Keeping Goats in a Loft

[Ryan McEachern]

After a terrible experience with a bear (who scaled a 6 ft fence and pryed the barn door open and killed (but didn't eat) my two nigerian dwarf goats, we are rethinking our methods. Can you provide shelter to goats by way of a loft? We have a beautiful loft that, with some climbing sections, might be accessable to goats but not a bear? Any input? Anyone done this before?

 

[bufforp89]

I dont see why not...any goat I have ever ment loved to climb..

 

[carolinagirl58]

If a goat can climb it, so can a bear. Bears can climb trees.

 

[Ryan McEachern]

Hmmm. Maybe if they had to do some jumping to get from spot to spot...

 

[carolinagirl58]

trust me....anything a goat can navigate, a bear can do it faster and better. Especially a hungry one. sorry.......

 

[lasergrl]

Electric wire is the only solution other then a livestock guard dog.

 

[carolinagirl58]

I don't think even a livestock guardian dog could stand up to a bear. Electric wire is probably the only protection.

 

[Ryan McEachern]

Well electric wire is an easy solution. We plan on putting it top and bottom. I didn't think that would do much to deter a bear though? I guess there isn't really much that CAN deter a bear if he really wants in.

 

[Jamie_Dog_Trainer]

There are breeds of dogs specifically suited for bear issues. Karelian Bear Dogs and Russo-European Laikas are excellent. I personally have a ton of experience with these breeds as my Grandmother was the first person in North American to import some directly from Russian in the 1980's. They excell at bear deterring, they are fearless, driven and fast. They are the BEST for bear and moose issues.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

I don't think even a livestock guardian dog could stand up to a bear

They don't have to fight the bear.

They just have to scare it away.

Most predators are not confrontational, and are looking for an EASY meal​