Goats are known for their persistent curiosity and talent for testing barriers, often climbing, pushing, and squeezing through any perceived weakness. A standard fence is inadequate for long-term containment. Building an effective barrier requires careful planning and specialized materials. This guide provides a practical, step-by-step approach to constructing a durable fence that will keep your herd safe and secure.
Selecting Appropriate Fence Materials
The core of a secure goat fence is the choice of material, which must resist pressure and prevent escape. Woven wire, specifically a fixed-knot or S-knot design, is the gold standard for goat containment due to its structural integrity and small mesh size. This fencing typically ranges from 42 to 48 inches in height, sufficient to deter most goats from jumping.
The wire should be heavy-duty 12.5-gauge high-tensile wire for superior strength. Crucially, the mesh openings must be small; a 4-inch by 4-inch spacing prevents goats from pushing their heads through and getting stuck. While steel T-posts are used for line posts, corner and gate posts must be substantial treated wood posts, as they bear the entire tension load. An electric fence can supplement woven wire, often installed as one or two electrified strands near the top and bottom. This provides a psychological barrier, training goats to respect the perimeter. To be effective, the electric charger needs to maintain 4,000 to 5,000 volts on the fence line.
Planning the Perimeter and Corner Bracing
Before setting any posts, the perimeter must be clearly defined and prepared to ensure a straight and stable fence line. Start by clearing brush, large rocks, or trees from the intended path, as vegetation can ground out electric wires or impede tensioning. Use stakes and string to mark the exact location of the fence, noting corners, gates, and changes in direction.
The integrity of a tensioned fence relies on the strength of the corner and end bracing, which anchor the structure against the wire’s pulling force. The H-brace design is the most common and reliable method, consisting of two large-diameter posts (corner and brace post) connected by a horizontal brace and stabilized by a diagonal tension wire. These wooden posts should be set deep, ideally 3 to 4 feet into the ground, to resist the upward and lateral forces of the tensioned wire. The brace wire is strung diagonally, connecting the top of the brace post to the base of the corner post. This simple triangulation transfers lateral tension into a downward force, preventing the corner post from leaning inward. Proper gate placement should be determined at this stage, ensuring gate posts are braced as robustly as the corner posts.
Step-by-Step Fence Installation
Installation begins by setting the braced corner and end posts first, followed by the intermediate line posts. Line posts, typically T-posts, are spaced approximately 8 to 12 feet apart along the fence line to provide adequate support. Consistent spacing ensures uniform support between the main anchor points.
Once the posts are set, the woven wire is rolled out along the fence line, starting at a corner post where it is anchored securely. The wire must be attached to the corner post by tightly wrapping the horizontal wires around the post and securing them with heavy-duty staples. It is recommended to keep the bottom of the woven wire 3 to 4 inches off the ground to prevent corrosion and allow for weed trimming.
Applying Tension
The next step is applying tension, which is the most critical part of the installation process for woven wire. Specialized tools, such as a fence stretcher bar and a come-along or tractor, are used to pull the wire taut from the opposite end. Tension should be applied gradually and evenly across the full height of the fence, aiming to remove about 50% of the crimps, or “kinks,” present in the horizontal line wires. This optimal tension ensures the fence remains taut and resilient against animal pressure and temperature changes.
Securing the Wire
After achieving the correct tension, the wire is secured to the line posts using T-post clips or heavy-duty staples on wooden posts, beginning at the anchor end and working toward the tensioning point. If using electric wire, insulators are installed on the posts, and the high-tensile wire is strung through, connecting to the energizer.
Final Inspection
A final, thorough inspection of the fence line is necessary, checking for tautness and ensuring all clips and staples are secure. Regular walks along the perimeter should be scheduled to check for sagging wire, damaged posts, or compromised bracing, as timely repairs are necessary to ensure the fence maintains its long-term ability to contain the herd.