The Fence Post

Increasing Blueberry Yield

The 8' fence, angled to the outside of the blueberry patch, is easy to build and easy to move. Simple in design, this deer fence uses seven strands of wire.

And it cost him ¢.40 per foot to build!

Prior to building the fence, the patch typically yielded 3,500 pounds of berries. The season after he built the fence, the yield was up to 14,000 pounds!  Joe Wave of Wave's U-Pick Blueberries in Kaleva, Michigan talks about his innovative deer fence:

There are various types of woven wire mesh used at the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston and Stone Zoo in Stoneham, Massachusetts. 

When strength, height, and larger openings are required, woven fences that are galvanized are used. Deer and wildlife fence is a popular choice. Available in a 96" height, the mesh has graduated openings between the horizontal wires with smaller openings at the bottom of the fence. Vertical stay wires are 6" apart. 12½ gauge high-tensile wires and fixed knot construction make it very strong. Class 3 galvanizing ensures a long lifetime.    

This is a versatile fence that can be used for both four-legged and two-legged animals. 

Another type of fence used is 2" x 2" woven non-climb mesh. Made from lighter 16 gauge wire, it can be used to make enclosures for smaller animals and birds. The top and bottom wires are heavier 14 gauge. The square deal knots that are used hold the horizontal and vertical wires securely in place, yet the fence has some flexibility which allows it to conform to the irregularities of the ground. The mesh has an open feel and is easy to see through. In the picture below the fence is used for the vertical sides of the display.

These are some of the different types of fencing used at the two zoos. What types of wire meshes have you observed at the zoos you have visited?

Secure Animals: Containment and Exclusion

There are many different styles of woven wire fence that can be successfully used in zoo displays. These wire fencing products can also be put to use around the home, farm, and public areas such as parks and recreational areas. Think of these fences when you have any situation where animals need to be contained or excluded.

Double Wattled Cassowary & 2" x 4" woven wire mesh - Birmingham Zoo

 12.5 gauge, 2" x 4" mesh

Woven 2" x 4" mesh is made with heavier 10 gauge selvage wires running along the top and bottom edge of the fence. This gives the fencing greater strength. Strong 12.5 gauge wire makes up the balance. A third piece of 12.5 gauge wire forms a smooth stiff knot around the horizontal and one-piece vertical wires securely holding them together. Knotted construction gives the fence some flexibility, making it easier to install on uneven ground. Woven 2" x 4" mesh is available in three different finishes: Class 1 galvanized, Class 3 galvanized, and Class 3 black. It can be used effectively with very large birds, other animals such as dogs, horses, zebras, and any other animal that requires a strong fence. 

Woven 2" x 2" wire mesh fence on sides of display - Franklin Park Zoo

16 gauge, 2" x 2" mesh

Made with the same knotted construction as the 2" x 4' fencing, this lighter-weight woven wire fence is made using 14 gauge wires on top and bottom and 16 gauge wires for the filler. As with its heavier brother, the fencing has inherent flexibility. 2" x 2" mesh can be used with birds and other small animals - situations where a lighter fence will be effective.

Deer and Wildlife Fence

Woven Deer and Wildlife Fence - Franklin Park Zoo

Woven from 12.5 gauge high tensile wire, this strong heavily galvanized fencing can be used with many different kinds of animals. All feature spacing between horizontal wires that graduate from small at the bottom to large at the top. Heights range from 4' through 10'. Horizontal and vertical wires are held together with fixed knot construction. Deer and wildlife fencing is available with a Class 3 galvanized finish. Some heights have a Class 3 black finish. The strength and height make this an ideal fence to use with a wide range of animals.

Deer fence gateway - Birmingham Zoo

 Do you have any unusual animals that you want to keep in - or out? Check out our Emu blog.