New Goat Setup for Brush Clearing

[Vadard]

We have used a similar approach for rotational browse for a few years now. The only difference in our setup was the use of polywire instead of steel wire. We've used countless trees but also T-posts for corners and the little step in plastic insulator poles for greater distances. It has worked well for us (goats and mini pigs) and the polywire is super easy to roll up on a cord reel and put right back out in another location.

Bonus, the stretch is super convenient. Just unplug the charger and lift or lower lines as needed to work on something in the space. The dogs have learned that when we step on the lower line and lift the other lines for them to follow, we are using our human super powers to overcome the evil nose biter string, and will skitter right through... they will not go close to it unless invited like this.

Love the poly wire idea. Thanks!

 

[Aunt Angus]

Sure. I cut a narrow path thru my mess with loppers and a chain saw, rolled out the wire, tensioned, connected the electric. Nothing to it.

Never even considered this option. I believe you may have just helped me overcome a hurdle.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

 

[Vadard]

Perfect! I'm excited for you! And we expect PICTURES.

I also recommend joining The Goat Spot. It's a very active online forum, much like BYC.

Thanks! I’ll try to oblige!

 

[Vadard]

I have a few acres of dense cutover that is completely choked-out with dense vegetation. I would love to clean it up, and I’ve also wanted to start keeping goats for a few years. As luck would have it, a neighbor a few miles down the road has a herd of goats, and I’m getting a few does from him in the next few months.

Here’s my plan for 3 small goats (NDGs or pygmies, not sure what will be available yet). I’d appreciate and constructive guidance or feedback from experienced goat people.

During the day, I want to let them browse in the thicket. I plan to contain them using either electrified poultry netting or livestock panels with electric wire top and bottom. (Lots of predators here.) Will provide water and a shelter of some sort at all times.

At night, I plan to keep them in a smaller, more secure pen with a hoop style shelter (PVC hoops with tarp stretched over it.) I’ll also feed them hay in this enclosure. Was planning on allowing them about 50 sf/goat, so I’ll probably built the pen to be 12x12 or a little larger.

How does this sound to you? And what am I forgetting?

Thanks!

Let me tack on one follow-up question:

The guy I’m getting the goats from seems to take good care of his animals. He keeps cows, a few dozen goats, and a dozen or so large sheep. So I’m not expecting any issues with disease. That said, should I de-worm the new goats as soon as I get them, just in case they’re carrying something?

Thanks again for the replies.

 

[Vadard]

I'm not a big proponent of routine prophylactics, I am a big proponent of quarantines. But if this guy is taking care of his animals, there's no harm in asking him what his deworming regimen is. Particularly when you have several species sharing the same space, who can potentially host parasites and the like to later share among the others. If you want to deworm when they begin their quarantine, it won't hurt. It just may not be necessary.

You should probably ask how they are getting their copper, too - since sheep can't eat goat mineral (too much copper, very bad for them!) - my guess is that he's using a bolus. You want to know how often he replaces those, and when they were last given, so you can have mineral ready for your new animals.

Many thanks — will do. Making notes now.