Boer buck fence question

tmfinley · #1 02/25/08, 05:47 PM

I will be getting my first boer buck this week. He is only 4 months now, but I want to be prepared. I have an 18'x24' fenced area with 5' welded fencing. I know welded fence isn't the best for a buck, but it is already there. I'm going to put electric fencing on the inside of it in hopes of deterring him. Can anyone give me an idea of how high it needs to go and how many strands? And will the welded fence and electric fence be enough?

Also on a side note, I was wondering about keeping a buck alone. Goats are social animals and it seems cruel to keep him all by himself. Is 2 bucks better? Should I put one of our great pyrs in with him? Or am I just being silly?

Thank you,
Tiffany

Delinda · #2 02/25/08, 07:27 PM

Personally I would not keep one buck by himself. I always keep two together, they need company just like the does do. Maybe you could get a wether to keep with him. I keep my two Saneen bucks together and they are best buddies. As for the fence, I used to raise Boers, The bucks are terrible on fences, especially when in rut and females are nearby. I had one with large horns destroy a woven wire (field fence). He just ripped it apart with his huge horns. An electric fence is a great idea.

Wannabee · #3 02/25/08, 08:18 PM

We have a beautiful boer buck, but for the most part he is a gentle giant. (Thanks, Kim!!) We put a wether in with him, to keep him company, but they didn't get along too well. His pen is right next to the does, so he has plenty of company, but one thing I learned the hard way: YOU NEED TO HAVE AN ELECTRIC FENCE INSIDE THE WIRE FENCE IF HE IS NEXT TO THE DOES. I used heavy-duty combo panels thinking it would do the trick...guess what? The first time one went into heat he started bending the panels like you couldn't beelieve. A few days later, we had a nice electric fence inside his pen!!! We used the white roll of fencing - three rows. Easy for him to see, and that is what Kim used when we bought him, so he was already accustomed to it. Trust me - spend $100 and save your fence. Easy to install, easy to maintain, and is very needed in my opinion.....