Build a Strong and Safe Enclosure For Your Goats.
Safe and secure fencing is a must for goats.
Keeping goats secure and on the proper side of the fence is tricky, but follow our lead and let us show you what we have learned over the years by trial and error, failure and success. Goats are crafty and strong.
An old farmer once told me, "If water can get through it, so can a goat".
It's funny but I think he was right!
Build it strong.
We us all Woven wire, "No Climb" horse fence. The openings are 2" wide x 4" tall. Goats cannot sick their heads through this and get stuck. And more importantly, they cannot destroy this woven wire fence, VS the cheap welded wire fence which they will break and destroy. And Always fasten the fence on the inside of the area the goats will occupy, so when they push against it, it has a lot of support against the wood frame. Goats can push staples out if you mistakenly fasten fencing to the outside of their enclosure.
Build it tall.
For goat enclosures with no livestock guardian dog protection, we use two horizontal rows of 48" tall woven wire fence. This gives us an 8' tall fence, which will keep the goats in and the predators out! Keep predators in mind for your goat's safety. The most common cause of death to pet goats are loose neighborhood dogs, along with Coyotes, Panthers, Bobcats, and even Bears. Don't make the mistake of building a low fence that can be jumped over by the goats and their predators.
Pasture and Large Enclosure Fencing
For large areas, that have livestock guardian dogs living with the goats, we use 60" tall No Climb Horse Fence. This is also the strong woven wire fencing, not welded wire. Same concept here of installing the fence on the inside of the wood frame so when they rub on the fence, it has a strong backing. Also, keep in mind that many goats can jump clear over a 48" fence, but not a 60" fence. Just be sure there is nothing near the fence that they can get up on and jump out.
Predator Proofing
We always bury a couple feet of fence underground around the outside perimeter of their enclosure. A wandering neighborhood dog can dig under a fence and kill your goats in a matter of only a few seconds. Make it impossible for something to dig it's way in.
Woven Wire Fencing
This is the Woven Wire we use. It is called "2"x4" no climb horse fence". Try to avoid welded wire fencing for your goats. Goats easily break the welds. Welded wire fencing is tempting to use because it is inexpensive. If you have the budget for it, Woven Wire fencing will last a lifetime.