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Goats are herbivores and have a voracious appetite. Thankfully, there are certain scents that will keep them away from your plants and desirables. Goats hate the scent of certain herbs like lavender, sage, hydrangea, cayenne pepper and also detest animal dung and peppermint oil.Since goats tend to rub on walls and fences, they have to be extremely sturdy. When you put in fencing, use eight foot wooden or metal posts. Space them eight to ten feet apart and bury them at least two feet deep. If you’re using T-posts, pound them in past the V at the bottom that holds them in the ground.Goats can be contained with four to five strands of high tensile electrified wire. If jumping is a problem, a high wire set one foot inside the top of the fence can be used. The bottom wire should be kept close to the ground should any goat decide to crawl under the fence. This will keep other critters out, as well.
Contents
How do I stop my goat from jumping the fence?
Since goats tend to rub on walls and fences, they have to be extremely sturdy. When you put in fencing, use eight foot wooden or metal posts. Space them eight to ten feet apart and bury them at least two feet deep. If you’re using T-posts, pound them in past the V at the bottom that holds them in the ground.
How do you keep goats?
Goats can be contained with four to five strands of high tensile electrified wire. If jumping is a problem, a high wire set one foot inside the top of the fence can be used. The bottom wire should be kept close to the ground should any goat decide to crawl under the fence. This will keep other critters out, as well.
How high a fence do you need for goats?
Setting Fence Height
In areas where jumping is likely, such as over a fence that is meant to protect a garden or to separate bucks from does in heat, make sure the fence is tall enough to prevent the goat from even attempting to jump over. A 4- to 5-foot (1.2–1.5 m) fence is satisfactory for most goats.
Can a goat jump a 4 foot fence?
These compact animals may not seem like they can jump high. Even though they’re extremely short, you can still expect these animals to jump over a 4-foot-tall fence. They also enjoy leaning, standing, and chewing on fencing.
Do goats escape easily?
First of all, a lone goat is more prone to escape. Goats are herd animals, and an only goat is a lonely goat. She’ll get bored easily, get out of her pen, and be constantly in your front yard eating your roses, sleeping on your porch and jumping on your car.
Will electric wire keep goats in?
While more costly than other forms of electric fencing, commercially manufactured netting made of polywire can be particularly effective at keeping goats confined. The netting fence stands about 4 feet high, and the squares are small enough to discourage even young goats from sticking their noses through the netting.
Do goats jump fences?
Goats have a natural tendency to leap or even climb over fencing. They can jump incredibly high, and their climbing abilities are astounding. If you give them even the slightest foothold, they will be able to escape.
What is a goat fence?
A fence at least four feet tall will deter most goats from jumping to the other side while keeping unwanted animals out. Since goats are prone to jumping, climbing, and even crawling, adding a line of electric fencing is an option for the top of the fence line.
How far can a goat jump?
Other facts. Mountain goats can jump 12 feet (3.5 meters) in a single bound, according to National Geographic.
Will hot wire keep goats in?
Your goats can’t climb or push on the fence.
And most goats will respect the hot wires. They can sense the current and usually won’t go near it. They don’t want to get hit with 7,000 volts!
What kind of fence do I need for goats?
Also, keep in mind how tall a goat fence should be. A fence at least four feet tall will deter most goats from jumping to the other side while keeping unwanted animals out. Since goats are prone to jumping, climbing, and even crawling, adding a line of electric fencing is an option for the top of the fence line.
7 Scents That Goats Hate (And How to Use Them) – Pest Pointers
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Why Keep Goats Away
What Kind Of Damage Can Goats Cause
Scents That Goats Hate (Full List)
Other Ways To Keep Goats Away
Wrapping It Up!
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Goat Fencing: Keep Your Goats From Breaking Out
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- Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Goat Fencing: Keep Your Goats From Breaking Out Updating The following is a guest post by Liz Greene, all about building proper goat fencing.
