predator protection

[duckidaho]

We are going to be getting our first goats in May. We are wondering about predators. Coyotes mostly. We will be using a panel fence (cattle panel) and locking them in the barn at night. The barn and paddock will be about 50 yards from the house. The closest dogs are over a mile away, and we've never seen them around our property, so I'm not too worried about that.

Any thoughts? Does this sound like a workable plan? I'd love to get a pyranees, but that isn't in the cards right now.

[HappyFarmer]

I have just a couple of thoughts. Without protection I think it's a great idea that you lock them up at night, though that does not mean an attack cannot come during the day. Electric fencing is really very cheap to run on existing fencing, especially when you take into consideration the cost of a loss.

Also that's great you havn't seen any predators or coyotes around your place. My question is, do you have any livestock/fowl that would have lured coyotes to your homestead? If not that may be why you havn't seen any predators.

HF

[duckidaho]

@HF-we have lots of coyotes, just no neighbors and dogs. We have 35 chickens and have never lost one. The coyotes have stayed a respectful distance, SO FAR.

I've never seen a yote during the day. Maybe once or twice at dawn. But plenty of howling at night.

[deineria]

If you lock them up at night, you're probably safe.
You can get a llama or mini donkey as a guard animal. I say this because
lots of people get Pyrs, change their minds and the dog has a hard time being placed.
Llamas and Donkeys seem to have an easier time getting new homes, if the need arises.
We have a llama, and we have Aussies that aren't inside the pen with the goats. Never had a problem so far. We live in an area with stray dogs and coyotes.

[JK-Farms]

how big are the squares on the pannels?

[duckidaho]

3 inch? 4 inch? squares on the panels. We've seen other goat folks use them.