Can a living fence keep in Nigerian Dwarf Goats and Large Fowl Poultry?

[Banriona]

I really love the idea of a living fence. I spent a lot of time looking into them last year. http://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/living-fences-zmaz10onzraw.aspx was one of the most detailed articles I found. The osage orange {aka hedge apple, horse apple....} grows very dense, and has thorns so even if the goats eat on it they will only want to stick their faces so far into it. I was going to start one this past spring, but I was pregnant and morning sickness kept me on the couch for months, so it's now kind of a bucket list thing for me now.

That is a good article. My problem with Osage and any other thorned plant as a fence option is the concerns mentioned by Southernbychoice. Not to mention, trying to weave something with thorns is, well.... a pain.

 

[bonbean01]

Nope...the only person I know that would try the snow thing is my brother
And with an inch or three for snow...you'd be very busy with a snow making machine to go that route, and totally NO predator barrier.

 

[bonbean01]

oops...I'm in a time warp...:/

 

[Southern by choice]

Predators are a real issue here... I think my LGD's would have it down or go over it in a minute. LOL
It is really cool, if you do end up "making" a natural fence you HAVE TO post lots of pics of the process! I for one would LOVE to see the process and the challenges etc that may come up.
I know it would certainly be the prettiest goat fencing ever!
I hope you keep us updated!

 

[Banriona]

I think I'll test it out on my garden area for now. Maybe let the goats poke around in the garden during the off season next year and see how they treat the fence.... I'll keep you all posted though. Now.... where to find willow......

 

[Southern by choice]

Someone was just talking about willow... let me see if I can find the thread...
http://www.backyardherds.com/threads/mulberry-cuttings.27388/page-2#post-346816

mentioned on pg 2... those talking on the thread may have helpful info as far as suppliers.