Fencing for pygmy and dwarf goats - Ask Extension
Hello,
In August I will get 3 Pygmies and 2 Nigerian Dwarf goats. The pygmies have horns, the dwarfs do not. They are all 2-3 years old. Two of the...
Knowledgebase
Fencing for pygmy and dwarf goats #872685
Asked June 11, 2024, 6:33 PM EDT
Hello,
In August I will get 3 Pygmies and 2 Nigerian Dwarf goats. The pygmies have horns, the dwarfs do not. They are all 2-3 years old. Two of the five are male, but fixed.
I need fencing for a permanent enclosure of roughly 60' x 120'. Young children, and an array of adults, will be around the fencing.
What type of fencing would you recommend? A few questions in particular:
1) Is electric fencing NOT a good idea, considering that young children will be a common presence?
2) Is field or woven fencing too weak and prone to stuck horns
3) Is welded wire the best choice? Would 4'x4' openings be small enough to prevent stuck horns?
4) Is welded wire not worth the cost (I understand it is far more expensive)
Please call<personal data hidden>), if it's easier to discuss these questions by phone.
Thanks,
Peter
Clackamas County Oregon
Expert Response
Congratulations:
Here are some resources to get you started:
Basics on different types of goat fencing:
https://goats.extension.org/goat-pastures-fences/
The following is from an Oklahoma State University publication that discusses fencing for horned goats.
Horned Goats
Special consideration must be given to fencing for horned goats. Fencing should prevent horned goats from placing their heads on the other side of the fence or should have openings large enough to let animals slide their head through the fence and back. Permanent electric fences also make good fences for horned goats.
The University of Vermont New Farmer project shared their experiences with goat fencing: https://newfarmerproject.wordpress.com/2012/07/03/avoiding-fencing-follies/
Here are some resources to get you started:
Basics on different types of goat fencing:
https://goats.extension.org/goat-pastures-fences/
The following is from an Oklahoma State University publication that discusses fencing for horned goats.
Horned Goats
Special consideration must be given to fencing for horned goats. Fencing should prevent horned goats from placing their heads on the other side of the fence or should have openings large enough to let animals slide their head through the fence and back. Permanent electric fences also make good fences for horned goats.
The University of Vermont New Farmer project shared their experiences with goat fencing: https://newfarmerproject.wordpress.com/2012/07/03/avoiding-fencing-follies/
Hello,
Thank you for your response about fencing types.
I now have a question about driving posts. I would like to use 4x4 foot pressure treated cedar posts. I heard that the fence will be stronger and last longer if I drive the posts instead of digging (using an auger) and filling back in (with sand and soil). Would you agree with this?
Also, do you know of any company that would drive the posts for me (with machinery)? Or do you know where I can rent a gas-powered post driver? Or, can you recommend a manual tool to drive 4x4 foot posts.
Thanks,
Peter
From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2024 3:23 PM
To: Peter Oviatt <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Fencing for pygmy and dwarf goats (#0142603)
Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2024 3:23 PM
To: Peter Oviatt <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Fencing for pygmy and dwarf goats (#0142603)
I would agree that using a post pounder would be the preferred method.
"When large numbers of fence posts need to be installed it is probably most practical to pound them into the ground with a hydraulic post driver, small end first. Post drivers are generally constructed so that little brooming of the driven end will occur, but installers generally prefer to drive posts when the soil is slightly moist for obvious reasons."
This information is from University of Kentucky extension: https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/sites/forestry.ca.uky.edu/files/forfs03_05.pdf
Rocky soils will make post installation more challenging, the Kentucky publication contains recommendations for managing installation in rocky soils.
I would reach out to local landscaping or fencing companies to see if they have the services you're seeking. Oregon State is unable to recommend or endorse specific companies or contractors.
"When large numbers of fence posts need to be installed it is probably most practical to pound them into the ground with a hydraulic post driver, small end first. Post drivers are generally constructed so that little brooming of the driven end will occur, but installers generally prefer to drive posts when the soil is slightly moist for obvious reasons."
This information is from University of Kentucky extension: https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/sites/forestry.ca.uky.edu/files/forfs03_05.pdf
Rocky soils will make post installation more challenging, the Kentucky publication contains recommendations for managing installation in rocky soils.
I would reach out to local landscaping or fencing companies to see if they have the services you're seeking. Oregon State is unable to recommend or endorse specific companies or contractors.
Thank you for your help. We built our fence and have the goats.
I have a question about coyotes. We are in Milwaukie Oregon. It’s suburban with small patches of woods. There is a small coyote presence. We have 3 Nigerian Dwarf goats in 5ft welded wire fence. I also plan to string two electrical wires, one low and one high.
Should we be concerned about coyotes?
Your advice is appreciated.
Peter
From: ask=<personal data hidden> on behalf of Ask Extension
Sent: Sunday, June 30, 2024 1:10:57 PM
To: Peter Oviatt
Subject: Re: Fencing for pygmy and dwarf goats (#0142603)
Sent: Sunday, June 30, 2024 1:10:57 PM
To: Peter Oviatt
Subject: Re: Fencing for pygmy and dwarf goats (#0142603)
This article https://goats.extension.org/goat-fencing-for-predator-control/ from Extension covers goat fencing for predator control including the following information on electric fencing:
Electric stand-off wire and trip wire are then placed around the outside of this pen to stop the predators from digging under the fence or trying to climb it. The trip wire is generally placed at 3 inches off the ground and 8 to 12 inches from the main fence. The stand-off wire is then placed 3 to 6 inches from the main fence and 12 to 16 inches off the ground.
Electric stand-off wire and trip wire are then placed around the outside of this pen to stop the predators from digging under the fence or trying to climb it. The trip wire is generally placed at 3 inches off the ground and 8 to 12 inches from the main fence. The stand-off wire is then placed 3 to 6 inches from the main fence and 12 to 16 inches off the ground.
Thank you!
--
Peter Oviatt (he/him)
Middle School Program Director
Sunstone Montessori School
<personal data hidden>
A community of intellectually curious, independent, and compassionate lifelong learners
From: ask=<personal data hidden> on behalf of Ask Extension
Sent: Friday, August 23, 2024 7:03 AM
To: Peter Oviatt
Subject: Re: Fencing for pygmy and dwarf goats (#0142603)
Sent: Friday, August 23, 2024 7:03 AM
To: Peter Oviatt
Subject: Re: Fencing for pygmy and dwarf goats (#0142603)
Hello,
Thanks again for all your help in the past-- our goats are happy and healthy!
I'm curious if you can recommend any goat farmers, breeders, specialists, or related organizations who would welcome 7 seven middle school students to their farm and perhaps field some questions. My students are very curious to talk with others who work with goats. And, we are planning an overnight trip-- so we're happy to travel most anywhere in Oregon.
Any leads are appreciated.
Thanks,
Peter
Thank you!
--Peter Oviatt (he/him)
Middle School Program Director
Sunstone Montessori School
<personal data hidden>
A community of intellectually curious, independent, and compassionate lifelong learners
From: ask=<personal data hidden> <personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Friday, August 23, 2024 7:03 AM
To: Peter Oviatt <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Fencing for pygmy and dwarf goats (#0142603)
Hi Peter,
I'm going to send you a message with my contact information and an upcoming goat (not pygmy) farm tour in Washington County that you might be interested in.
I'm going to send you a message with my contact information and an upcoming goat (not pygmy) farm tour in Washington County that you might be interested in.
Hi!
I appreciate the info on the farm tour. Hopefully we can make it!
-Peter
