Cheap goat fence
Raising livestock can be expensive, especially when you are first starting out. I have tips to help with this list of cheap goat fence ideas you can use for containing your goat herd.
Add this to your goat fence ideas that you can do without breaking the bank.
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 if you have enough property available, you can save money by giving them pasture to graze on.
Fencing in pasture can be expensive, so these affordable options will help you get started without investing too much money.
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, and fertilizer.
Choose the Best Breed of Goat:
Cheap Goat Fence Ideas
Before we list out a few ideas, you’ll need to consider a few things first.
#1. Determine How Much Room You Need for Each Goat On A Pasture
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. This space requirement ensures your goats have fresh clean pasture to graze on.
#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, in our area, we are selenium deficient so we need to supplement with minerals.
#3. What about parasites?
Worms and goats go hand in hand, and to be honest, actually, all goats have worms. Having worms is okay, most goats are able to keep them in check it’s 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.
Do you need electricity?
Not all goats need to be housed with electric fence but depending on where you live, this might be the option you are leaning towards. Remember, the purpose of your fence is to keep your goats inside as well as keep predators out. If you live in an area with coyotoes, bob cats, or other predators, you may want to consider using a fence that is electrified.
What are the different types of fences for goats?
These are the most common goat fence options.
- Electric wire fence
- Electric woven fence
- High Tensile fence
- Sheet panels
- Wood fence
- Chain link
- Pallet fence
Do You Need a Gate?
Yes, it is always good to have a gate in your pasture. A gate helps you control the movement of your goats in and out of the pasture so they do not have access to it 24/7. You can buy a gate or build one using scrap wood to frame in section of fence panel.
Steel purchased gate example:
DIY Wood/Steel Panel Gate Example
This option is not as nice looking but the cost was zero dollars which in my opinion makes it more attractive!
Cheap 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. We love to use pallets 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.
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. We have found that this type of fencing really holds up well with goats as they love to stand on things and this can weaken fences.
To find a cheap option of metal fence you can look on Craigslist, Facebook marketplace, or ask around in your area.
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.
More Goat Shelter Resources:
- How to Convert a Shed Into a Goat Barn
- Hay Feeder Options for Goats
- Creating a Free Playground for Your Goats
