Barn shelters are generally prepared for horses. In order to meet their needs such as rest, nutrition and safety, these shelters must have some features. On the other hand, there are some situations that should be considered in the stables in order to ensure that the health checks of the horses are carried out smoothly and hygiene conditions are created.
Horses, which can normally shelter in open areas, are free to roam in nature. These horses, which can easily meet all their needs, live mostly in forested and mountainous areas. They also adapt to nature due to their characteristic features.
As a result, it is essential that the stables or other accommodation areas of horses are clean. In a clean and sufficiently ventilated stable, horses will live a healthy and happy life. At the same time, sufficient food and drinking water sources should be kept in the barn in accordance with hygiene conditions.
Where are horses housed?
More than one answer can be given regarding where horses are sheltered, which is one of the questions that horse owners are curious about. Firstly, horse shelters should be prepared depending on the necessary conditions. Since the welfare of horses living in stables is important, it is important to provide conditions such as both cleaning and ventilation. Horses that need to live in a large and clean living space also need exercise during the day. Therefore, regular cleaning and maintenance of the stables is extremely important. As a result, a safe, hygienic, ventilated and spacious environment should be prepared to meet all the needs of horses.
What is a horse shelter called?
In the shortest definition, horse shelter is called a stable. The most suitable barn for horses is the areas that have the features that can meet all their needs. The size of these shelters should be determined according to the number of horses. Horse owners who need to take the necessary precautions for the safe survival of horses should mostly comply with hygiene and cleanliness conditions.
It is also essential to have a good ventilation system to prevent horses from being affected by adverse weather conditions. In addition to horse shelters, a safe environment that will allow them to move in the open field should also be created. Of course, thanks to open spaces, horses exhibit their natural behaviour more easily and are happier. According to the preferences of horse owners, an area not far from the stable can be used as an open exercise area.
How Should Horse Shelter Be?
While the preparation of the most suitable shelter for horses ensures their happy and healthy life, it is also a matter of curiosity how the ideal environment should be. First of all, keeping the barn tidy and clean directly affects their health. Sufficient amount of clean drinking water is also among the factors that should be in the stables. It is also important to provide nutrients such as hay and feed in a clean and organised manner. In terms of security, it should be ensured that the barn has a solid structure. It should not be forgotten that a large environment should be prepared where horses, which should not be adversely affected by weather conditions, can travel comfortably in terms of socialisation.
An ideal stable should have these features we have listed. In addition to these, it is recommended to have a care area to meet the health and care needs of the horses. This area can also be prepared as a veterinary room. While it is so important to meet the necessary needs of horses, it should be known that they also have some housing needs. Needs such as regular exercise, clean space, clean drinking water, proper nutrition should be provided for horses.
It is also advisable to prepare an open area outside the stables. Because horses need open spaces to show their natural behaviour. This also applies to exercises. Open spaces will provide freedom of movement while supporting the physical health of horses. It is actually important in every respect for horses that move in the natural area to spend time outside the barn.
In addition to these features, the horse shelter should be equipped with a number of systems. Many advantages can be achieved thanks to the ventilation application known as the helicopter fan system. If we look at the general advantages of these fans for barns;
- Reduces temperature stress in the barn.
- Thanks to the wind generated by the fan, the fresh air rate in the shelter increases.
- Temperature is taken under control by using with showering systems.
- Drying of the barn floor is provided in a very short time.
- It consumes less electricity than other ventilation systems.
These systems have a longer service life with bedding application. Helicopter fans, which provide extra safety as they are supported by special safety ropes, offer maximum ventilation with low energy. Other features and explanations of this application are as follows;
- Ventilation area: In a barn designed with a helicopter fan, the effective area varies depending on the fan diameter. In order to ensure effective air distribution, there is usually an effective area between 15-20 metres.
- Fast drying: Helicopter fans support the drying of floors in a very short time. As a result, hygiene conditions are also ensured.
- Application areas: These fans have more than one application area. These systems, which can be used easily in winter and summer, can be preferred in goat, sheep, livestock and milking cow barns.
- Energy: Helicopter type fans consume low electricity. In this way, it offers more economical solutions.
- Circulation: These fans, which can provide air circulation, deliver the air towards the animals. Thanks to this situation, the amount of air per unit area increases. As a result, humidity and temperature control is also ensured.
What is a Temporary Animal Shelter?
Temporary animal shelters are facilities for animals that have been abandoned by their owners, are lost or living on the streets. Provided by private organisations or the state, they offer temporary care and shelter to animals. Temporary animal shelters, which have an important place in terms of rehabilitating animals without any problems, are generally established by animal lovers and animal rights defenders.
The main function of these shelters is to provide a safe and secure environment for the animals until they find a new home or are taken back by their owners. There are some services that these shelters offer. Services such as vaccination of animals, health checks and treatment processes are to provide rehabilitation.
In our country, temporary animal shelters are established by private organisations and mostly by municipalities. In the shelters established by the municipality, which are operated with public resources, procedures such as sterilisation, adoption and treatment of stray animals are carried out. Within the scope of the 5199 numbered 'Animal Protection Law', temporary animal shelters must be prepared in accordance with all standards.
In temporary animal shelters, there are infected treatment units, cat or dog treatment units, poultry treatment units. In addition to these, there are also guest waiting rooms, staff rooms, animal free walking areas, animal soup kitchen and operating theatres in these shelters. The treatment stages of animals in need of care or abandoned animals are carried out by specialised veterinarians. In addition, the care and vaccination processes of stray animals are among the services offered.
People who want to adopt a dog or cat from temporary care homes can fill out an 'unclaimed animal adoption form' and adopt with the approval of the responsible physician. For more information about this process, it is sufficient to contact the temporary animal shelters. The same process applies to animals in other categories.
It can be said that these shelters can actually face a number of difficulties. They are subject to a lot of criticism due to factors such as inadequate equipment, attitudes of animal lovers and work intensity.
