Question for those with feed pens...

I have noticed that there are several spots in both my pens where the top rail on the panel is bent outward where deer have hit it jumping out. I'm assuming that's what caused it. The panels are 50" tall cattle panels. I was thinking about cutting the top two squares out of the panels to maybe cure that problem. Also, another reason for wanting to cut down the panels is that (maybe I'm crazy) I honestly think that some deer are lazy and don't wanna make that leap lol. I did a not so scientific test where I kept the gate on the pens open for several months and had 4-8 deer in the pens at a given time. Closed the gates and I had maybe 2 or 3 deer at a time. I think removing two squares out of the panel will still keep it plenty tall to keep cows out and maybe make it more inviting to deer. What's yalls thoughts?

We use hog panels at 34 inches high and never had cows in them in 3 years. One place years ago I did but guess the one cow was just stupid. He did tear up my panels. I would cut out some sections and try it.

50 is way too high IMO. I wouldn't go over 36.

The taller panels I do think deter some deer. Cutting some openings down to about 3 foot high may help. Also, how big/wide is your pen? Deer don't like to be confined and that might also be a contributing factor if it is small.

Mine are cut down and deer still hit it on the way out and bending the tops.

X2

That's what I do. I buy the cattle panels, they are cheaper than hog panels. Then I cut 2 squares off with bolt cutters. I have 5 pens built this way, and work great.

This ^^.

I also do 2 cut outs per pen down to about 30 inches. I have seen twice this year, yearling does just kicked of by mom go to those sections to jump in the pen. Never had a cow get into pens in the 5 years I've had em up.

^^^^^


Always use a feeder pen

Thanks guys. I definitely don't think the deer feel confined. One pen is 80' diameter and the other is 101'.

Yep. Pens should be big enough.

Texas Agrilife Extension did a study. They determined the optimum is the 34" panels, with optional fawn cutouts at 28". Using a minimum of 8 panels at 16' each. Two posts per panel.

A&M also did a study and found 34" panel in a 30' diameter pen (6 panels), didnt inhibit any deer movement at the feeder. Taller or smaller will.

We do this, still fawns won't jump in. They feed around the perimeter though.

Tag

That is what we have done too, but piglets up to 20 or so lbs can still get in. Will probably go hog panel next go round. Also with 2 squares cut off the top the deer still run into it on the way out and bow them a little.