Building Fencing for Dairy Goats
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Goats are one of the oldest domesticated animals, and they continue to be a popular choice for pet owners and farmers alike. Unfortunately, despite their status as friendly animals, goats love to explore and can escape from traditional fencing options. This article will provide an overview of various goat fencing options that can help keep your herd safe and contained at all times.
Fencing serves as the first line of defense, protecting your goats from potential predators and preventing them from wandering into unwanted areas. But beyond security, well-designed fencing also contributes to the overall management of your dairy goat herd, allowing for efficient rotational grazing and separation of animals when needed.
What is Goat Fencing?
Goat fencing refers to the process of constructing physical barriers around an area in order to keep goats contained within it. It’s important to select the right type of goat fence for the size and behavior of your particular goat herd in order to prevent escape attempts or other issues that may arise from poor fencing.
This type of fence should be made from materials that are strong enough to prevent goats from jumping over, and thin enough so they can’t push through it. Most goat fences are made of metal or wood, but there are also options for plastic fencing too.
The installed goat perimeter fencing should stand at approximately 47 inches in height. It should consist of high tensile woven wire, with an additional strand of hot high tensile wire positioned about 6 inches above the woven wire. This setup serves the dual purpose of preventing predators from jumping or climbing over the fence and ensuring the goats remain safely contained within the enclosure.
Types of Fencing for Goats
Goats are known to be expert escape artists, so proper fencing is essential for keeping goats in their enclosures.
When it comes to building fences for goats, there are a variety of options available. The most common types include electric fencing, woven wire fencing, welded wire fencing, cattle panels, chain link fence, horned goat enclosure systems and high tensile wire fencing. Let’s take a closer look at each one:
Electric Fencing
Electric fencing is the most popular way to contain goats as it is an affordable option that can be used both inside and outside. It consists of metal posts with insulators which are connected by electric wires running around the perimeter of your property. To make sure it is escape proof, you should opt for a system with multiple strands of wire and make sure the electric fence is tall enough to prevent jumping.
Woven Wire Fencing
Woven wire fencing is typically made from galvanized steel which makes it very strong and durable. It is usually attached to wooden posts, however, some types come with hog rings that can attach directly to metal T-posts. This type of fencing is perfect for keeping goats contained as it is difficult for them to escape, but still allows them access to food and water sources.
Welded Wire Fencing
Welded wire fencing consists of rigid mesh panels that are welded together at each joint. This type of fence has a high resistance to corrosion and provides an effective barrier against predators or other animals that may attempt to enter the area. It is perfect for keeping large herds of goats safely enclosed, as it can withstand the pressure of their horns and tusks when they are trying to escape.
Cattle Panels
Cattle panels are an excellent fencing option for goats, offering a sturdy and reliable barrier that not only keeps predators at bay but also allows goats easy access to food and water sources. These panels are available in various sizes, providing flexibility to suit the specific needs of your goat herd.
Some cattle panels can reach heights of up to 8 feet, providing an added advantage in deterring any attempts of escape. To ensure the utmost safety for your goats, it is essential to install the cattle panels securely, using strong posts and proper fastenings. By taking these measures, you can rest assured that your goats will be well-protected and provided with a conducive environment to thrive in your dairy goat operation.
Chain Link Fence
Chain link fences are indeed a popular choice among goat owners for their cost-effectiveness and straightforward installation. However, when opting for a chain link fence, it is crucial to ensure that its height is sufficient to prevent goats from jumping over, as goats are remarkably agile creatures.
Additionally, diligently inspect the fence for any weak spots, gaps, or openings that goats might exploit to escape. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs are essential to keep the chain link fence in optimal condition, thereby guaranteeing the safety and security of your dairy goats within their designated area. With proper attention to these details, a well-constructed chain link fence can serve as a practical and reliable solution for goat containment on your homestead.
Horned Goat Enclosure Systems
Horned goat enclosure systems are perfect for keeping horned goats safe and secure. They consist of metal posts with insulators which are connected by electric wires running around the perimeter of your property. This type of fencing system is especially effective at preventing goats from escaping, as they cannot jump over or crawl under it due to its height and strength.
High Tensile Wire Fencing
High tensile wire fencing is a highly robust and long-lasting choice for effectively containing your goat herd. This type of fencing consists of woven wire mesh panels that are securely held together with two strands of high-tensile steel wire. The combination of these materials creates a formidable barrier that can withstand the strength and curiosity of goats.
High tensile wire fencing is especially well-suited for larger farms or properties, as it can be installed over extensive distances without the need for frequent support posts rooted into the ground. This makes it a practical and efficient option for enclosing vast grazing areas while still ensuring the safety and security of your valuable dairy goat herd.
Goat Fencing Tips
When it comes to building fences for goats, there are a few tips that you should keep in mind:
• Make sure your fencing is tall enough to prevent jumping or climbing. Goats are remarkably agile and can easily escape from low-lying fences!
• Use strong materials such as metal posts and high tensile steel wires so that your goats cannot break through or chew their way out.
• If using electric fencing, make sure the voltage is high enough to deter your goats from escaping but not too high that it will cause them harm.
• Install escape-proof gates or latches on your fence so that you can easily access the goat enclosure without allowing them to escape.
• Use a combination of different fencing materials and styles in order to create an effective barrier against predators or other animals that may attempt to enter the area.
Conclusion
Goats are amazing animals, but they do need to be contained in order to stay safe and healthy. Building fences for goats is not an easy task, but with the right type of fencing it can be done effectively.
As goat keepers, our priority is to provide the best possible care for these amazing animals. A well-designed and properly installed fence not only keeps goats contained but also promotes their well-being and allows them to thrive in a comfortable and nurturing space.
With the knowledge and insights gained from this guide, we hope you feel empowered to undertake your goat-fencing project with confidence. Whether you are starting from scratch or improving existing enclosures, investing in well-constructed goat fencing will undoubtedly pay off in terms of safety, security, and peace of mind.
This article has outlined some of the most popular types of goat fencing available along with tips for making sure it is escape proof. With the help of this guide, you are sure to have a successful goat-fencing project!
