A Guide to Goat Fencing

Goats can make wonderful pets, producing great milk and meat. Goats are known to be escape artists which can make raising them quite a challenge, but it doesn't have to be. Starting with the proper fencing will make life easier for you and the goats.

Goat fencing should take into account budget and location. Do you have predators such as coyotes where you are? The fence should be high enough to prevent predators from jumping over it. You may want to consider getting a livestock guardian dog such as a Great Pyrenees, Akbash, or Anatolian Shepherd. These dogs eat and sleep with the goats in order to ward off predators.

Do you live near a busy street? Electric fences can be expensive, but they can be effective at keeping goats in, as long as the current is strong. Goats can withstand a stronger shock than most animals. Cattle will be deterred by 2000 volts, goats won't even feel that.

Consider what type and size of goats you will raise. Will you have male or female goats? Bucks tend to be bigger and stronger than the does. Make sure the holes in the fence are small. Goats love to climb and could get stuck in larger openings. Running a small electric wire along the fence can keep goats from climbing and rubbing damaging it.

Temporary Electic Netting 

• Pro--can be moved just about anywhere.
• Cons--will need to be tested daily to ensure a strong charge.

Woven Wire

• Pro--cost effective
• Con--goats may get their heads suck in the large holes and will have to be cut free.

Livestock Panels

• Pro--you won't have to worry about children touching the fence and getting shocked.
• Cons--takes quite a bit of time to install and will need to be maintained as goats will rub and climb on it.

Electric

• Pro--goats won't rub against the fence.
• Con--the current will have to at least 5000 volts.

Timeless Fence 

• Pro--flexible so it won't break when
• Con--expensive.

No matter what type of fence you have it will need to be maintained. Goats will rub their horns and bodies along the fence. The rubbing will eventually wear down the fence. Bucks may break through the fence to get to the does. Goats enjoy exploring and want to see whats on the other side of the fence providing them with enrichment activities can limit their desire to wonder. Try giving them treats and toys to keep them entertained and happy. Or you could build a goat playground with ramps for climbing and jumping.

How to do you keep your goats safe and happy inside their fenced area? What solutions have worked for you?