Goat Pasture Fencing: Ensuring Safety and Security for Your Herd

Raising goats can be a rewarding experience, offering fresh milk, meat, and even companionship. However, successful goat farming hinges on secure and effective goat pasture fencing. Goats are notorious escape artists, capable of testing the limits of any enclosure. Choosing the right goat pasture fencing is crucial not only for containing your herd but also for protecting them from predators and ensuring their overall well-being. This article delves into the various options available, providing a comprehensive guide to selecting the best goat pasture fencing solution for your specific needs.

Understanding Goat Behavior and Fencing Needs

Before diving into fencing types, it’s essential to understand goat behavior. Goats are curious, intelligent, and persistent animals. They will test fences, looking for weak spots or gaps to exploit. They are also browsers, meaning they prefer to eat leaves, twigs, and shrubs rather than grazing on grass like sheep or cattle. This browsing behavior can put extra strain on fencing as they rub against it and reach through it to access vegetation.

Key considerations when planning your goat pasture fencing include:

• Height: Goats can jump and climb, so adequate height is essential.
• Strength: The fence must be strong enough to withstand goats rubbing against it and pushing on it.
• Spacing: Small goats and kids can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps.
• Predator Protection: The fence should also deter predators such as coyotes, dogs, and bobcats.

Types of Goat Pasture Fencing

Woven Wire Fencing

Woven wire fencing, also known as field fence, is a popular choice for goat pasture fencing due to its strength and durability. It consists of horizontal and vertical wires woven together to create a mesh. The spacing between the wires gradually decreases towards the bottom of the fence, preventing goats and kids from crawling underneath. Woven wire is effective at containing goats and deterring predators. It is a more expensive initial investment than some other options, but its longevity often makes it a cost-effective choice in the long run.

When installing woven wire for goat pasture fencing, use sturdy posts spaced close together (8-10 feet apart) to provide maximum support. Consider adding a strand of barbed wire at the top to deter goats from jumping over the fence. A well-maintained woven wire fence can last for many years.

Electric Fencing

Electric fencing is another effective option for goat pasture fencing. It works by delivering a mild electric shock to the goat when it touches the fence. This shock is not harmful but is unpleasant enough to deter the goat from approaching the fence again. Electric fencing is relatively inexpensive to install and maintain, and it can be used to create temporary or permanent enclosures.

There are several types of electric fencing suitable for goats, including:

• Multi-strand electric fence: This type of fence consists of multiple strands of wire or tape strung between posts. The number of strands and the spacing between them will depend on the size and age of the goats.
• Electric netting: Electric netting is a pre-fabricated fence made of plastic mesh with embedded electric wires. It is easy to install and move, making it a good option for rotational grazing.

When using electric fencing for goat pasture fencing, it is important to choose a powerful energizer that can deliver a strong enough shock to deter goats. Also, regularly check the fence to ensure that it is properly grounded and that there are no shorts. Goats need to be trained to respect the electric fence. This can be accomplished by introducing them to the fence in a small, controlled area.

High-Tensile Wire Fencing

High-tensile wire fencing is a strong and durable option for goat pasture fencing. It consists of smooth, high-tensile steel wires stretched tightly between posts. The wires are held in place by insulators, which prevent them from grounding out. High-tensile wire fencing is resistant to stretching and sagging, making it a long-lasting solution.

High-tensile fences can be electrified or non-electrified. Electrified high-tensile fences are particularly effective at deterring goats and predators. However, they require a powerful energizer and careful installation to ensure proper grounding and insulation.

Barbed Wire Fencing

While barbed wire is commonly used for cattle fencing, it is generally not recommended for goat pasture fencing. Goats’ coats don’t provide as much protection as cattle hides, and they can easily become entangled in the barbs, leading to injuries. Furthermore, barbed wire is not as effective at deterring goats as other types of fencing.

