Opinions wanted!

[Tea Chick]

Hi!

I have seen goats out in ppl's yards on tethers.
What is your opinion of tethering a goat to a stake, then moving the stake around?
(I'm not talking about anything obviously inhumane, these goats have access to food and water and when I drive by again later, they're in a different place, so obviously someone is keeping an eye on them).
Well? Opinions?

Thanks!

 

[Southern by choice]

I would never do this. Too easy for them to get themselves tangled etc... but many places all over the world you see this so
We use hotwire tape to fence off areas that we want them in from time to time and is pretty easily moved. Much safer IMO.
It also limits them. Ours will meander into the sunshine then back to the wooks in the loafing shed up on the spools... I think mine would scream like crazy if I tried to tied them.

 

[SheepGirl]

Only thing you have to worry about is predators. Something comes by and thinks what a tasty looking little goat and it's easy lunch because the goat can't go very far away because they are tied to the ground. Another thing to think about is a source of water and shade/shelter.

Also with my sheep (I'm sure goats are different) they are constantly moving around the field grazing. They don't stay in a 10 ft radius and graze for a couple hours, they are always on the move and then they go back to their shelter around 10 am, stay there an hour or two while chewing their cud, maybe taking a nap, and then they go right back to grazing for another couple of hours, take another break, and go at it again. Goats are probably different, but it's just something to think about.

however, it seems like you are trying to avoid fencing in your property? Is there anyway you could fence in maybe a small area, maybe 16 X 16 or even 16 X 32 for your goats and just keepthem confined? And then you can take them out when you have time? If they are confined though you will need to provide all feed (hay) for them. An ongoing subtle expense however that may be better than the large initial expense of a fence for your entire property.

 

[alsea1]

I do both. Depends on what the situation is. The goats must be properly introduced to it and the tether must not be too long or the will indeed get into trouble.
One disadvantage is that the goat is fair game for loose dogs. Another is that you have to make sure that there is shade available.

 

[Southern by choice]

Sheep girl you are right on... goats move all over all the time.
Alsea how do you do it?
My girls would strangle themselves somehow or tie up their legs, get it wrapped around themselves.... silly goats!

 

[Sweetened]

We did electric fencing once, but plan to try it again. My Oberhasli managed to get herself wrapped up in it while being shocked, ended up on the other side of the fence, thus learning if she just dealt with the shock for the 25 seconds it took, she'd be on the other side. *sigh*

I would totally tether a goat if I had a tie stake that could circle around freely with their movements, however I would still want a fence around them, otherwise it's like a combo menu for the Coyotes.

 

[alsea1]

The way I introduced them to being tied out was I used a five foot or so tether. For the first timers or young ones I used a rubber strap to attach to the steak. That way there was some give and not a sudden stop. You want a strong stiff strap though.
I got a tie out steak with a swivel on it for very large dogs. Saved me tons of time unwrapping the rope. I used rope rather than chain. You also must use a thick rope. You don't want a small dia. because they will tangle up a bit at first.
If your goat is particularly prone to flight I would suggest a harness rather than collar. That way the neck is not damaged and all that hurt is the pride.
Lastly, you must not tie around anything they can tangle up around. Because they will. They can tie knots I tell ya without thumbs.
LOL, As for hot fence. I use one that is geared for cattle. They do not hit it more than a time or two.
The horse zappers amuse them I find.

 

[Southern by choice]

Good info Alsea!

 

[taylorm17]

We don't do this but many people do. It is too easy for them to get tangled and even if they don't get tangled it frustrates some goats!

 

[woodsie]

I tried it a couple times with limited success. Wht worked best was tieing onto a fence as there was fencing on one side, this way they couldn't wrap themselves around things so easily. Shorter is better, with a 50 foot rope they just get all tangled up, 10-15 seemed to work. My herd queen at the time however was just so ticked that she just layed down and pouted…she refused to eat, her sister was okay and probably would have adjusted. I am hoping to tie a goat to some maples we cut down as they send out an abundance of suckers I want them to kill.