Why Use Steel Posts in Feral Animal Exclusion Fencing?
If you keep livestock on your farm, then your fences don't just need to keep your stock inside, you also need to keep wild animals out. If you allow feral animals on your land, you could end up with some difficult problems. For example, you could lose stock to attacks or stress. Feral animals could pass on diseases that could make your stock sick or even kill them.
If you have this problem, you might be thinking about creating a feral exclusion fence around your perimeter. The materials you use for these fences matter. For example, it's usually better to use steel fence posts rather than wood ones. Why?
Steel Is Harder to Climb
If you put in wooden fence posts, then some wild animals may be able to climb up the posts. Wood gives an easy grip for animals with sharp claws. They can shin up and down these posts relatively easily.
Steel posts don't give animals this kind of traction. Steel is smooth and hard. An animal won't be able to grip on to a post or to dig their claws in so that it can get over a fence.
Steel Is Stronger
Some wild animals that might try to come on to your farm will be small. They won't be strong enough to push a fence over to force their way through. However, some animals in your area might be bigger and stronger. For example, a big kangaroo has some heft behind it. With a bit of persistence, a big roo might be able to push or kick a wood post loose or even over.
Steels posts are stronger and harder to move. They should stand up to animal damage more effectively.
Steel Lasts Longer
Wood naturally degrades over time. Even if you use treated posts, they won't all last forever. Weather damage and exposure to insects like termites can see wooden posts lose their integrity. They may crumble, come loose or even fall over.
When this happens, your fence has an immediate weak spot that feral animals can take advantage of. If you install steel posts, they'll stand up to inclement weather and they won't attract termites. They'll, therefore, last longer.
The type of fencing you put up depends on the wild animals that live around your farm. For example, you may have different needs for wild dog fencing than you do if you have problems with rabbits or possums. To get more advice on the right products for your needs, contact rural fencing professionals.