Ok, so I have a pygmy goat and this is the 3rd one I have ever owned and she is BY FAR the smartest and most troublesome one I've ever had! She was jumping on my brooding box and then jumping over the 4 foot goat fence. Ok, I fenced that off and then she tried climbing the fence with no success. BUT...she spent about 20 minutes running around the barnyard and then went running really fast and JUMPED over the lower part of the barnyard. JUST JUMPED IT! I saw it with my own eyes and was in complete disbelief. Ok, so outsmarted again. Now I have her tied out on a plastic coated wire dog cable. The problem with this is that my last goat strangled herself when she was tied out and I've had a neighbor's goat do the same thing about 15 years ago. My last goat died in my arms because she couldn't get air. VERY TRAUMATIC and I don't want to tie my new goat, Lily, out but I'm looking for ideas. Throw something out there at me! Just please help! Or if you have any better ways of tying her out let me know. PS. She has a halter on because of my traumatic last experience and guess what? SHe knows that if she turns around and pulls really hard she will slip right out of it. Yeah, she's really smart! GRRRR! Thanks! Heather
Does she have a friend? If not, get her a friend. Maybe she is lonely. Otherwise - Build a bigger fence. If she can jump it, putting up electric wond' help because she will jump that too. Fortunately, none of mine have every gotten out, but I was warned that Pygmy's are amazing jumpers. Good luck!
Is this a lone goat? That isthe main reason you have issues. Goats need a herd to keep entertained and occupied at all times. Loney goats are mischevious and destructive. Tying out a goat like a dog is asking for trouble. Dno't do it. I would use long standoffs and put up 4 strands of electric wire on the inside of the goat field. She'll get zapped but will learn. Get her a buddy.
A 4 foot fence for a goat is not really enough. You are probably thinking that you need to get a small goat so that it will stay in a short fence. I have not found this to be true. We have 5+ foot fences and both standard and small goats. The small ones like to find a way under. The standard size like to stand on the fence and will pull it down unless it is well supported. My advice would be to trade your goat for a different breed. You should have 2 goats, they really hate to be alone. I won't try offering advice on whiceh breed to look for, as each has many that don't fit the typical temperment. I would also say find one thatis at least 2 years old, younger ones just like to look for trouble. Pygmies are known for not staying in fencing. If you are not able to contain your goat, try to fine someone that can rather than risk her safety. Our feed store sells "cattle pannels" that are tall enough and strong enough if well supported. Sorry, I don't remember the cost. But don't put toys next to the edge, as they will use them to get out. Good luck.
From her signature line it looks like she only has 1 goat. That's the problem besides being bored. I only have 4ft fences and in the year I've owned my goats not 1 of them have gotten out. How big of an area is she kept in? Can you keep her in a stall until you get another goat and install electric fence? Most importantly get another goat friend for her.
i use cattle panels, they run from $18-$22 , your goat needs a friend, they are herd animals and living solatary is cruel to them, you can get a wether cheap, look in the local paper or look online, duhgoatman.com , american goat society member sites, i assure you the goat will be happier and less likely to cause trouble
For our escape artist Bucks we went with w 5 foot cattle fence and a 4 strand electric set at 5", 12", shoulder level and 4'. So far so good
Yep, she needs a friend. Also, take that halter off of her. If she is pulling out of it she could get hung up in it. Escape artists can be a real pain. I think another goat will at least slow her down. But it probably won't stop her from going on daily outings...outside of the fence. I had an escape artist here. The fencing kept everyone in except for the one. She would get out about once a day and search around for food and browse and when she was done she would go back in with the other goats. I didn't mind it because we don't have neighbors or traffic to worry about here. Good Luck!
