Our plan is to clean out (very well) our 10x12 chicken coop (moving the chickens to different enclosure) for a doe in milk and her kid. We have about an acre that we want to dedicate to pasture area as separate paddocks. Originally was planning to use woven wire, but then got a pricetag shock when we measured out the number of feet needed and the price of the 4x4 goat fencing ($270 for 330 feet). Now we're considering 6-7 strands of hot wire instead as it would allow us to give them a larger area for what we can afford.
So, a few questions:
1. Obviously a 10x12 shed is plenty big for two Nigerians, but as we grow the heard, how many can comfortably fit in that space? Should it be one big space or have stalls? (we will put a special kidding stall/space in our garage)
2. As long as it is cleaned well, it is ok that the chickens used to live in there, right?
3. For electric fencing is starting 6" from the ground and spacing them 6" good for these small goats? What height should the top one be?
4. Hay and water should obviously be available in their shed, should there also be a second hay rack and water trough in their pasture even if they have access to their shed while on pasture?
5. The local farm stores mostly have equipment for larger livestock. Is there a website or sites that are good for goat supplies?
Thanks!
Replies
From my own personal experience, I can tell you that by the time you buy the chicken wire to cover the 3+ feet high you'll need to cover, going with the "no climb" 2X4 hole horse fencing is just about the same price.
Lia Reilly said:
Thanks. I think we're going to go with woven wire even though the initial cost is much more. We realized the amount of upkeep (weed wacking/grass trimming) to keep the electric fence operational isn't going to be easy with all that we have going on here (chickens, rabbits, goats, ducks, garden and 3 human kids under the age of 7!)
So the 'goat' wire that has 4 inch spacing is $250 for 330 feet and the livestock wire that has 6 inch spacing is $140. Is there any way we can get away with the larger spacing, maybe adding a bit of chicken wire around the bottom?
There is another discussion on here right now that covers pros and cons of various fencing options:
http://nigeriandwarfgoats.ning.com/forum/topics/pasture-fencing
As for your other questions:
1. A 10X12 is big enough for 10 ND goats if you want to clean out the bedding every other day. If you want to only clean it out every week, then 3-4 goats is about the max. That is really too small to subdivide.
2. No problem. Chickens and goats do not share any diseases or parasites.
3. To be safe, 42 inches should work.
4. They need to have access to water 24/7. It is a good idea to have more than one bucket because if they poop in one, they won't drink the water in it. They don't need hay outside if they have pasture for grazing or browse.
5. Caprine Supply and Hoegger both cater to goat owners. Premier 1 has sheep and goat equipment.