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I was walking through a street fair the other day…
Fence Posts
Fencing
Fence Gates
3 Reasons Why Your Goats Keep Escaping – YouTube
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Building the Best Fence for Goats – Backyard Goats
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How to Keep Goats Off Porch – Apply These 7 Steps (2022)
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How to keep my goats out of an area? – Forum – Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Goats
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Page Not Found – Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Goats
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How to keep goats off porch – conmakz
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How to keep goats off the porch – Explained
Goats hate lavender
How to keep goats off porch – Goats don’t like musk
Goats stay away from sage
How to keep goats off porch – Hydrangeas repel goats
7 Tips to Stop Goats From Eating Flowers and Plants – Farmhouse Guide
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1 Fence the Plants
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3 Use a Spray Deterrent
4 Use a Goat Muzzle
5 Cultivate Plants That Goats Dislike
6 Always Supervise the Goats
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7 Scents That Goats Hate (And How to Use Them)
Goats can be invaluable friends to your yards when it comes to keeping weeds in check. Who doesn’t love that? Unfortunately, goats will also eat some of your ornamental plants and vegetables. The good news is, there are a few ways you can deter goats from snacking on your flowers, ornamental shrubs, and vegetables.
Goats are herbivores and have a voracious appetite. Thankfully, there are certain scents that will keep them away from your plants and desirables. Goats hate the scent of certain herbs like lavender, sage, hydrangea, cayenne pepper and also detest animal dung and peppermint oil.
Read on to learn about more scents that goats hate, along with other ways you can keep goats from noshing and trampling your plants, vegetables, and bushes!
Just to add – when you shop using links from Pest Pointers, we may earn affiliate commissions if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Why Keep Goats Away?
Goats love to eat! And will not stop at your hard earned flourishing plants. One of the best ways to keep goats away and stop them from eating your plants is to grow plants that goats don’t like and won’t eat.
Goats have a wide-ranging diet and will even eat things like poison ivy! However, there are certain plants that goats will not eat because they offend their sense of smell, taste bitter, or are poisonous to goats.
If goats are grazing in your yard, you will want to be able to contain where and what they are eating. Goats have an insatiable appetite and are known to eat anywhere from 8-12 hours each day.
With this kind of appetite, you can see that it is important to keep your goats in check!
What Kind Of Damage Can Goats Cause?
While goats can help remove unwanted weeds and other vegetation from your property, they can also cause unwanted damage.
Goats who graze beyond weeds that are undesirable and wander to your vegetables or other ornamental plants can kill these cultivated plants by eating or stomping on them.
Scents That Goats Hate (Full List)
There are scents that goats hate and will keep them away. Some of these can be purchased, others can be grown in your yard. If you find one scent to not be effective at deterring goats, try adding a few more and see if they have a better success rate.
Goats Hate Lavender
A popular ornamental herb, lavender is famous for its pleasing sweet smell. Often used in essential oils, perfumes, and candles, people love the smell of lavender for its relaxing properties. Lavender is also a calming herb used in certain herbal teas.
Unlike people, goats hate the smell of lavender. You can plant lavender plants around your yard, or use a lavender oil spray to deter goats from grazing in unwanted areas of your property.
You can plant lavender in the ground near other plants and vegetables that you do not want them to bother. Potted lavender can also be used in the same way.
Lavender can also be used in its essential oil form and used in a spray. You can even mix your own DIY lavender spray to deter goats! Simply add 20 drops of oil, such as Majestic Pure Lavender Essential Oil, to 2 cups of water. This spray can be used in the areas where you want to deter goats.
Mullein Keeps Goats Away
Mullein is a plant whose flowers have long been used for medicinal purposes. The oil extracted from mullein has been used to treat skin conditions and respiratory ailments. Mullein will grow in any open, sunny area and prefers sandy soil.
Goats do not like mullein. When goats step on mullein it releases a scent that goats hate. Mullein also tastes very bitter to goats.
You can use mullein in your yard to keep goats away. Plant mullein in areas you want to keep goats out. Mullein needs full sun to grow and thrive, so you can only use this plant to deter goats in areas where you will get the right amount of sun. You can purchase mullein seeds like Earthcare Seeds Great Mullein 150 Heirloom Seeds and plant them in any sunny open space in your yard.
Goats Stay Away From Sage
Sage is a plant that has long been used for cooking and its aromatic scent. People burn sage to clear the air and cook with it in many savory dishes including stews and roasted dishes. Sage grows best in well-drained soil and with a bit of shade.
You can use sage to deter goats because they do not like the scent this plant puts off. Sage is also toxic to goats and most times animals will not eat plants that are harmful to them unless there is no other food available. Goats will only eat sage if they are near starving.
Planting sage in areas you want to keep goats away will most likely turn their attention to grazing in another area in your yard.
Hydrangeas Keeps Goats Away
Hydrangea is a very common ornamental flowering bush that has over 75 species. This plant comes in a wide variety of colors and has a pleasant scent. Many people plant hydrangea around their property and often use the cut flowers inside their homes.
