Posted by GoatWorld on December 12, 2000 at 17:52:10:
In Reply to: Fencing posted by Teresa on December 12, 2000 at 17:06:06:
Hi Teresa,
In my opinion, I think that you'll be much better off with the electric fence rather than barb wire. If you figure that you are going to be running wire anyway, why not save yourself the extra time it will take to replace the barb wire once the brush is down?
We too have a very steep and rocky slope on one part of our land. It nearly killed me to get the fence up on that edge but once done, it has proven very effective. You figure that you are going to need to drive t-posts at least to have something to secure the barb wire right?
Personally I would be inclined to perhaps run the barb wire near the top (you can even electrify that too if properly insulated). Then run a heavier gauge ground wire about 5 to 8 inches from the ground.
Depending upon the size of your goats, you might get away with a run of fence wire every 6 to 8 inches, run those dimensions toward the top of the fence. This has worked with great success for me.
Ideally, if you could burn away the brush before you fence, you'd have an easier time of it. I know this isn't always possible though without setting the neighboring counties aflame. But once you get the electric fence up, if you have a reliable and powerful 30 mile+ charger, the electric fence should "shock" away any weed and brush growth. We use a ParMak model.
One other tip on electric fences straight out of my own trials and tribulations with fencing for goats: you may want to consider building a 20 x 30 pen to get your goats used to the idea of being fenced in by an electric fence. A few good zaps and they know to stay away from it.
You might try this with the barb wire so that if you choose to not electrify the slope first, they will still associate the barb wire with getting zapped and subsequently, stay away from the barb wire you put up in place of an electric fence.
It's a good idea to really reinforce the goats getting zapped pretty good for awhile. Try feeding them grain right at the fence line so that they do get shocked. It may sound cruel but it will save you and them in the longrun.
Hope this helps,
Best regards,
Gary Pfalzbot