Goat Fencing Tips

For goat owners, part of the responsibility is ensuring they cannot escape. There are a number of special considerations when it comes to goat fencing. Even though goats are notoriously difficult to fence, there are several tips that can make containing them easier.

  1. Use Goat-Proof Fencing Material

    • Containing goats properly requires that you use appropriate fencing material, since many fences capable of containing larger livestock don't work effectively with goats. Woven-wire fencing material works well as a perimeter fence for goats, but you'll need to stick with wire that has openings no larger than about 4 inches by 4 inches, which helps prevent horned goats from getting their heads stuck in the fencing. If you opt for electrical fence, plan on installing a fence with at least four wires to prevent your goats from slipping out between the charged wires; Gail Damerow, author of "Your Goats," recommends a six-wire electric fence that measures minimally 40 inches tall for maximum containment. Stiff steel stock panels measuring in at 54 inches tall contain adult goats well, but don't expect them to keep young goat kids from escaping.

    Install a Goat-Proof Gate

    • Traditional welded tube gates work well for larger livestock, but it may not be effective against agile goats, which typically slip right between the bars. Opt for a sturdy wooden gate or consider custom-making one from a piece of stock panel fencing. Bucks, which are typically more aggressive than does and wethers, may require a board gate constructed of thick lumber, like 2-by-4-inch boards, which is more likely to withstand their escape attempts, especially during breeding season. When selecting a latch for your goat gate, look for one that needs two different movements to be opened, suggests Damerow. Don't forget to install the latch on the side of the gate that is not accessible to your goats.

    Train Goats to Respect the Fence

    • Goats contained with an electric fence need to be trained to the fence; without this training, the goats will typically run through the fence when they get shocked. Train your goats to an electric fence by wrapping 2-inch-by-6-inch pieces of aluminum foil around the electric fence wires when the charger is turned off. Position the foil pieces on every wire at 5- to 10-foot intervals and remain in the pen after you turn on the energizer and let your goats loose in the pen. When the goats sniff the pieces of foil and receive a shock, they'll jump back away from the fence--toward you--instead of through the wire.