Hydrangea repels a lot of insects and also repels goats. Goats will not eat hydrangea unless they are starving, and because goats eat such a wide variety of plants and weeds, it isn’t likely that if you have other plants around your property that goats will be starving.
You can plant hydrangea anywhere around your yard you would like to keep goats away. Hydrangea grows well in partial sun and fertile, moist, well-drained soil. You can buy Endless Summer Bloomstruck Hydrangeas in a variety of colors and beautify your yard while keeping the goats away!
Cayenne Pepper Keeps Goats Away
Similar to many other animals, cayenne pepper keeps goats at bay. Simply put, the scent of cayenne pepper is irritating to goats and additionally (similar to peppermint oil below) is strong enough to mask potential food sources and provide a bitter taste to anything that goats may bite.
The main ingredient in cayenne pepper, capsaicin, is the main spice component in chili peppers. Too hot!
Animal Dung Repels Goats
Goats are deterred by the smell of animal dung. Apply animal dung to areas you want to keep goats from grazing and stomping on plants.
One thing that is very important to note is that dung should not be used on vegetable or edible plants that you will be eating.
While animal dung is a scent that goats hate, it is one of the more complicated to use because of the risks involved. I mean, it’s dung?
Generally, cow dung should do the trick. So if you have a farm, you can you know, repurpose it.
Peppermint Oil Keeps Goats Away
If you want to use a spray to deter goats, there are several different options available for purchase. These sprays are formulated with scents that goats and other pests do not like.
Most notably, peppermint oil is one of the universal essential oils that many animals seem to stay away from, most specifically, goats. It’s believed that the strong scent of peppermint oil is irritating to the sinus of a goat and masks potential food sources, making them stay away.
This Natural Armor Animal And Rodent Repellant Spray can be used to repel many animals in your yard. While goats aren’t specifically listed as an animal it repels, this is a general spray than can be applied.
Other Ways To Keep Goats Away
If you have a problem with goats damaging your property, you may want to add other methods in addition to, or instead of, plants and scents goats hate. Here are a few other ways to keep goats away.
Use Fencing
You can use exclusion methods like fencing to keep goats out. When planning a fence to keep goats away from plants or gardens in your yard, you will want to choose a fence that is at least four feet high.
A four-foot fence will be high enough to keep goats out, considering that most goats would not be able to jump over that height.
When choosing a material for fencing to keep goats out (or in) an area, you will want to pick a material that is strong enough to withstand leaning and climbing attempts from goats. Fencing with four-inch squares is ideal so that animals cannot get their heads stuck in the fencing as well.
It is also recommended that you build a fence with vertical bars as opposed to horizontal bars to prevent the goats from standing or climbing up the fence. Woven wire or field fencing, with four-inch holes, are among the most commonly used to keep goats out of off-limits areas.
You can also use electric fencing to keep goats out. This Electric Goat & Sheep Net Fence Is a popular option for those who prefer this method of deterring goats.
Make Loud Noises
Like many animals, goats do not like loud or sudden noises. Using an automatically censored piece of equipment that will send off loud sounds when triggered by motion sensors is always an option to repel goats with sound.
You can also play loud music, bang pots, and pans, and use other noise-makers to keep goats away.
However, goats will adapt to this and so using loud noises is not the most consistently reliable or best way to keep goats away. This method is most likely a bit effective if used in conjunction with another method, such as using plants and other scents that goats hate.
Wrapping It Up!
If you keep goats, you know this comes with pros and cons. While you love having goats for many reasons, including very effective lawn, grass, and weed maintenance, goats can cause problems as well.
The methods described above are effective at keeping goats from damaging your property by overgrazing and stomping on your plants and gardens. For the best results, you will want to incorporate a few different methods until you find the right combination to keep goats away.
Keep in mind that goats are adaptable animals. Switching the way you keep goats away every so often will give you the best chance to prevent goat damage to your property.
References
Weaver, Sue. The Backyard Goat: An Introductory Guide to Keeping and Enjoying Pet Goats, from Feeding and Housing to Making Your Own Cheese. Storey Publishing, 2011.
Papachristou, Thomas G., Luthando E. Dziba, and Frederick D. Provenza. “Foraging ecology of goats and sheep on wooded rangelands.” Small Ruminant Research 59.2-3 (2005): 141-156.
Muminov, Azamjon, et al. “Modern virtual fencing application: Monitoring and controlling behavior of goats using GPS collars and warning signals.” Sensors 19.7 (2019): 1598.
