Predator Control! If you have goat companions, you must consider what you plan to do for predator control. It is one of the most important components for living with goat friends. Once you meet goats and sit with them, play with them, cuddle, nuzzle, brush, sing to, socialize with...you can never go back. They get under your skin, into your heart and begin to possess your mind so that you think about them a lot. And think about their SAFETY!!!
Everyone will have their own opinion and experience, so do research from a vast array of sources. Ultimately that answer will lie with knowing your goats and yourself. Sometimes we have to learn the hard way, but we can prevent a lot of suffering by asking others about their experience before we make any choices.
For me, I prefer having my goats in a large area with rocks to jump on, playgrounds to play on, good shelter all enclosed by predator fencing that is high with barbed wire on top and about four feet of thick chicken wire underground. That can be very expensive and a lot of work, but very worth it when you love your goats. A good fencing company will know what predator fencing is but not all fencing companies are familiar with this term. It is important to find out about zoning laws before you pick your fence height. Each city has ordinances about how high a fence can be and how much it costs to go over those laws. If you choose a higher fence, some areas require a contracted plan with a fee. It has to be safe, secure and created by someone who is a licensed contractor in order for most cities to approve if higher than normal.
Don't cut corners here. If you want a higher fence, get the proper permits and have someone experienced put up the predator fencing so that it will actually keep out predators. Saving money can end up costing you more money in the long run. I know someone who used three feet of chicken wire underground. It did not do the job. A dog dug under and killed her loved ones. My vet recommended four feet of thick, durable chicken wire.
Some people use llamas, donkeys and/or certain breed of dogs to protect their herd. If you use dogs, make sure to research which breed will actually be working to protect goats and will not turn on them or injure them in play. My goats detest dogs. My late beloved goat had a mom killed by dogs, so dogs were never an option for me. Llamas are sometimes used for predator control. They are territorial and spit putrid smelling liquid to repel any living being. However, then you have to commit to caring for another animal and learning about them, their habits, their preferences, etc. I have had the experience of being with a llama that was nasty (more on that later!).
Donkeys that are front stompers can also be predator control. I heard about an experience from a friend that had a donkey that was a back kicker. She did not protect the goats from dogs that got over the fence. They put in a donkey that was a front stomper instead, but so far have not had any dogs come around. However, this donkey can be a bully with the goats, eat all of the goat's treats and get jealous of the attention given to the goats. The donkey sometimes gets violent and runs around chasing the goats aggressively when treats are given. The llama, also used as predator control in same area, is nasty and threatens to spit every time any human gets too close. She can also be aggressive when it comes to feeding treats.
I regard the giving of fruits and vegetables to goats not just as treats, but as extra vitamins and minerals that keep goats healthy and happy. We had a fun routine which included going to different areas, playing various games, getting exercise and increasing their sense of well being that involved the giving of cut pieces of fruits and vegetables. My goats even knew the amount of the pieces they would get depending on what we did. Some fun things got four pieces, some got three, some got two. I would count out the amount and they never asked for more because they knew how much they would get and moved onto the next play. Goats are smarter than you could ever imagine and they have an incredible sense of memory.
If the cost of fencing is too much, fence parts at a time and then expand gradually. Remember, whether you are in an urban or rural area, predators exist. Even neighborhood dogs are a threat. I knew someone who lost her beloved goat when someone let their pet dogs roam free. Do extensive research when it comes to predator control before you consider living with goats. Make sure you also have a secure barn at night to put goats in if living in a rural area. Or.....goats come in at night and share a common room with you...after all, they are family.
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