Goat Fencing and Gates

Fencing

Why not just any fence?

Fences are an investment and good ones are well worth it!

Protection
Not only will they keep your goats contained, smart pasturing procedures will also minimize any predator activity. Coyotes are the primary problem and sometimes wild dogs - especially with kids, so be sure to consider either locking up your babies at night or, if they'll have to stay out, keep them in an enclosure that is at least double fenced. Also, consider a couple of livestock guard dogs, also known as LGDs, like Great Pyrenees or Anatolian Shepherds to guard them. Herding dogs are fabulous work dogs, but no match for a pack of wild canines, so it is not recommended to keep them out at night as guard dogs. Even with LGDs, it is best to always keep at least two dogs together so they can work as a pack.

Keeping goats where you want them and out of where you don't
Goats like to stand on fences and scratch themselves on it, so keep this in mind when selecting your fencing. Woven wire fencing will soon find itself stretched out and on the ground - if not quickly broken altogether. Therefore it is not recommended to use wire fencing on its own. It is desireable to use wire fencing as a reinforcement for kids.

A favorite goat stance: standing on the fence. Luckily, goat panels were used.

Practical options for the busy person

Goat panels: For at-home dairy goats, not a lot of fencing will be required. For these applications, goat panels are ideal. They are study and can be reconfigured easily as needed, especially if you want to rotate grazing areas on smaller pieces of property and want to avoid a huge investment in more permanent fencing. Each panel is typically 10 feet and you can also purchase gates and best of all - no need to dig holes!
Stock or cattle panels: these are made of sturdy welded steel rods. They are available in various heights and lengths, but the 16 feet by 52 inch high ones with 4" opens work the best. Remember longer lengths mean fewer holes to create.
Electric fencing or netting: works well when it works, but you'll need to check your fence frequently. This can be a problem in areas where there are a lot of deer who will jump - and inevitably break or stretch the wire. Also, goats can have a very high pain threshold, so while electric options will help keep predators out, alone it won't necessarily keep goats within the area you wish them to stay.
Chain link: great for a small space, but not so great for small budget.

A pen made of panels. Panels make quick work for set-up and reconfigurations. Here an ad hoc baby nursery had to be created. Reinforcing with strong small gauge fencing helps keep the little ones from sneaky back to their mamas.

Gates

Things to keep in mind

Sturdiness. Gates need to be sturdy. As seen in Figure 1, the goats will be standing on the gate whenever they are waiting to be milked or see you coming with feed.
Swing. Gates that have the ability to swing both in and out are a huge advantage because they can help you "herd" the goat when it's not necessarily in agreement with where you want it to go. If you have to chose a single direction, select outwards as the barn, pen or where ever else the gate is located is likely to get higher with litter on the side where the goats reside.
Width. The gate should be wide enough to get through whatever equipment you'll be using in the area.
Latches. A sliding bar that locks into place or a jointed eye hook are good choices. As a precaution with particular clever goats, you may want to add a carabiner.

Panel gate