NoviceHomesteader
Exploring the pasture
Hi all!
I know this is a FAQ but we need some fencing advice. We just purchased 18 acres that has about 2.5 acres already cleared (not counting the land the house is on). We have a mutual friend that is going through a divorce and getting rid of his 2 miniature horses and 4 goats (unknown breeds...I know I know). The cleared land is not yet fenced but we are looking into fencing it ourselves. So far, all we know is that we want to have 3-split rail fencing along the front side of the pasture (near the road so that it's more aesthetically pleasing, potentially all the way around depending on options for fencing the remaining 3 sides). We are wanting to also purchase the Red Brand Goat Fence from TSC to attach to the back of the 3-split rail fence. My questions are:
1. Is there a required height of fence necessary for goats?
2. Is it smart to fence all 4 sides with the 3-split rail fencing or is there a sturdy way to keep goats in without using wood?
3. What is the recommended space between each fence post? (8ft? 10ft?)
4. Can 4 goats and 2 miniature horses thrive on 2.5 acres of land? (potentially adding more later on)
5. As far as purchasing the goat wire, how should we attach it to the wood fence? Staple gun? Buy fence staples?
We aren't concerned about cost because we know that cheaper is most definitely not better. We do want to be efficient though and hopefully have to build the fence once and only have to repair it when necessary, not because of poor materials and improper installation.
I know this is a FAQ but we need some fencing advice. We just purchased 18 acres that has about 2.5 acres already cleared (not counting the land the house is on). We have a mutual friend that is going through a divorce and getting rid of his 2 miniature horses and 4 goats (unknown breeds...I know I know). The cleared land is not yet fenced but we are looking into fencing it ourselves. So far, all we know is that we want to have 3-split rail fencing along the front side of the pasture (near the road so that it's more aesthetically pleasing, potentially all the way around depending on options for fencing the remaining 3 sides). We are wanting to also purchase the Red Brand Goat Fence from TSC to attach to the back of the 3-split rail fence. My questions are:
1. Is there a required height of fence necessary for goats?
2. Is it smart to fence all 4 sides with the 3-split rail fencing or is there a sturdy way to keep goats in without using wood?
3. What is the recommended space between each fence post? (8ft? 10ft?)
4. Can 4 goats and 2 miniature horses thrive on 2.5 acres of land? (potentially adding more later on)
5. As far as purchasing the goat wire, how should we attach it to the wood fence? Staple gun? Buy fence staples?
We aren't concerned about cost because we know that cheaper is most definitely not better. We do want to be efficient though and hopefully have to build the fence once and only have to repair it when necessary, not because of poor materials and improper installation.