Indhegning

Indhegning is a Danish and Norwegian term that refers to a fenced or enclosed area designed to confine animals or to mark property boundaries. In agricultural use, an indhegning is a pen, paddock, or corral constructed to contain livestock such as cattle, horses, sheep, goats, pigs, or poultry, and to facilitate handling, feeding, milking, or veterinary procedures. The term can also refer to temporary or portable enclosures, as well as more permanent fences around fields or pastures.

The primary purpose of an indhegning is to keep animals safely contained while allowing access for managment tasks. It may serve as a holding area for weighing or sorting livestock, a routine exercise space, or a protected shelter within a larger grazing area. Enclosures are sometimes used in wildlife management or conservation to control movement, translocation, or breeding.

Design and construction considerations include the choice of posts and fencing materials (such as wooden rails, wire mesh, or metal panels), gate placement and security, and the overall height and strength appropriate for the target species. Electric fencing is often used as an additional deterrent. The area should provide shelter, water, proper drainage, and enough space to prevent stress or injury. Regular inspection and maintenance are important to repair broken components, tighten fittings, and address any gaps.

Regulatory and welfare aspects may govern indhegning through animal welfare standards, zoning or land-use regulations, and safety requirements. In practice, indhegning ranges from simple yard fences around homes to complex handling facilities on farms or in conservation settings.