Hoof-proof, ey?

[issaferret]

I find myself forced to reconsider my previous position on sheep - that they are so stupid that the constant look on their face is the confusion caused by forgetting what you were just thinking about (recursively)...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3938591.stm

Comments

[ardemus.livejournal.com]

Neat. I want to see the grid in more detail. How exactly is it "hoof proof"?

[ragnarok-now.livejournal.com]

If it's the type of thing found on most ranches then it is not really a grid per-se. It is a series of horizontal metal bars laid on the ground above what is basically a shallow pit. The bars are about 2 inches apart. So a human or car can walk over them, but a skinny hoof will slip and fall in between.
So essentially a rolling sheep significantly increases it's 'footprint' and can pass over the hoof-trap. It certainly isn't something I would have ever thought of.

[triss.livejournal.com]

Classically, the 'grids' are placed around entrances and consist of inch-thin or so, round-edged metal bars in some configuration, spaced so that the holes are significantly large enough for hooves, with open space beneath too deep to be convenient terrain.

They're pretty intuitive when you see them.