Advice from goat owners wanted!

What are you doing for coyote protection? My two big dogs are out all day on my five acres, from 7am to 11pm., and i've seen coyotes coming back from the river on the neighbors property as late as 9am. i'm stressing about moving them to the bigger pasture although i've built a good lock-in night area 15 x 15ft for them.

If you have bold coyotes I wouldn't range my goats too far, they will kill them. An electric fence can help keep them at bay, but won't always stop them. So far no coyote has bothered my goats, but a friend has had them kill her goat in the middle of the day.

dldolan said:

What are you doing for coyote protection?

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I gave these two thugs a home and they pay their rent in protection services...

You reminded me that i have these three for protection.

I tried donkeys. They assumed the goats were there for their protection.

I trap and stay armed for coyotes. I found one in my goat field picking out lunch. He missed lunch ... Trapped and removed two more.

I also had a huge problem with foxes, skunks and racoons. So trapping just seemed like a good option. My son has really enjoyed helping me with it.

Luckily I have not lost a goat to predators.

ridingtailboard said:

So trapping just seemed like a good option.

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Not much of a 'legal' option in my State (Illinois) except during open hunting/trapping season with proper permits... You can apply for a 'nuisance animal' trapping permit anytime but they are rarely issued and a bunch of red tape and waiting, when/if you apply they almost always direct you to a licenced nuisance animal remove service instead...

Of course it's a law that is rarely enforced in rural areas but still technically illegal to set traps without the licences/permits... Most people just shoot the threats if they encounter them, much easier and much less red tape or legal hassle, but you still technically need a hunting licence even to do that as most predators are protected fur bearers and busy body conservation officer could cause you grief, it really depends on your location in the state...

I also live literally across the street from a gated retirement community, so I have to be cautious of what they can 'see' like for example a trap or trapped animal as there is no shortage of 'curious' people living there that could make a call... Even in close proximity I have found a single gun shot is rarely noticed...

We have trapping laws to work around. Not nearly as bad as you described. I also prefer the one shot method.

MeepBeep said:

I gave these two thugs a home and they pay their rent in protection services...

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I like your "thugs". Might have to give them a try someday.