Goat Netting Buyer's Guide
A Practical Guide to Choosing the Right Fence for Your Goat Herd
If you keep goats, you'll already know that these animals are clever, nimble, and remarkably inventive when it comes to overcoming obstacles. They’re playful, curious, and constantly on the lookout for something to climb or leap onto. A weak fence is less of a boundary and more of an open invitation. Whether you're managing a steep hillside, extensive pasture, or a smallholder set-up, a well-designed fence also saves your neighbours from unexpected visitors. And once one goat finds a way out, rest assured, the rest will follow.
Goats: Curious, Agile, and Master Escape Artists
Unlike sheep, goats climb, leap, and investigate every weak spot in a fence with impressive persistence. We've seen goats stand on their hind legs, wedge their heads through gaps, and even scale uneven ground as if it were a playground. One customer told us about a particularly agile doe that regularly escaped, only to be found calmly munching roses in the neighbour’s garden. The takeaway? The more robust, higher, and more secure your fence, the better.
When it comes to fencing for pygmy goats or fencing for miniature goats, it's important to remember that their small size doesn’t mean fewer challenges, quite the opposite! These pint-sized escape artists are agile, curious, and excellent climbers. A secure goat enclosure should have tight mesh at the bottom, sturdy posts, and a minimum height of 105–120 cm, even for these smaller breeds. To create truly escape-proof goat fencing, ensure there are no footholds, sagging lines, or low corners they can scale or crawl under.
Predators – An Underestimated Risk for Goats
While goats can defend themselves better than sheep, they’re still vulnerable to larger predators like foxes or stray dogs. This is especially true in remote areas or when raising young stock. A protective fence is vital. An electric fence with sufficient height and voltage not only deters predators, it also convinces your goats to respect boundaries. One small shock early on can save a lot of trouble later.
In the UK, the main predators of goats are foxes, which may target newborn kids, and uncontrolled dogs, which are the most common threat to adult goats. While badgers and birds of prey pose only minimal risk, it's important to protect young or vulnerable animals. Secure fencing, especially electric, along with proper shelter, is the best way to deter predators and keep your goats safe!
The Ideal Fence for Permanent Goat Grazing Areas
Woven Wire Fencing (Hex Mesh or Field Fence)
For fixed pastures, woven wire fencing is one of the most effective solutions. It's sturdy, durable, and highly secure, provided it’s tall enough. For goats, we recommend a minimum height of 120 cm, or up to 140 cm for larger or more athletic breeds or on sloped ground. Pay attention to tight mesh spacing at the bottom to prevent heads or horns from getting stuck. Adding electric conductors at the top and middle of the fence significantly boosts security and helps prevent climbing.
Electric Netting for Goats
When flexibility is key, such as for rotational grazing or seasonal setups, electric netting for goats is a highly efficient option. But a word of caution: standard sheep netting typically won’t do. Goats require netting specifically suitable for them:
- Height: at least 105–120 cm; higher for active animals or hilly terrain
- Strong, closely spaced posts, ideally with dual spikes for stability
- Reinforced top wire to prevent sagging and jumping
- Tight lower mesh to keep young goats securely enclosed
A strong electric pulse is essential, goats have thick coats and a high tolerance. A farmer once joked, “If the fence doesn’t give *you* a healthy respect, it won’t work on your goats either.” Consistent power is key to stopping the testing behaviour before it starts.
Non-Electric Netting – Proceed with Caution
Non-electric netting can have its place, say, for temporary partitioning within a secure area, but we wouldn’t recommend it for long-term outdoor use with goats. Without the deterrent of an electric shock, goats will simply climb, jump, or dig their way through. If you do use netting, it should always be backed up by a sturdy outer fence or used in a well-secured internal setup.
Frequently Asked Questions About Goat Fencing
How high should a goat fence be?
At least 105 cm, preferably 120 cm or more especially for lively or agile breeds, or on uneven terrain.
Are electric fences safe for goats?
Yes, when properly installed and maintained, electric fences are humane. The pulse deters without harming the animals.
Do goats really climb over fences?
Absolutely, they jump, climb, and squeeze through gaps. That’s why height, sturdiness, and electric current are crucial.
Do goats need special netting?
Yes! Sheep netting is typically too low and not durable enough. Always use netting specifically suited for goats.
Do electric fences work in winter?
They do, high-quality fences made from weather-resistant materials are built for all seasons. Just ensure power lines are clear of snow and that the energy supply is reliable.
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