If you’re new to raising goats, you might be wondering how to effectively contain these curious critters without them making a break for it. After all, goats are notorious for their ability to escape and cause mischief. In reality, goats do require specialized fencing to keep them safe and secure. But fear not, I’m here to guide you through the process of selecting the right fencing option for your goats.
As beautiful as they are, goats can be both destructive and inquisitive, making it essential to choose a fencing solution that meets their unique needs. In this article, we’ll explore the different fencing options available to you and highlight some key considerations to keep in mind when deciding on the best way to confine your goats.
Here are the various fencing options and factors to consider as you weigh your choices:
Fencing Options
When selecting a fence for your goat farm, remember that the height of the fence should fall within the 4-5 foot range. The taller the breed, the higher the fence needs to be to ensure containment. Conversely, if you’re working with smaller breeds, it’s crucial to prioritize durability at the bottom of the fence as they may attempt to squeeze under it. Considering these factors, there are various fencing options available, including:
Woven Wire Fence
Woven wire fences are a robust option for goat enclosures, characterized by larger grids. While they may seem like an ideal choice due to their sturdiness and ability to keep goats contained, they come with a higher price tag. This style of fence is best suited for smaller pastures or areas where goats won’t have the opportunity to roam freely. When we first started keeping goats, woven wire fences were our second choice.
We expanded our goat area using this type of fencing for the additional space, and it proved effective in keeping our goats contained within their designated zone. The wooded area where we kept our goats meant that this style of fence was particularly useful in preventing them from escaping. Although it wasn’t a massive expansion, this option remained affordable given its limitations.
If you’re concerned about your goats making a break for it through the fence, woven wire fences will keep them where they belong. However, if you have goat kids, be aware that their smaller size could allow them to squeeze through the larger grids, potentially leading to issues. Additionally, young goats may find themselves getting their heads stuck in these types of fences.
On a positive note, woven wire fences can withstand goats rubbing against it, racking their horns on it, and attempting to squeeze under it, making them more durable than other options.
Welded Wire Fence
While welded wire fence shares similarities with woven wire fence, its construction differs in terms of durability. The smaller grids are compensated by thinner wire, making it a less robust option. Despite this, welded wire fencing remains an attractive choice for large areas due to its relatively lower cost. This style also proves effective for containing goat kids, as the smaller openings prevent them from squeezing through.
Initially, we employed this type of fencing when introducing our goat-raising endeavor. However, installing it requires attention to securing the bottom, as goats can easily disturb and squeeze beneath the fence’s base. We resolved this issue by using large slabs to anchor the fence in place. While welded wire fencing is prone to damage from goats rubbing against or ramming their horns into it, its design makes it more challenging for them to become stuck.
Chain Link Fence
When considering containment options for your goats, chainlink fencing is an excellent choice. While its high upfront cost may be a deterrent for some, those with a sufficient budget will find it’s well worth the investment. The ease of assembly and exceptional durability make it an attractive solution. In fact, this type of fencing is designed to withstand even the most persistent goat attempts to escape or cause damage, whether through rubbing, racking, or digging.
Additionally, the small grid size ensures that even the smallest goat kids are unable to squeeze through, while the durable construction prevents them from undermining the fence at the base. For those seeking to ensure their goats remain safely contained within a designated area, chainlink fencing is an effective step towards achieving this goal.
Electric Fence
For the past two years, I’ve been relying on a five-wire high electric fence to corral my goats. While it’s served me well, I often wonder what would have happened if I had chosen this option from the start – it might have spared us significant financial and emotional strain. The beauty of electric fencing lies in its simplicity: it’s an inexpensive yet effective way to keep goat kids from squeezing under or larger animals from jumping over.
However, the real challenge comes when selecting a charger, which can make all the difference in your experience with this style of fencing. Initially, we opted for a solar-powered charger, but our goats’ curious nature quickly rendered it useless – they would rub against it and seem to be enjoying a impromptu massage! We soon switched to a higher-voltage charger that requires electricity, and our current model delivers an impressive 7,000-10,000 volts.
Even our brave billy learned to respect its power after testing the waters with his nose (and wisely decided not to try again!). The ladies, too, were quick to learn their lesson. One key takeaway is that the type of charger you choose can significantly impact your experience with electric fencing. Another advantage is how easy it is to install – a breeze, really. But, as with any system, there’s always room for improvement.
The greatest drawback lies in its limitations as a mental barrier only; if you have goats prone to testing boundaries, this style of fence won’t be enough to contain them. To overcome this limitation, make sure to run multiple strands and keep the lines taut – it’ll make it virtually impossible for a goat to push through without getting zapped. With sufficient voltage, they’ll think twice (or not at all!) about trying again.
We also appreciate how electric fencing serves as a natural deterrent against predators, thanks to the high-voltage charger we chose, which was designed to deter bears and other large animals. And, let’s be honest – it looks great too! With several acres of land fenced off for our goats’ grazing pleasure, an electric fence allows us to keep them contained while still maintaining a tidy appearance around our home.
Fencing to Confine Goats’ Kids
When raising goats from birth, it’s crucial to provide them with a safely fenced area to prevent trouble and predation. A style of fencing that they can’t fit under or test is ideal, as you want to minimize the risk of escape and potential harm. Daily checks for holes in the fence are also essential to ensure your goats stay contained. If left to their own devices, goats can cause problems for themselves and others.
