how to keep goats without a fence
Finding shortcuts is natural for most people, especially homesteaders, but sometimes a shortcut can set you back both with time and money. This article on how to keep goats without a fence will help you decide if a shortcut with your livestock is one you want to try out.
A unique approach to goat fence ideas that does not require a permanent solution that might work for you.
Are you looking for a way to raise a few small farm animals that can help with your homestead upkeep, provide you with amazing resources, and maybe even generate income?
If so, then goats are an option you may want to consider.
Not only are they fun to raise, but they can also supply your family with milk that you can use to make butter, lotions, soap, or drink as is.
When we first added livestock to our homestead, I was very intimidated. There was so much I needed to know and prepare. Things like housing, feed, and healthcare were all topics I researched at length before bringing our first animals home.
I get asked a question quite often from readers that are curious about raising goats, Do you need a fence to raise them?
The answer is yes and no.
Keeping goats can be tricky if your property isn’t fenced, but it is not impossible. If you want to try out raising goats before investing in a fence or pasture, the good news is you do have a few options.
raising goats without a fence
Why would you want to raise goats without a fence? Well, there are a couple of reasons.
#1. If you live in a remote area with lots of land, then raising goats without a permanent fence installed may be an option to consider. Let’s face it: building a permanent fence can be expensive, especially if you have uneven, heavily wooded, or rocky terrain.
#2. Another reason may be if you live in an area that has no grazing at all, meaning you do not have the room to fence in a grazing area.
Natural Foragers
Goats are natural foragers and can thrive on a variety of plants. Without fencing, they can roam and graze on different types of grass and plants, which can improve their diet and health.
Just know they are not aware of boundary lines and will easily go onto other people’s property to graze, which can cause you a few headaches if they do.
Why do you need a fence for goats?
Personally, I am not a fan of raising goats without a fence, mainly because of the risk of predators. Fences are not only a good way to keep your herd contained, they also do a great job of keeping predators out. Things like stray dogs or coyotes that can harm your goats or young kids.
Fences also help to keep your goats out of your neighbor’s property. If you also live in an area that has neighbors close by, I would not recommend free-ranging your goats without at least some sort of perimeter set up to contain them.
GINDOOR 5 Pack Goat Collars with Bells, Horse Sheep Grazing Copper Bells and Adjustable Nylon Collar Set Pet Anti-Lost Loud Bronze Bell for Small Farm Animal Sheep Cow AccessoriesTough 1 Slow Feed Hay Bag, Royal BlueMilifun Goat Waterer, Sheep Water Bowls Livestock Water Bowl with Copper Valve, Automatic Horse Waterer Farm Automatic Waterer for Livestock.
It is important to remember that if you intentionally allow any animals to run without containment, there is a high likelihood you will be liable for any damages associated with that animal.
That means if your goats damage a neighbor’s garden, damage their car by climbing on it, or cause an automobile accident, you may find yourself in an uncomfortable and expensive predicament or even a legal one.
Tips for keeping goats without a fence
If you’re still interested in raising goats without a fence here are some practical tips to help ensure they at least stay close by and return to their shelter each evening. Just know that these suggestions are not fool-proof, and not fencing in your animals does come with a risk.
Provide proper shelter:
Whether you use a fence or not, goats must have some sort of shelter. The role a shelter plays is to give your herd a place to go and get out of the weather—harsh weather conditions such as rain, wind, hot summer days, and extreme temperatures.
Whether you have a fence or not, appropriate housing is a must.
Goat Housing Options
- A shed
- Lean-to
- Canvas shelter
- Barn
Goats will return to their main shelter many times throughout the day so it is good to have fresh water waiting for them and an area for them to get out of the weather and rest safely.
Movable Fence
If permenant fencing is not an option, you may want to use movable fencing. This can be a great way to house your goats for a fraction of the cost. My movable fencing of choice is electric netting.
Not only is this type of fencing lower cost, it is easy to use and does an amazing job of keeping a herd inside and predators out.
Electric fence netting is also easy to maintain and easy to pick up and move, allowing you to relocate your goats to different areas around your property.
This approach will allow your goats to free range while still providing them with protection.
We love electric fence netting and find it extremely useful with our herd in a variety of situations.
Train your goats:
If you choose not to use a fence for your goats, you will need to ensure they are trained. Spend time training your goats to come when called and stay close to you. This will help them understand boundaries and minimize the risk of them wandering off too far.
Goats are very food-motivated, and you can use that to help train them to come, stay, or return to the barn with a call. Read How to Train Diary Goats for more tips.
Utilize natural barriers:
You can use natural barriers such as hedges, trees, and rocks to create a boundary for your goats. These barriers can also provide shade and shelter for your herd throughout the day.
Be vigilant:
Keeping goats without a fence requires constant monitoring and supervision. Regularly check on your goats and make sure they are not straying too far or getting into trouble.
Raising any animals comes with a great deal of responsibility, be sure to do your best to keep them safe and you will enjoy the benefits of this amazing animal.
Get a livestock guardian dog:
These dogs are trained to protect and herd livestock, making them a valuable asset for homesteaders without fences. They can also help keep predators away from your goats, allowing them to graze with protection.
Training guardian dogs does take time, but if they are well trained, they will become a valuable asset to your entire homestead.
What are good guardian dogs for goats:
- Great Pyrenees
- Anatolian Shepherd
- Komondor
- Akbash
- Maremma
Create a routine:
Establishing a daily routine with specific feeding times and activities can help keep your goats close to their designated area.
Goats thrive on routines and they will return to the barn when they know food will be offered. This is a great tool to have if you are allowing your herd to free-range your property.
Provide adequate food and water:
Make sure your goats have access to fresh, clean water and plenty of food, such as good quality hay as well as free choice minerals.
A well-fed goat is less likely to wander off in search of better options and will return home routinely throughout the day.
Keep them entertained:
Goats are curious animals and can get bored easily. Providing them with things to climb on or other toys, such as a hanging tire or a ball will keep them from wandering off.
A few tires and wood platforms are all you need to setup a playground for your herd.
READ:
What goat breeds are best for free-ranging?
There are several breeds of goats that are better suited for free-ranging than others. The most common ones include:
Boer Goats:
These goats were originally bred for meat production and have a docile nature, making them less likely to stray. They are very herd-oriented and will stick closely together. –
Kiko Goats:
As hardy and adaptable animals, Kiko goats can thrive in various environments without the need for a fence.
Spanish Goats:
With a natural inclination to forage and graze, Spanish goats are well-suited for free-ranging. They are also known for their hardiness and resistance to diseases.
Pygmy Goats:
These small-sized goats are easy to handle and have a friendly disposition, making them ideal for homesteaders without fences.
Nigerian Dwarf Goats:
These goats are known for their small size, making them easy to manage, and they are more like pets than most other goats. They are also great milk producers, which can be a valuable asset for homesteaders.
Fainting Goats:
Although their name may suggest otherwise, fainting goats have a calm nature and tend to stay close to their herd, making them suitable for free-roaming.
While fencing is the most common method of keeping goats contained, there are alternative methods for those who do not have access to suitable fencing or prefer a more natural approach. By implementing these tips and techniques, you can train your goats to stay within designated areas without permanent fencing.
However, it is important to note that constant monitoring and supervision are still necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of your goats. Explore these alternative methods and see if they are a good option for you.
More Goat Care Resources:
- How to Prepare for Goats
- Daily Goat Care Routine
- Goat Terms for Raising Dairy Goats