Goats and electric fence

[hazelton farms]

Anyone know why this doesn't work as a good combo? We spent the better part of two weekends setting up electric fence four wires high with a cattle shocker attached. We went into the woods, cut down brush and trees so nothing was touching the wires and the goats just said, "naaahhhh" and walked right through it! It tested all the way around with no problem.
Now we have to keep them penned up in an extremely small area till we can start with cattle wire around the entire thing to try and keep them inside. I feel badly for them that they don't have the freedom they need right now, but I can't chance them getting out either.

So why didn't it work??

Stacy

 

[ksacres]

We had a six strand electric fence for about a month. One day one of the girls decided she didn't mind the shock and rushed the fence, the others followed. Where one will go, the others will follow.

We use cattle panels now, and yes, they are basically dry lotted and fed their entire ration.

Goats are naturally curious, and stubborn. They learn if they rush the fence, its a short pain that's over as soon as they get across it. Other animals say, ouch, that hurt, and stay away. Electric fences are more of a mental block than anything else, and goats have their own way of doing things.

 

[GwenFarms]

Yeah, goats just aren't hard wired like other animals. I've never known any to stay put in hot wire for long.

 

[helmstead]

Electric fence is a mental barrier, not a physical barrier...and goats are stubborn! The only use I have for electric with the goats is a strand around the bottom to stop fence rubbing and pushing.

Also, if I remember right - didn't you get mini fainters? You'll want to use dog fence, not field fence (no larger than 2" x 4" holes), because they can get their heads through the larger holes. If they're horned, they'll get stuck. If not, they'll get through.

 

[patandchickens]

I think that's the reason why electric fencing for goats is usually recommended to be the mesh type (of course there is the occasional issue with heads/horns getting stuck).

Take a look at www.premier1supplies.com 's recommendations for goats.

Also, did you actually test the fence charge with a digital meter (not one of those lame-o ones where you see how many little neon bulbs light up, which are notoriously inaccurate)? If not it is QUITE possible you did not have as much charge as you thought on the fence, for a whole variety of reasons.

Good luck,

Pat

 

[hazelton farms]

We tested with a good tester. We went back and bought a brand new box when we figured the smaller one just wasn't cutting it. It tested well too.

The lamb stayed inside the pen and was terrified of the fence.

The lady we got them all from has cattle wire across her (4x4 squares) for all her sheep and goats. So we're gonna try that.

Stacy

 

[hazelton farms]

Oh yeah, these are all large breed mixed milking type goats. Mostly alpine.

Stacy

 

[greyfields]

Most goats escape from electric fence because they can jump over it. It may not be high enough.

Also, I would recommend 'baiting' the fence with some goat candy and having their noses get shocked. They won't go near it again after that.

 

[hazelton farms]

I'll try that. Good idea. It's high enough at least in that they just went through it vs. over it.

Stacy

 

[hazelton farms]

Just thought I'd put in a couple of pics of the little jokers we're trying to keep in.

The lamb is behind bars only because she's not quite used to the outside cold yet at night so she was put in the cage inside the shed near the brooder for warmth. She goes out during the day and doesn't try and get through the fence either!
I did go and get something to pin them out on at least. The two older ones that is. Just close enough to the fence to get a taste of it if they should decide it didn't mean anything still. The younger goat got touched and didn't like it, but the other two figured, "I'm locked up, why bother?" And then waited their chance to run when they were being taken back to the pen for the night. Go figure!!

Stacy