fuzzi's Fencing Fabrication Thread

[fuzzi]

Hi! I'm fuzzi, happy with my chickens but also wanting to add a couple goats to assist with invasive plants control...and to be pets.

But they will need a fence.

Since I'm in the research, pre-construction, pre-goats phase, this will be my planning and doing journal.



Background:

I live in eastern NC, USDA zone 8a, so we have a looooong (and wet) growing season. Our house is situated in an older development, on a partially fenced 1/3 acre lot. We're the last house on a dead end road, with woods on one side, so fairly quiet.

The yard is plagued with a lot of invasive volunteers such as wisteria, trumpet vine, poison ivy, and honeysuckle, aka goat food!

So come along with me as I learn and build, with your input and advice if you feel inclined to offer it.

Let's go!

 

[fuzzi]

The backyard is mostly fenced with a 4' chain link. On the woods side (south) a couple of trees fell on the fence over 10 years ago, so I needed to get them off the fence before I can fix/replace it.

Yes, there's a damaged fence under all that growth!

Enter Frank and his team:

The hoop coop is getting more sun.

And the flock is taking advantage of it!

I'm now doing a little cleaning, raking, root and debris removal so I can get a professional fence installer to come replace the damaged sections with some used chain link fencing I have on hand. And maybe add a personal gate.

As much as I want to rush into goats I will not, but will get the backyard fenced in first.

 

[fuzzi]

But...the 4' chain link fence is not the primary fence I will use, but a secondary containment, just in case.

I think I will be going with electric, temporary fencing, so I can move them to places that are being invaded by vines, weedy plants.

 

[fuzzi]

Electric fence videos:

At this time I like the simplicity of the setup shown in video #4.

What insights do you want to share?

 

[Baymule]

What breed of goats do you want to get?

 

[fuzzi]

Small ones, I am not capable of picking up an 80 pound animal.

 

[Baymule]

Why would you pick it up? I don’t pick up my sheep.
Will you be milking them or strictly pets?

 

[fuzzi]

Why would you pick it up? I don’t pick up my sheep.
Will you be milking them or strictly pets?

Strictly pets, and weed control. I read somewhere about being able to handle goats and figured smaller ones would be easier to handle as needed.

 

[Baymule]

The Pygmy goats are real cute, real small too. Dwarf goats are between Pygmy size and standard. I’d recommend 2 wethers.

 

[fuzzi]

The Pygmy goats are real cute, real small too. Dwarf goats are between Pygmy size and standard. I’d recommend 2 wethers.

Thank you. I was thinking either two wethers or maybe an older dry doe and a wether. I'm not interested in breeding and kids and milk at this time.