Goats are notoriously difficult to enclose by fencing, and it is partly for this reason that they were traditionally tethered. Note the following:
- Goats are adept at climbing, and struts for straining posts can provide a foothold. Either place all struts on the non-field side, or if both sides are to be grazed, attach an extra piece of stock netting between the straining post and the first stake, to make the strut inaccessible.
- Never use barbed wire, as goats may injure themselves if they try to jump it.
- Goats can be enclosed by electric fencing, provided they are taught to respect it.
Stock netting
The total height of a goat fence needs to be between 1.2m (4′) and 1.5m (5′), depending on the breed of goat. Tornado manufacture a range of high tensile netting within these heights, designed for horses, ostriches and badgers, any of which may be suitable. Additional line wires can be added as necessary.
Electric netting
Several manufacturers supply electric netting specifically designed to enclose goats. Hotline goat netting is 1.07m (42″) high, with nine live horizontal wires, and vertical wires spaced 16cm (6″) apart. Always ensure that the netting is live when in use. A power source sited at the centre of the run of netting will give the best results.