Goat Fencing: Keep Your Goats From Breaking Out
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The following is a guest post by Liz Greene. Liz hails from the beautiful city of trees, Boise, Idaho. She’s a lover of all things geek and is happiest when cuddling with her dogs and catching up on the latest Marvel movies. You can follow her on Twitter @LizVGreene or delve deeper into her internal musings at her blog, InstantLo.
I was walking through a street fair the other day…
A friend and I noticed a pair of teenage girls walking goats. When we approached to ask them about their animals, their response was, “We got them on Craigslist!” As we walked away, I saw my friend shaking her head. I asked her what the odds were that those girls had the proper set up to take care of the goats. She replied that it was highly unlikely.
I don’t mean to shame them in the slightest. It’s entirely possible they do have the proper fencing and equipment to take care of their new pets — but it’s also possible they jumped on the goat bandwagon before properly preparing. I almost did.
Goats are so adorable it physically hurts a little. And whether you’re raising them for meat, or milk, fiber, or pets, I’m sure you’re planning on giving them adorable names, hugs, and all the attention they could ever want. Hell, I’m so obsessed with goats, I went to the state fair this year with the express intent to pet MORE goats. If you haven’t noticed, I really, really like goats.
However, I also know from experience that goats require a certain amount of care — mainly, that proper fencing is important to keeping your goats safe! I’ve found that, above all other aspects of goat care, the fence deserves the most attention. DaNelle knows what I’m talking about, as I just read about her great goat escape.
Fence Posts
Since goats tend to rub on walls and fences, they have to be extremely sturdy. When you put in fencing, use eight foot wooden or metal posts. Space them eight to ten feet apart and bury them at least two feet deep. If you’re using T-posts, pound them in past the V at the bottom that holds them in the ground. The corner posts must be on the outside as goats will climb up a fence support in the blink of an eye.
Fencing
Now we’re getting into the nuts and bolts of goat containment: the fencing. A good rule of thumb for fencing is that if the goat can get their head through it, they can get their body through it. All fencing needs to be a minimum of four feet high. If you have highly active Nubians or miniature breeds, make it five feet. There are many options for the type of fencing you choose, but for the sake of time, I’m only going to go over three.
Woven wire fencing is a popular choice, but it’s quite expensive and installation is a bit of a pain. If you’re using woven wire fencing, go for four inch openings to keep your goats from getting their heads stuck in the fence.
Cattle or goat panels with graduated spacing are excellent fences for goats. They are available in various heights and lengths, but the higher and wider they are, the better. There one downside is that the tallest panels land right around 52 inches, so you may need to add a couple wires of electric fence across the top to discourage active breeds from jumping over.
Electric fencing is another great choice for goats. When placing wires, remember that goats are more likely to go under a fence rather than over it, so the bottom wire should be kept close to the ground. If your area is prone to blackouts, consider purchasing solar-powered electric fence chargers for added protection. Goat fencing will require a 4,000-5,000 volt charger.
Fence Gates
Anyone who owns goats will tell you that they’re incredibly clever. One of the places you’ll see this cleverness in action is at the gate of your goat yard. Since goats have been known to open hook and eye, lever, and bolt latches, a padlock may be the best option to keep them in. Whatever type of latch you ultimately decide on, make sure to place it on the outside of the gate where the goats can’t reach it.
Whatever fencing, post, and gate you choose, it important to remember that goats are excellent crawlers, climbers, and jumpers. They’re quite happy to go over, under, or through any fence that wasn’t built to the best specifications to keep them in.
Building the Best Fence for Goats
Building the Best Fence for Goats
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By: Anita B. Stone
Goats love to climb. They love to get on top of things. Their personality overflows with curiosity, stubbornness, and perseverance which will put any type of fence to the test. And your goats will test your fence. So, the best fence for goats is a difficult choice. It depends on the breed age and size, their hooves and heads, and it is inevitable that they will crawl under, jump over, lean, and manage to escape any fence you can devise.
In order to protect your animals, it’s imperative to select the best protective fence within your means, whether you have a small farm, large pasture, or urban home. There are six factors, all equally important, to take into consideration when choosing the best fence for goats. They include: the number of goats you have, the size of the area to be fenced, whether you want an electric fence, should you prefer alternative fencing, where the fence is to be placed, and the amount of money you want to spend.
Goats require specific fencing. The best fence for goats should typically be between four and five feet high. Educating yourself and reading about goats can be of great help in making fencing decisions, especially with goats. Here are some tips in selecting the best fence for goats.