In some cases, a temporary woven fence may be necessary to keep them from venturing where they shouldn’t. For instance, we had orphaned twins that managed to breach an electric fence because they weren’t heavy enough to be grounded, but luckily, they stayed with the herd as they grew older and eventually learned to respect the electric barrier. If you don’t have a herd, a wire or chain link enclosure is necessary to contain your goats.
However, if you’re raising babies within a herd, an electric fence can be effective, as the mother will warn her young about the shock and they tend to stay close by. As they grow older and become more adventurous, lowering the wire closer to the ground can prevent them from making it between the wires without being shocked. Remember these tips when deciding how to best contain your goat kids in your setup.
Gate Options
When it comes to confining goats, there are several gate options to consider. Our initial setup featured a DIY gate constructed from pallets, which proved sufficient for containing our smaller breed goats. However, it’s crucial that the latch is robust and can withstand the pressure exerted by determined goats. These animals will relentlessly push and ram against gates, so a sturdy latch is essential. For an added layer of security, consider using a chain-link fence gate.
This durable option can be easily installed and will last for years to come. Our current setup employs a livestock gate, which can be purchased with wire fillings or topped with a cattle panel. To prevent goats from squeezing through the gate’s holes, it’s vital to incorporate some type of wire or fencing featuring grids.
Installing Fence Posts
When you’ve selected a fencing style that suits your needs, the next crucial step is to install the fence posts. This fundamental component is common to all types of fences. Installing fence posts may seem like a daunting task, but with a straightforward approach, you can achieve professional-looking results. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get started:
Dig the Hole
Before installing fence posts for goat confinement, it’s crucial to pinpoint the locations of your corner posts. Once you’ve identified these spots, space the remaining posts approximately 6 feet apart. To ensure accurate placement, take a walk around the perimeter and mark where each post will sit with precision. With this layout in mind, grab your trusty post hole diggers and get digging!
Create holes that allow one-third of each post to be buried beneath the earth, providing added stability against external forces like goat activity or environmental factors.
Insert Posts and Add Concrete
Secure the posts by carefully placing them vertically into the holes you’ve dug. Enlist a helper to hold each post steady while you refill the hole with dirt, ensuring the post is firmly planted. Next, pour quick-drying concrete into the hole and add water to activate it. Allow the mixture to dry overnight before proceeding with your fence construction.
Stop Leaning on My Fence!
When we first ventured into goat husbandry, one issue that quickly became apparent was the tendency of our goats to lean against and push on our carefully constructed woven fences. Despite the immobility of the fence posts themselves, the fabric of the fence would begin to develop unsightly bulges as a result of this unwanted attention.
As you may have experienced similar frustration with your own goat enclosures, it’s essential to know how to prevent this from happening in the first place.
To that end, here are some valuable tips and tricks to keep your fence looking its best:
Hot Wire
While goats are notorious for rubbing against fences, a simple trick can prevent this unwanted behavior: installing hot-wired sections strategically along the perimeter. Even if you don’t intend to create a fully electrified barrier, adding a few hot wires can be an effective deterrent. By targeting specific areas where goats tend to scrape themselves or put pressure on the fence, you’ll maintain its integrity and eliminate the unsightly bulge that develops from repeated rubbing.
Give Them a Rubbing Station
Designating a specific area for goat grooming can be an effective way to redirect their attention away from your fences. A popular hack among goat enthusiasts is attaching the head of a thick-bristled broom to the gate or side of their enclosure using zip ties or wire. This makeshift brushing station provides goats with a surface to rub against, scratch, and get brushed – keeping them occupied and reducing the likelihood of fence-rubbing behavior.
If you’re managing multiple goats, be prepared to set up multiple grooming stations to cater to each individual’s needs.
Fence Within a Fence
When it comes to securing your goat’s enclosure, one effective approach is to create a fence within a fence. This can be achieved by installing a 2 x 4 barrier directly in front of your existing woven fence. By doing so, you’ll create a safe zone for hanging feeders or even setting up a brushing station – all while preventing goats from pushing against the woven fence and potentially making a break for it.
Put the Fencing on the Inside
When setting up goat fencing, it’s crucial to ensure that the barrier is properly positioned around your property. Even if you can’t completely prevent your goats from rubbing against the fence, you can still take steps to minimize damage and maintain its effectiveness. A key consideration in this regard is the placement of the fencing relative to the fence posts. In particular, when using welded wire, it’s best to install it on the inside of the fence posts.
This strategic positioning helps prevent goats from being able to push the wire away from the fence posts, thereby reducing the likelihood of damage or escape.
Pool Noodles
Are you frustrated with a goat that seems to derive pleasure from repeatedly head-butting your fence? If so, you’re not alone! In fact, this behavior can cause significant damage to your wire fencing. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution to deter this unwanted activity. By cutting a pool noodle into manageable sections and slipping it over the goat’s horns, you’ll make it challenging for them to continue ramming or racking their horns on anything.
The Human Factor
While it’s true that you can work diligently to confine your goats, there’s always a risk that an absent-minded family member or curious visitor might inadvertently undo all your efforts. To mitigate this possibility, a lighthearted reminder sign may be just what you need to keep your goats safe from potential harm. If our guide has provided you with additional insights and instilled confidence in your ability to confine your goats, that’s a major accomplishment.
However, it’s essential to remember that every situation is unique, and the most effective approach will depend on your specific circumstances. As you apply what you’ve learned, be prepared to adapt your strategies over time until you find the method that best suits you and your goats.
