We welcomed two new additions to the homestead last week. Introducing Daisy & Sawyer!
These two little cuties weren’t raised around people so they are quite skittish. We originally planned on placing them in the Premier One electric goat netting we had heard such great things about.
However, one thing that is not mentioned in all of the reviews is how NOT effective this electric fencing is against baby goats. Neil and I worked hard to lay out the fencing and carry the very scared, loudly screaming baby goats to their new pen. We let them out into their new pen to get settled and after watching them for awhile, headed inside to get ready for a night out.
As I was getting out of the shower, I heard the screams of a distressed goat and the shouts of Neil. I grabbed a towel and ran outside to see Neil in just a pair of shorts chasing a lone goat. Needless to say, I am sure we thoroughly entertained the neighbors as we chased our goats around the homestead.
With a few more escapes throughout the week, including one very dramatic chase that involved me running after the dynamic duo down a busy road for nearly an hour and Neil coming to the rescue in his police car, it became clear this fencing was not working. The little goats can hop right through the wholes in the net, completely unscathed by the 2 joules of electricity pulsing through the fence.
Homesteading is always bringing the unexpected and this certainly was not what we anticipated. With some quick thinking we utilized tie outs and place the goats in a very large crate when we are away. They are loving all the grazing time and are gradually warming up to us.
Until next time…
Homestead Redhead 
goats can escape from almost anywhere!!
I definitely learned that lesson the hard way!
LOL one thing I saw on goats was, quote “He (a buck) might look like bambi right now but build for Godzilla”. They can climb and jump and if given a chance will push out of fencing.
Sooooo true!! I love that quote. I have never had goats escape through an electric fence, but there is a first time for everything apparently!
We had a precious little fellow one time His favorite thing was to run and take a flying leap on our concrete outdoor dining table. Or run up my tree with the perfect place for a child to read a book and jump from there. Fun to watch but hard to control!
Haha, what a character, Nadine. Goats are definitely full of mischief and personality!
Dear Homestead Redhead,
I have been following your blog for over a year now, and find it very enjoyable! I live on 93 acres in Guthrie, Oklahoma where I have 6 horses, 35 chickens, 6 ducks, 2 dogs, and 1 disabled goat. I love your baby goats; they are precious! They will probably try to get into everything, so watch out for your raised beds. Slowing down our pace of life is more important now than ever, with so much going on in the world. Give the goats a pat for me.
Debbie Williams
Guthrie, Oklahoma
WWC Logo_FlyingWs
Hey Debbie! Thank you so much for your comment-it made my day. 93 acres sounds amazing-I am sure that land and your animals keep you quite busy. Thank you for the words of wisdom about the goats-they are definitely mischievous little things. I guess it is a good thing they are so cute! I absolutely will give the kids a pat for you. Thank you so much for being a part of our homestead!
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