Goat fencing

I am finally ready to start fencing my paddocks for goats. I have about half an acre that will be where the the shelter is and open to them at all times. I want a run out of it that will lead to about 6 acres of open wooded hillside. I haven't completely decided if I will do 4 or 6 paddocks out of that. I dont see myself ever having more than 6 or 8 at a time. My question is what is the best fencing? I initially thought field fencing with 4 strands of electric. I will run the electric and field fence around the whole perimeter and plan on using just the field fence to section off the paddocks. How many paddocks should I use? And is there a better option than field fence? Is welded wire better since I can get taller fence?

Stephen Cummings wrote: Is welded wire better since I can get taller fence?

Field fence is the best option, especially for only 1/2 an acre. No need for the electric fencing. Just put the field feb=nce up properly, and forget it...like for 30 years. That is why in the long run, it is so cheap (its longevity).

As for the welded wire, you just cannot use it. When the goats go to put their hooves up on the welded wire, eventually it breaks and they will be getting oit, that is why field fence is knotted. Welded wire is okay for dogs and non-hooved animals only.

Edited to say: I know about the welded wire because I tried it with sheep.

Thanks for the response. I figured that was the case but wanted to double check. One more question tho. Should I run the electric inside the fence to keep goats from pushing out, or outside to keep predators from pushing in? I have coyotes, fox, bear,  and rumor has it mountain lion in my area. I also have some concern about deer (mostly the parasites they will leave). I plan on a 6 inch, 14 inch, 32 inch, and then one on top maybe 55 inch or so electric line. Should I add a 5th row?

Stephen Cummings wrote:Thanks for the response. I figured that was the case but wanted to double check. One more question tho. Should I run the electric inside the fence to keep goats from pushing out, or outside to keep predators from pushing in? I have coyotes, fox, bear,  and rumor has it mountain lion in my area. I also have some concern about deer (mostly the parasites they will leave). I plan on a 6 inch, 14 inch, 32 inch, and then one on top maybe 55 inch or so electric line. Should I add a 5th row?

I would not bother with electric fencing at all. I live in about the same predator area as you, and in 8 years I never had a predator kill on any of my sheep or lambs. 48 inch Field Fence stops a lot of that nonsense. In the 8th year I got a deal on LGD and so she is just added insurance. If you are super worried, you will spend as much on a LGD (or less) as you would in installing electric fencing. The dog will be far more effective.

Electric is just a pain, between trying to maintain the grass, maintaining the shock, keeping fence chargers charging...the brilliance of woven wire is you take 3 days to put it up...then do nothing for 30 years. That is why it is so cheap in the long run. I have it and my sheep NEVER get out.

Horned goats can get their heads stuck in standard (cattle) field fence.  Electric will keep them off of it.  Electric is nice for cheap portable division fencing.  It also works well to keep the animals off of trees if you ever plan on a silvopasture setup.  

I went with 6 strand high tensile.  It took some work to get the goats to respect it. If I had it to do over, I would have used the "sheep & goat" fence with 3"x3" holes.  Then run a single hot wire on the inside, 18" high or so.    You might have to adjust or add hot wire, but it'll also hold pigs, geese, or others if you ever decide to go that route.

The best way to manage the deer is to eat them!