Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
cing is available in galvanized, high-tensile (able to resist stretching), and polymer-coated,
high-tensile varieties. The numbers on the packaging tell you the size and spacing of the
fence; for example, 8/32/9 fencing is 32 inches tall, has eight horizontal wires, and vertical
wires every 9 inches. Wire fencing and other fencing components can be found at stores such
as Tractor Supply Company (
www.tractorsupply.com
), feed stores, and home supply stores.
Typically, wire fencing 4 to 5 feet high is used and is attached to 7-foot posts spaced 12 feet
apart. A strand of electric wire 12 inches from the ground and another strand at about the
shoulder-level of an adult goat should discourage the goats from leaning on the fence or rub-
bing against it. Many goat keepers use wire fence 32 inches high and augment the height with
several strands of electrified or barbed wire above it.
The disadvantages of wire fencing are its cost and the time and expertise needed to install it
properly. Once installed, a woven wire fence is more or less permanent. It is durable but needs
to be checked regularly and repaired if it starts to bend or sag. Horned goats enjoy tugging at
the wire with their horns and sometimes get their heads stuck in the wire squares. Using wire
with 12-inch spacing between the vertical wires can mitigate this problem.
Strong wooden fence posts must be used for corners and gates, but in between them, you can
use T-posts, which are metal posts, often made from recycled railroad tracks, that are pounded
into the ground with a handheld post pounder.
