of both animals and visitors.

8. Safety Signage: Install signs around the fence to inform visitors about safety rules, guidelines for interacting with the animals, and emergency contact information.

9. Visitor Access: Plan how visitors will enter and exit the petting zoo area safely without compromising the containment of the animals. Consider pathways, entry gates, and exit points. We have designed a wedge with two four foot gates providing double entry for those visitors entering the petting yard.

10. Landscaping: Ensure that the area around the fence is clear of obstacles or plants that animals could use to escape or visitors could use to climb over. Goats love to eat the surrounding tree and bush leaves!

We hope that you can come and visit our animals and enjoy the improvements to the farm!