Cheap goat fence
Raising livestock can be expensive, especially when you are first starting out. Finding cheaper ways for their housing can be a big help on the bottom line. This list of cheap goat fence ideas will all work great to contain your goat herd and keep them protected.
Add this to your goat fence ideas list and refer to it anytime you need to do an update on where your goats are grazing.
Having a homestead can be an investment starting out, especially if you are looking to add livestock. That’s why it’s important to find budget-friendly options for housing, feeding, and grazing. This is especially true with goats. Sure, you can feed them hay year-round, but that can be expensive quickly. If you have enough property available, you can save money by giving them pasture to graze on.
When we started out with our own goats, we fenced in a small area near their shelter. As our herd grew, so did our grazing area, but our budget did not. That meant we needed to find other ways to keep our herd safe until we could save up the money needed for a more permanent option.
Why should you raise goats?
Goats are a great addition to any homestead because of all they can offer. Not only do they make great companions they are also a valuable source of milk, meat, fiber, and fertilizer. Goats are also easy to train and self-sufficient most of the time which can make them a great addition to any midlife homestead.
You can get our list of the best goat breeds for beginners to choose goats that more easily fit your time of life.
Be sure to grab the FREE Guide to Goat Fencing below!
Choose the Best Breed of Goat:
What are the different types of fences for goats?
When it comes to fencing options there are quite a few to consider. Some cost more than others and that means we will only be talking about a few on this list. But knowing what all is out there can help you to decide on the best solution.
- Electric wire fence
- Electric woven fence
- High Tensile fence
- Sheet panels
- Wood fence
- Chain link
- Pallet fence
Before we list out our favorite budget friendly ideas, there are a few questions you will need the answers to before you start setting things up.
#1. Do you have enough room?
Before choosing a fence option, it’s important to know how much space you need per goat. An adult goat needs at least 250 square feet of space for grazing, resting, and playing. If you’re building a new pasture, plan to have at least 200 square feet per goat and 100 square feet for each additional goat with additional space for growing your herd.
This space requirement ensures your goats have fresh clean pasture to graze on. This is important not only for the health of your herd but the health of your pasture as well.
#2. What is your soil and grass quality?
Many areas have deficiencies in the soil that can affect the quality of your pasture. If you are not sure, you can contact your local extension office or a 4H group in your area. Once you know, you can supplement what may be missing.
For example, our area is selenium deficient, so we need to supplement our goats by offering them free-choice minerals. Selenium is a trace mineral that is important for the growth of your goats.
#3. What about parasites?
Worms and goats go hand in hand, and it may surprise you to know that all goats have worms, but that doesn’t mean they need to be dewormed. Having worms is okay; most goats are able to keep them in check. When the worms get out of hand, you can have an issue.
If you live in an area that is heavy with worms, you will want to have enough pasture to move your herd around so they are always on fresh, clean grass. This is called rotational grazing, and it can be quite effective in controlling worms in your herd.
Rotational grazing involves sectioning off a large area into small sections and routinely moving your herd around. This gives parts of your pasture time to heal and regrow before allowing your goats on it again.
#4. Do you need electricity?
Not all goats need to be housed with an electric fence, but depending on where you live, this might be the option you are leaning toward. Remember, the purpose of your fence is to not only keep your goats inside but also to keep predators out. If you live in an area with coyotes, stray dogs, or other predators, you may want to consider using an electrified fence.
#6. Do You Need a Gate?
Yes, it is always good to have a gate somewhere within your fence setup. A gate helps you control the movement of your goats in and out of the pasture so they do not have 24/7 access to it. You can buy a gate or build one using scrap wood to frame a section of fence panel.
Cheap Goat Fence Ideas
Let’s look at our top choices of goat fencing that will help you to stay within budget.
Steel purchased gate example:
On our main pasture, I feel a steel gate is the best option. It is sturdy and durable but by far the most costly.
DIY Wood/Steel Panel Gate Example
This option is not as nice looking as a steel gate, but the cost was zero dollars, which makes it more attractive to a homesteading budget.
Cheap Goat Fencing Options
Now that we have covered questions, planning tips, and gate options, let’s dive into our top pick for cheap goat fencing.
Wood Fence Ideas for Goats
Wood fencing is popular among goat farmers because it’s sturdy, long-lasting, and a great way to use up stockpiled wood and pallets. Wood pallets are great options for projects, and they work great for all kinds of fencing and DIY gates. You can find pallets for free in your area by contacting local businesses. Usually, they are more than happy to let you take as many as you need.
This is going to be the cheapest option you can use, but it may not be the sturdiest. Be sure to add in extra stakes to help your fence do its job of keeping your herd safe.
Read our article on Goat Fence Line Feeder options for easy ways to set up feeding areas for your goats out on pasture.
Cheap Metal Fence Ideas for Goats
If you’re looking for an affordable option for the goat fence that’s sturdy, then metal fencing is an excellent choice. Woven wire fences and chain-link fences are some of the options you can consider for your goats. We have found that this type of fencing really holds up well especially with goats that love to stand on things.
To find a cheap option for a metal fence, you can look on Craigslist or Facebook marketplace or even ask around in your area. We found a 100-foot roll of chainlink fence for free, and it was a great low-cost solution for our setup.
Rolled wire fence
Another great option is a rolled wire fence with T-posts as support. You may be able to find rolled wire for around $2-$3 per foot making this a good option if you do not have a large area to fence in.
To save even more money, look online for any used options that may be available, and instead of metal T-posts, you can use sturdy logs or wooden fence posts.
Mix and Match
As with anything when it comes to our animals, no one answer may be the perfect fit. This means you may want to mix and match your fence to enclose your herd efficiently. For our setup, we use steel woven fence, electric netting, and high tensile. This allows me to adjust things as needed, making small compartments in the field that can be helpful during breeding season.
Inspect the Fence to Ensure it Will Safely Keep Goats Inside
After building your fence, inspect it thoroughly to ensure it’s safe and secure and will hold up to your goats. You will want to do this when you first install your fence, then routinely going forward. This will ensure you catch any issues before your goats are able to get out.
Here are a few ideas.
- Have fence posts on the outside of the fence so it gives enough support.
- Ensure there are no loose wires or sharp points that could hurt your goats.
- Check your corners and close up any loose or weak areas.
- Test the electric fence to ensure it’s functioning correctly after installing it.
- If you have wooden posts, check them for rot and ensure they are not bending.
- For electric fences, regularly trim grass to keep the current running without issues.
A properly installed fence will give you peace of mind knowing your goats are safe from getting out and will also keep predators from getting in.
Enclosing pasture for your goats can be affordable with these cheap goat fence options. Be sure you have enough room for your herd size, include at least one gate for easy access, and inspect your fence regularly to maintain its strength and safety, and your goats will be happy and healthy for years to come.