There are two types of fencing, electric and non-electric.
From a goat’s point of view, no one enjoys being “zapped,” but sometimes it is necessary to use electric fencing to keep the goats in line. Most of the cost lies in the purchase of the charger. Goats can be contained with four to five strands of high tensile electrified wire. If jumping is a problem, a high wire set one foot inside the top of the fence can be used. The bottom wire should be kept close to the ground should any goat decide to crawl under the fence. This will keep other critters out, as well. High tensile wire can be used with a three-foot vertical space. If using high tensile wire, put four to five wires across the fence, making the third wire from the top and the bottom wire electrified. Five wires are necessary for goats that jump. Although electric fences are perfectly safe, they provide enough shock to make even the most precocious goat think twice about attempting to jump over, crawl under, or squeeze through. However, a determined goat may decide to tolerate the shock and push through. The fence should be charged at 4500 to 9000 volts (some experts recommend 7,000 to 10,000 volts) at all times. Goats will know if you unplug the fence. Some goats may require both electric and non-electric fencing. In any pasture, maintenance is essential, but for wooded or mountainous area, you will need to walk the area often to check for fallen limbs, invasive grasses and other debris. The area under the electric wire should remain clear so the fence won’t ground out.
Photo by Anita B. Stone
Non-electric fencing provides more choices for your goats. The primary considerations are ensuring that your goats cannot get their head or horns caught in the fence and the overall sturdiness of the fence material. The primary consideration for the owner is financial outlay. Careful planning around the first of two issues is necessary. For non-electric fencing, a closely spaced (2″x4″) mesh fence can be used. Mesh wire flexes on impact and is highly durable. Mesh fences are distinguished from one another by the wire material, the wire design, wire construction, and the size of the openings. Mesh panels can be made of welded wire, woven wire, square wire, or galvanized wire.
Welded wire fence is not as expensive as others, but also less sturdy. It has thinner wire with a smaller grid, keeping baby goats safe. With this type of fence, the bottom must be secured to prevent kids and small adult goats from squeezing under. The connecting points in the wire grid are welded and may not hold under stress. An electric wire placed one foot in front of this fence near the top can help. For large enclosures, the fence must be secured at the bottom so kids cannot crawl under, and must be regularly monitored for holes.
“If there’s a hole, your goat will find it,” says farmer Michael Luddy. “They are smart and observant.”
Woven wire is preferred by most goat-owners; however, it is more expensive but most often used for smaller pastures. This fence keeps each opening in place, is sturdy and can withstand pushing, climbing, and general goat rowdiness. The fence needs to be pulled tight or goats may push the fence over and escape. It should be noted that with woven construction, the grid openings are often larger and some goats can get their horns caught. This is usually not a problem with adult goats. In-grid spacing on a woven wire fence should be no larger than four by four inches.
Galvanized wire steel mesh fence has 2″x4″ spacing, making it desirable for baby goats and smaller breeds. In galvanized fence, zinc is bonded to an inner core of carbon steel, keeping moisture out. This fence will not rust. Some fencing wire may be coated with plastic to prevent rust, but the plastic can come off and weaken the entire system. Coated fencing also requires continuous maintenance.
Square wire fence is strong and durable enough for goats. The four-inch squares keep most goats safely controlled. Small goats, though, can get their horns caught or poke their heads through.
Cattle panels make a good goat fence, but they are expensive and frequently used for small pastures or for separating pasture areas.
If there’s a hole, your goat will find it. They are smart and observant. Michael Luddy
In choosing the best fence for goats, it is important to select the correct corner posts. Some are not strong enough to keep the wires tight and some, such as diagonal bracing, can provide unwanted footholds for goats to jump over the fence. Support posts provide the strength to keep livestock safe. Terrain is another consideration. If your pasture is in woodland or mountainous terrain, frequent and careful monitoring of any fence is necessary to locate fallen limbs or torn holes. If the soil is consistently hard or dry, an electric fence will not work. Under these circumstances, a low-impedance fence can be used. Fence maintenance must be routinely done with all forms of goat fencing.
So, the best fence and design for goats is the one that meets your criteria. It is the one that protects your goats, not only from escaping but also from outside critters. With proper fencing, awareness and care, your kids, no matter how large or small, young or old, can be safe, secure, and comfortable. And you can reap the enjoyment and benefits of raising goats.
Originally published in the January/February 2020 issue of Goat Journal and regularly vetted for accuracy.
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