Fencing Questions

[cowgirlracer]

We need to refence our goat pen and I thought it would be nice to get some input from all of you. I would like to know what you use, why you chose the fence you have and if there is anything that you would absolutely avoid. We currently have an assortment of hog panels (13 wire) and cattle panels (10 wire). Any advice you could give would be appreciated.

Thank you in Advance,
Cowgirlracer

[bill not in oh]

5 strand high tensil eight inches apart
electrified with a low impedence (weed burner) 50 - 100 mile charger
wires 1, 3, 5 are hot - 2 and 4 are grounds to the charger
if you have especially persistent goats or older animals not trained to electric, you may want to go to seven strand using the same pattern of hot/ground for 6 & 7, and it may take a while for them to become trained and 'afraid' of the wire. Use 12½ guage wire (14 at a mimimun) from the start - you can't put enough tension on 17 guage wire. This will save you considerable time in the long run. Use the biggest posts at the corners that you can, and use springs and ratchet tensioners on each line with t-posts or step in posts in between to maintain the fence to the contour of the land.

[ladycat]

I saw the topic title and had to take a second look. Then I noticed it was in the goat forum. For a minute there I thought it was about fencing

[cowgirlracer]

Ladycat- not very exciting am I? Your thoughts are far more interesting

[Cyngbaeld]

What kind of gate would you use with that fence?

[Wingdo]

Mr. "Bill on Ohio" hit the nail right between the eyes!

When I fence the new farm, electric is exactly what I'll be using! I'm way too old and broke down to do any of the "chasing" that used to go on in my younger days, and a well built, heavy gage, adjustable, electric fence IS the way to go!

It will turn a cow, pig, horse and even the occasional pink elephant (when you decide that running after your livestock just ain't no fun anymore and decide to drown your problems in a nice Mason jar full of grandpa's finest)!

...and, with a little "creative" thought, electri will/can follow the contours of even the roughest ground. It's also a pile cheaper, and much easier to string than the field fence (hog fence, woven wire, depending on where you're from), which is what I used on this farm.

I start "training" the kids when they are a few days old to respect electric fence, which works very well, even for some of the more headstrong young bucklings! Also, if you have a good charger, that first jolt teaches them to not test it with those fine little nose whiskers, because once they hit it that second time mine are very creative about NEVER, ever touching it again!

The only drawback to electric is my chickens, which don't really give a flying rats butts if it's there or not! They walk right through it... it doesn't shock them in the least, I reckon due to their feathers and "rubberized" feet.

Oh... and I also use "Texas gate" methodology to create openings that allows access... however, really think about where you NEED gates prior to building the fences as it can turn into a giant weak link in the whole ball of wax!

Wing

[Delinda]

I use field fence and it works well for me and my goats. The only drawback I see is that some goats may get their horns caught in it. Since I have boers with big horns it has never been a problem for me. I have never had a goat escape or a dog or coyote get in. Electric fence is not an option for me as we have very young grandkids who love to be around the goats. I would be afraid they would get shocked with it.

[Cheryl in SD]

We are putting in a 6 foot high woven wire fence with t-posts. We had to remove it from another property, but found it in the paper. We see them in there all the time. I don't know how many feet we have, but he had 3 acres and it went all the way around.

Joyfully,
Cheryl

[mygoat]

I have 4' "Red Brand" goat fence. Works well. No stuck horned goats, sturdy, and kid goats can't slip through the fence and away from mommy. T- posts every 8', braced wood posts at gates and braced corner t-posts. That's about it!

[dockamo]

never heard of goat fence dona-do you have any pics of your pens that you could send--sounds real good--right now i use cattle panels and they seem to do the job-at least for now-thanks

[garrett]

When you talk about everyother line being hot versus being grounded, how do you set them up? Do you place the grounded wires against the posts or put them in insulators? I am kinda confused about how to set it up. Thanks, Garrett.

[mygoat]

Sure, it is just like field fence but it is smaller holes, designed for goats specifically. Strong, tall, and baby goats can't slip through and the goats can't stick thier heads through. You can also tie the goat's face "into the fence" for a quick, humane restraint. I did this the last two years for vaccines and my quick attempt at milking, before I broke my finger.
The kid we have is "Red Brand" goat fencing. I got ours at TSC. Characterized by the strand of thick red wire at the top. It is expensive, however, and proper bracing of corners and gate posts is very important. I think I may have pics of it somewhere....

[marvella]

Originally Posted by garrett

When you talk about everyother line being hot versus being grounded, how do you set them up? Do you place the grounded wires against the posts or put them in insulators? I am kinda confused about how to set it up. Thanks, Garrett.

the grounded ones hook together and go to the ground post. the alternate ones hook into the charger.

critter becomes the connection between the two.

now, i've got two questions...

1. can i replace my existing 4 strands (on wooden and t-posts) with high tensile? i want a heavier gauge (ie. hopefully less breakage and maintenence) than the 15 and 17 in use now.

2. i know there is a way to put wire around the goats neck and dangling in front so they get a harder shock, but cannot remember the details.

so, thanks!