How to Build a Goat Pen

Fencing is expensive, so plan your goat pen to last and to hold other animals if needed.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Electric Or Solar Fence Chargers
• Fencing Material
• Fencing Pliers
• Gate Cabinet Latches
• Concrete
• Work Gloves
• Work Gloves
• Concrete
• Fence Stretchers
• Measuring Tapes
• Shovels
• Carts Or Wheelbarrows
• Common Nails
• Hammers
• Posthole Diggers
• Hammers
• Shovels

1. Decide on the fencing material - hog panels, hog wire, barbed wire, electric fencing or a combination.

2. Mark and measure the perimeter of the area to be fenced.

3. Mark the location of the gateposts.

4. Place a strong post at each corner. For large fenced areas of stretched wire of 50 feet or longer, build an "H" brace at each corner to hold the tension of wire. For smaller spans of wire, bury each corner post in cement.

5. Place two strong posts at the gate - one to hang the gate on and one to latch the gate to.

6. Place metal "T" posts or wooden posts every 10 feet.

7. Nail or tie the fencing to the posts.

8. Stretch all wire as tightly as possible to keep animals from making holes in the fence.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember, it's just as important to keep predators out as it is to keep your pets in.
• You'll need a fenced area of around 200 square feet per goat.
• Choose the gate size according to what you'll be doing. Use a gate large enough to take a tractor and large hay bale through, or build just a walk-through gate for you and a goat. Install gates of both sizes to save time later if you use the pen for other livestock.
• Use a good gate fastener. Goats are smart and will figure out how to open simple latches.
• If using an electric fence, teach children how to work around it safely and how to turn it off.

on 11/22/2005 When building a goat pen, be sure to pack plenty of dirt. The dirt should be higher than the ground, so when it rains, the pen will not be muddy. Mud causes hoof problems.