More fencing questions

We bought land with 4 strand barbed wire, then got a Dexter cow with calf (6 month old) the calf stepped over the bottom strand and under the next and walked right out. I rebuilt the fence new corner posts and braces and added 2 more barbed wire strands. That works great no issues with new born calfs getting out. As far as rubbing the fence I put in a cattle rub (I found internet photo to show what I put in) hooked it to a 8 inch wood brace post then to a free standing post so the Dexters can rub on it. I had my wife go to the dollar store and buy me cheap scrub brushes I then used small lag bolts and bolted them all around the free standing post to they can rub and scratch on that and not on my fences. I will have to get a photo to really show you.

I have no experience with barbed wire, I don't care for it personally but if you have to use it I'd say you need as many strands as you can put up.
Not sure why you don't want to use electric and have high tensile?? Certainly if you can you'd never have to worry, you do have to train them to it, but once done and hot they won't touch it. You can use polywire to section of areas with step in posts, always useful to be able to do that.
I think you just need to decide what's best for your set up and go with it.

Carol K

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Midhill Dexters
http://www.midhilldexters.com/

I would just like to add, you are not just trying to keep your dexters in, but you need to keep predators out. 3 strands of barbed wire will not keep them safe from dogs or coyotes. Just something else to mull over.

Carol K

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Midhill Dexters
http://www.midhilldexters.com/

Ok, thanks everyone. I am so all over the place on what to use. To be blunt we have a Max of $1000 to spend on the 320'x200' area, that is for posts and fence. Would like it to be closer to $600-$700 but $1000 is do able. Just want to put the best we can with the money we have to do it with.

Cut hedge posts and run barbed wire. Does not leave you much for gates. You have posted you are getting your stock soon and right now is a poor time to build fence

Yes I know about timing. We have a smaller fenced pen to hold em for time being.