Panel Fencing

Panel fencing, often made of cattle panels or hog panels, can be used for goat pasture fencing, especially for smaller enclosures or holding pens. These panels are typically constructed of welded wire and are very sturdy. They are easy to install and can be moved as needed. However, panel fencing can be more expensive than other options, especially for large pastures. The spacing of the wires in the panels is also important to consider to prevent goats from getting their heads stuck.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Goat Pasture Fencing

Selecting the right goat pasture fencing depends on several factors, including:

• Budget: The cost of fencing materials and installation can vary widely.
• Size of the pasture: Larger pastures will require more fencing.
• Number of goats: A larger herd will require a stronger and more secure fence.
• Predator pressure: If predators are a concern, choose a fence that is effective at deterring them.
• Terrain: Uneven terrain may require special fencing considerations.

Installation Tips for Goat Pasture Fencing

Proper installation is crucial for the effectiveness of any goat pasture fencing. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Use sturdy posts: Choose strong, durable posts made of wood, metal, or composite materials.
• Space posts appropriately: The spacing between posts will depend on the type of fencing used. Closer spacing provides more support.
• Brace corners and ends: Corners and ends are the most vulnerable points in a fence. Use bracing to provide extra support.
• Tension the fence properly: Proper tension is essential for a strong and effective fence. Use a fence stretcher to tension woven wire and high-tensile wire.
• Ground electric fences properly: Proper grounding is essential for the effectiveness of electric fences. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for grounding.
• Regularly inspect and maintain the fence: Check the fence regularly for damage and make repairs as needed. Keep vegetation cleared from the fence line to prevent shorts in electric fences.

Maintaining Your Goat Pasture Fencing

Even the best goat pasture fencing requires regular maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness. This includes:

• Inspecting the fence regularly for damage: Look for broken wires, loose posts, and gaps in the fence.
• Repairing any damage promptly: Repair any damage as soon as possible to prevent goats from escaping.
• Keeping vegetation cleared from the fence line: Overgrown vegetation can weaken the fence and provide cover for predators.
• Maintaining the electric fence energizer: Check the energizer regularly to ensure that it is working properly.

The Importance of Rotational Grazing and Fencing

Implementing rotational grazing can significantly improve pasture health and reduce the strain on your goat pasture fencing. By dividing your pasture into smaller paddocks and rotating your goats between them, you can allow the vegetation to recover and prevent overgrazing. This also reduces the risk of parasite infestations and improves the overall health of your goats.

Electric fencing is particularly well-suited for rotational grazing because it is easy to move and reconfigure. You can use temporary electric netting or multi-strand electric fences to create paddocks of various sizes and shapes.

Predator Control and Goat Pasture Fencing

Protecting your goats from predators is a critical aspect of goat pasture fencing. Coyotes, dogs, and bobcats are common predators of goats, and they can cause significant losses if not properly controlled.

Here are some tips for using fencing to deter predators:

• Choose a fence that is difficult for predators to climb or dig under: Woven wire fencing with small mesh sizes is a good option.
• Add an electric wire to the bottom of the fence: This will deter predators from digging under the fence.
• Use a livestock guardian animal: Livestock guardian dogs, llamas, and donkeys can be effective at deterring predators.
• [See also: Livestock Guardian Dogs: Protecting Your Goat Herd]

Cost-Effective Goat Pasture Fencing Solutions

While strong and reliable goat pasture fencing is essential, it’s also important to consider cost-effectiveness. Here are some strategies for saving money on fencing:

• Consider using a combination of fencing types: For example, you could use woven wire fencing around the perimeter of the pasture and electric fencing for interior divisions.
• Buy fencing materials in bulk: Buying in bulk can often save you money.
• Install the fence yourself: If you are handy, you can save money by installing the fence yourself.
• [See also: DIY Fencing: A Guide to Building Your Own Goat Pasture Fence]

Conclusion

Choosing the right goat pasture fencing is a crucial decision for any goat farmer. By understanding goat behavior, considering the factors discussed in this article, and carefully planning your fencing system, you can ensure the safety and security of your herd while also protecting them from predators. Investing in quality fencing is an investment in the long-term success of your goat farming operation. Remember to prioritize durability, appropriate height and spacing, and predator deterrence when making your selection. With the right goat pasture fencing in place, you can enjoy the many benefits of raising goats with peace of mind.