Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
• Fences around the perimeters of your pastures are the longest fences and are usually per-
manent; they should be constructed of quality materials that do not require much main-
tenance.
• The interior fences used to divide pastures up into sections for rotation, or to separate
goats, can be either permanent or temporary and movable. These do not need to be as
durable and strong because even if the goats escape, the perimeter fences will still keep
them in the enclosure.
• The fences that enclose your barn lot or goat yard must be able to withstand a lot of wear
and tear and abuse from the goats.
GOATS LIKE TO PUT THEIR FEET UP
Whatever facility you are constructing for goats, remember that they like to stand on their
back legs and rest their front feet on any available object or projection. This means your wire
fences eventually will begin to sag, dirt will get into watering pans, and hay will be dragged
down from feeders. Horizontal elements of wooden fences and gates should be on the out-
side of the goat enclosure, not inside where the goats can climb on them.
A small, fenced-in exercise yard adjacent to your goat enclosure is ideal, even if you have a
large pasture for your goats. This should be in a sunny, dry spot, preferably on the southern
side where it will get the most exposure to sunlight. A slight slope will help to keep it drained
and dry. If the yard tends to be muddy or damp, at least part of it should be paved with con-
crete or pavers for easy cleaning. Walking on this hard surface will help to keep hooves
trimmed. The fencing around this enclosure must be particularly goat-resistant because it will
take more of a beating — confined goats will entertain themselves by attempting to destroy
the fence.
Several types of fencing are appropriate for goats, including wire fencing, wooden, and elec-
tric fences. Your selection should be based on your budget and how you intend to manage
your goats.
Woven wire fencing
Wire fencing is widely used by goat keepers. It consists of smooth, vertical wires held in place
by horizontal wires called stays. The vertical wires are spaced 6 to 12 inches apart. The hori-
zontal wires are generally closer together at the bottom and wider apart at the top. Wire fen-
