The Best Fencing Solutions for Keeping Pet Goats Secure
So let's get into what kind of fence will do the trick to keep your goats chill and in check. We're gonna talk about what matters when picking out a fence, like what kind of goats you've got, what your place is like, and how much cash you can spend. Doesn't matter if you're new to this goat game or you're trying to step up your fence game, I've got the deets that'll help you figure out the best move.
Why Proper Fencing is Essential for Pet Goats
Goats look for ways to bolt. They're curious critters, right? Their skills and muscle mean they're pretty good at getting away from their pens. You gotta have fences to keep them safe. You don't want them getting into roads bumping into hungry animals, or getting into risky spots. Plus, a solid fence stops them from messing around in your neighbor's space or wrecking the green stuff next door.
Then there's keeping your goats safe from stuff like coyotes, pooches, and other wild creatures. Your fence has to be both tall and tough. That way, your goat pals stay put, and the scary critters stay away.
Types of Fencing for Pet Goats
A bunch of different fences can keep your pet goats safe and sound. The top pick hangs on what breed your goats are, the layout of your property, and what you need . Here are a few super popular choices for fencing:
1. Woven Wire Fencing
Goats and owners dig Woven wire fencing a lot since it's a solid bet. This type of fence is a mash-up of horizontal and vertical wires that are interlaced tight to make a strong wall.
Pros:
Strength to Last: Woven wire barriers stand strong, a top pick to hold goats.
Keeps Predators Out: They're real good at keeping the nasty critters away.
Keeps Going and Going: With not much fixing woven wire sticks around for ages.
Downsides:
Price Tag: It'll hit your wallet harder than other fence types.
Set Up: Getting it up is a big job - lots of posts lots of weaving.
Best Uses:
If you've got a big piece of land and a bunch of goats woven wire's your best bet. Perfect for when you wanna make sure your furry buddies stay put for the long haul.
2. High-Tensile Wire Fencing
High-tensile wire fencing stands as a budget-friendlier option compared to woven wire. You'll find it's made up of mighty steel wires that are super tight from one post to the next, whether those posts are wooden or metal.
Pros:
Money-Saving: High-tensile wire won't hit your wallet as hard as woven wire does.
Toughness: This stuff is super resistant to being stretched, so goats have a tough time busting through.
Ease of Upkeep: Pop this fencing up, and you're golden. It doesn't ask for much fuss after that.
Cons:
Safety Check: If the gaps in the wires are too big, goats might stick their heads in them so you gotta make sure the wires are the right distance apart.
Getting Bent Out of Shape: The wires could get all bent or busted if the goats lean on them too much.
Top Pick:
If you're a goat person with a whole bunch of them and lots of room high-tensile wire fencing is the way to go. It's the best pick for places out in the sticks where you're more about that tough and practical life than making things look pretty.
3. Wooden Post and Rail Fencing
Wooden post and rail fencing old-school as it may be, stays in the game with horizontal wooden pieces nailed to upright stakes. It's not just for the big guys like cows and horses; this fence can hold back your goats too.
Good Stuff:
Looks Good: This fencing type is nice to look at and makes your place prettier.
They Can Peek Through: The goat gang can peek through wooden rails. It seems to chill them out.
Make It Your Own: You get to pick the size and shape to fit your space.
Not So Great:
Sneaky Goats Be Sneaking: If your goats are like Houdini, they might hop over or wriggle past wooden rail fences.
Cash and Upkeep: Comparing cash, wood fences ask for more than wire, and they gotta stay fresh to dodge rot and wear.
The Best Fit For:
Post-and-rail wooden fence for small plots or when you're all about aesthetics. Chill goats that don't jump around much would probably be fine with this, but it's not going to keep the bigger powerhouses as prisoners.
4. Electric Fencing
Electric fencing essentially means a few wires zinged with electricity to keep goats from trying any escapes. They get a sting that is not super bad, but it is enough to convince them not to go visit the other side of the fence.
Pros:
Saves Cash: Putting up an electric fence costs less than a whole solid barrier.
Keeps Goats Away: That zap from the fence is pretty good at keeping goats from messing with it.
Downsides:
Upkeep Needed: You gotta keep checking the electric fence making sure it's got power and isn't busted.
Might Not Stop All Goats: Even though it works well, some super stubborn or big goats might just bust on through.
Works Best For:
If you've got a few goats or a tiny flock electric fences are pretty solid for a setup you can move around or something that won't stay long. You should totally pair it up with other fencing methods if you want extra tight security.
5. Chain-Link Fencing
You've seen chain-link fencing – that steel wire net hooked onto metal stakes. It's super common for keeping all sorts of critters, goats too.
Pros:
Tough Stuff: So, chain-link fences? They're built to last and tough enough to keep those goats where they should be.
Peek-A-Boo: This fence lets goats peep through, which is pretty chill for them and cuts down on the whole stress thing.
Keep Out: For keeping predators at bay, this type of fence is legit.
Cons:
Height Restrictions: Low chain-link fences can't always keep goats in; they might climb or leap over them.
Corrosion: Chain-link fences may corrode without proper upkeep more so in humid climates.
Best Suited For:
The choice of chain-link fencing is advantageous in urban or suburban areas where security or viw-ability are paramount. It does well for a small or medium bunch of goats; should do.
6. Goat Panel Fencing
Goat panel fencing, it's just for goats, which have wire welded or wire-mesh. The spacing is wider at the bottom, narrowing as the height increases.
Pros:
Goat-Specific Design: The design of these panels helps keep goats from busting out or getting tangled up.
Toughness: These fences for goats are sturdy and can take a beating from lively goats.
Protection: The wire's too thick and tough for goats to gnaw on.
Downsides:
Size: Some panels might not be high enough for big or spry goats.
Set up: Putting them up can be a pain and might need certain posts and gear.
Ideal For:
If you've got a small or medium herd of goats, goat panel fencing is your best bet. This kind of barrier is tailor-made for goats, perfect for when they require their own safe spot.
Selecting the Right Goat Fencing
When it's time to pick out the perfect fence, keep these points in mind:
Bigger goats or the ones that can jump well might need fences that are higher and stronger. The little ones might be fine with something less tough.
If your goats love exploring or are good at leaping, you'll want to go for fences that are a bit higher or tougher.
Got coyotes or stray pups roaming around your area? You should get a fence that's good at keeping them out maybe like mesh wire or something super strong.
The cost of fencing depends on different materials and sizes. Make an estimate for an initial investment and possible future maintenance costs. An irregular site could possibly demand some custom solutions, which will pave the way toward proper and safe fencing installation.