Fencing for goats?

[Mousefield]

I've heard donkeys/ mules will keep the coyotes away from goats? Anybody know?

I'd like to let a bunch of goats eat my jungle, but am also afraid coyotes will just eat them.

Yes, some people do have donkeys/ mules to protect the herd. We are looking at a guardian type dog as we have lots of bears and cougars in our area, if we could find a donkey or mule we would look at that as well.

 

[beppington]

I like those goats!

 

[DennisArrow]

We tried a donkey when we first got started; BUT......it tore up the pasture BAD, ate more than 5 goats and pulled up the grass roots which goats DO NOT DO, leaned against fence lines, POOOOOPED in the goat shed as much a 10 goats do........NOT worth it.....Yes, one of our house dogs followed us into the pature once and almost got killed by the durn thing so they do kill dogs etc........

We use Anatolian/Pyrenese mix livestock guard dogs............Dumber than rocks but truly do a good job at cleanin up baby goats at birth, becoming part of the goat herd, and heavy duty protection.............Good luck......Dennis

PS.....you need at least 2 per pasture.........If a pack of dogs gets after just one by itself it really doesnt stand much of a chance as the pack will go after the rear end and one sneaks in and gets the throat..........YOU should see 2 of ours back up against each other and take on critters...........

 

[beppington]

YOU should see 2 of ours back up against each other and take on critters...........

Video please!!

 

[RichZ]

We use llamas as guards for our goats. They get along great with the goats, eat the same things the goats do,, and are great guardians. The llamas will charge anything they consider a predator. Most predators will take off if they see an animal as large as a llama charging them. My llamas have been effective against coyotes and wild dogs. They even chase racoons and opossums.

 

[CurlyDave]

We use llamas as guards for our goats....

Do the llamas spit?

I have wanted to get goats to deal with the underbrush and poison oak, and either donkeys of llamas to protect the goats.

I kind of want llamas, but DW read that they spit and refuses to consider them.

Any dog, no matter how big and how dumb would become a house pet in less than a week.

 

[valley]

For our pygmy goats we have a 6' horse wire fence with 9 strand electric fence on the outside. The 9plus joule electric fence is for bear and such.

 

[DennisArrow]

Dave thanks for makin this ol guy smile........Yes, the thought of one of our LGDs (livestock guard dogs) becoming a house pet is often tempting but they really do LOVE being part of the herd and living in the pasture/barns..........

Yes, when I go down in the pasture and sit on a log they come loping over for their share of bonding and love. Lap dog....NEVER.........
Obedience dog....what's that
Stubborn....call it independent
Ignore your commands....like an ex wife
Sensitive with hurt feelings/pout when one raises your voice
Loyal to their herd/pack......forever

Have you ever seen a donkey/llama hang in there with you during a birth of of a calf or kid through the long night? When the birth finally takes place to clean up the momma and new born while the next one emerges? When this happens down in the woods while you are busy birthing in the barn it makes you truly appreciate ol momma dog........

Anyway on and on.........a final thought.........The natural range of a LGD is perhaps 500 or so acres. They will keep all predators GONE...............with that thought leaving the gate open or unleashed brings this: Know what they call a LGD off a leash?........Gone

Dennis

PS.........they do always come home

 

[bdeboer]

We have thought about goats for 10 years to control the brush. The prohibitors of getting goats is getting them water, FENCING in an area for the critters, and protecting the goats from dogs and coyotes. It has taken me a couple years of work to just clear our western and eastern property lines. I can only get the tractor down the western line and this just barely. The other property lines are more problematic and all are heavily brushed and treed.

I think they only way we can control the brush, much of which is non native, is with goats. We would have to fence off 5-10 acres at a time and let the goats have at it. But getting water to them and shelter would take some work as well. Sigh. I need to win the Lotto to have the time so I can manage the land correctly.

Thanks,
Dan

I have seen goats tied to concrete blocks in areas where the growth was too thick for brush hawging. The block is thrown into the center of the multiflora rose and the goat will eat it's way toward the block. They will eat the multiflora rose down to the ground if left in an area long enough. Then eat the grass as a last resort. They have to have water in trough or a tub also. Someone has to be around to untangle them and check their water a couple of times a day.