Goat fencing v/s barrier fencing

Spotsychick

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I am currently researching what is needed to care for backyard goats. We have decided on 2 Pygmy or dwarf sized wethered goats because we are putting a lot of time and effort into thinning out the forest on the back half of our 1.3 acre yard and want them to keep the small trees/brush under control.

I know there's a lot of talk about goat appropriate fencing and I thought I'd ask a few questions.

We already have 4' hex fencing that we are going to be running along the property lines, using 100' tall pines as fence posts. This is to keep our chickens from running into the neighbors yard when free ranging and to give the kids/dogs a barrier. I know this type of fencing isn't adequate for their primary enclosure, but I was wondering what your thoughts were concerning this type of fencing as a property line barrier for free ranging goats.

They would have a good sized "goat appropriate" enclosure around the shed/barn and would only be turned out for free range when we were out there with them so they could do their "job".

Do you think 1/2 acre of trees and brush plus another 1/2 acre of grass (weeds) would be enough to deter them from trying to breech the hex fencing while outside of their pen?
 

Southern by choice

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Not sure what Hex fence is but I would not use your trees as posts. The trees will grow over the fencing and it isn't good for the trees and not good for your fence either.
 

Spotsychick

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That's what I figured. As far as the trees as posts, it's pretty common to see that done around here. My ex's grandfather had cattle 30+ years ago and the fence is still in place even with the tree growing around it. I will be using actual posts to fill in any long stretches between the trees.

Would you recommend no climb or goat fencing? I'm not exactly sure what the difference is other than price.
 

Southern by choice

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2x4 No climb is woven (NOT WELDED) is tight and a excellent fence but pricey. Goat fencing is usually 4x4 and is less.
Goats with horns will get stuck in 4x4 easier than the 2x4.

Trees are just not good as fence supports. People may do it but it still is not a good idea. Steel T-post are better. You want your fence super tight and in a straight line. Tacking it up does not make for a tight fence.

2x4 is the best fencing you can get.
 

babsbag

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I love my 2x4 fence. And in CA I do use my oak trees as fence posts. I love having them as a corner post in particular so I can stretch the fence tight and not have to dig holes and put in posts set in concrete. Our soil is so rocky that it is hard to get get cemented in posts to stay in if there is any tension on them. Trees don't seem to have that problem. I do use the t-posts in between the trees, But any trees that are on the property line are put to good use.

Southern is right though...it is not good for the trees and I do feel a tad guilty but if they are on the property line I would have to cut them down anyways so I figured this was a win win.
 

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