What is the deal?

[NancyP]

So what is the truth? Everyone I talk to goes on about how hard it is to keep goats from escaping their pen. Then I come across those of a totally opposite opinion. Who is right? Do I really need 10 foot high electrified fences?

 

[elevan]

The only time you need 10' high electrified fences are to protect from large cat predators.

How hard they are to keep in really depends on the individual goat. Some are difficult but for the most part a 5' high fence is sufficient.

 

[MrsDieselEngineer]

We use cattle panels and have only ever had one or two goats that could get out of it. I think the cattle panels are 48" tall.

 

[BetterHensandGardens]

We have 48" high woven wire fencing (we also have Nigerians so they're not that tall) and have never had anyone get out yet. They certainly try to get out, but no luck yet
I think it's important to make sure the fences are secure (no sagging or gaps they can crawl under) and that the latches are very goat proof - I'd suggest a double mechanism latch - something that it takes two hands to open rather than one set of goat lips!

 

[NancyP]

So is it that the goats are really trying to get out or that they just know an easy mark when they see it?

 

[elevan]

So is it that the goats are really trying to get out or that they just know an easy mark when they see it?

A little of both maybe

If your goats have enough space and stuff (browse and toys) to keep them happy then they won't try to get out.

 

[BetterHensandGardens]

So is it that the goats are really trying to get out or that they just know an easy mark when they see it?

A little of both maybe

If your goats have enough space and stuff (browse and toys) to keep them happy then they won't try to get out.

I agree, with enough space and browse they don't really try to get out - it's just when they see us on the outside, or we're leaving their pasture - then they try hard to get to our side of the pasture!

 

[ThreeBoysChicks]

I have 4 ft Horse fence (2 X 4 inch wholes). It is strechted tight, so it does not have any give to it. I also have a board that runs around the top. I have four goats and knock on wood, they have never escaped, except when I left the barn door open.

They have a 1 acre field, a barn, a rock and a few large tree truncks to jump and climb on.

 

[NancyP]

Well, you all are making me feel better . I was starting to worry about getting goats. I think it will be quite a journey and I am so looking forward to the milk.

 

[Renegade]

I have 4 1/2' fence and have two that have jumped out. One saw a cow and was terrified. She jumped out and came running to me. There was no keeping her in until the cow was retrieved by it's owner. The other has jumped out twice when I took her best friend away from her. On a normal day they both stay in the pasture you put them in.

Donna