If you’re raising chickens, ducks, and goats together, you need a versatile, escape-proof fence that keeps your animals contained while keeping predators out.
Goats are climbers and jumpers, ducks can slip through gaps, and chickens can fly over fences—so your fencing solution must work for all three!
In this guide, you’ll learn:
✔ The best fencing options for mixed flocks & herds
✔ How to keep predators out & animals in
✔ Step-by-step setup tips for a secure fence
What to Look for in a Fence for Chickens, Ducks, and Goats
✔ At least 4 feet tall – Stops goats from jumping & chickens from flying over.
✔ Small openings (under 2 inches) – Prevents ducks & chickens from squeezing through.
✔ Predator-proof – Stops coyotes, foxes, raccoons, hawks, and stray dogs.
✔ Durable materials – Must withstand goats rubbing, pushing, and climbing.
🛑 Avoid barbed wire, split rail fencing, or weak mesh—they won’t work for a mixed flock & herd!
Best Fencing Options for Chickens, Ducks, and Goats
1. 2” x 4” Welded Wire Fence + Electric Wire – Best Permanent Fence
✔ Height: 48–60 inches
✔ Wire Spacing: 2” x 4” mesh
✔ Durability: Strong & long-lasting
🔹 Why It’s Great:
- Tight mesh prevents ducks and chickens from escaping.
- Strong enough to keep goats contained.
- Works well on flat or hilly terrain.
🔹 Best For: Permanent fencing around pastures & poultry enclosures.
🔹 Top Pick: Red Brand 2” x 4” Welded Wire Fence (48” tall)
2. Electric Netting – Best for Rotational Grazing & Predator Protection
✔ Height: 42 inches
✔ Wire Type: Mesh netting with electric strands
✔ Power Needed: Solar, AC, or battery-powered charger
🔹 Why It’s Great:
- Prevents climbing, flying, and squeezing through gaps.
- Deters predators like coyotes, raccoons, and stray dogs.
- Easy to move for rotational grazing & free-range poultry.
🔹 Best For: Mobile setups & predator-heavy areas.
🔹 Top Pick: Premier 1 PoultryNet Electric Fence
3. 1” Hardware Cloth + Welded Wire Fence – Best for Predator-Proof Coops & Runs
✔ Height: 48 inches
✔ Wire Spacing: 1” mesh (hardware cloth) + 2” x 4” welded wire
✔ Durability: Maximum predator protection
🔹 Why It’s Great:
- Hardware cloth stops raccoons, weasels, and snakes.
- Welded wire keeps goats from damaging the fence.
- Best for securing chicken & duck coops.
🔹 Best For: Predator-proof chicken runs & duck enclosures.
🔹 Top Pick: YARDGARD 1” Hardware Cloth + Red Brand Welded Wire
4. High-Tensile Electric Fence – Best for Large Pastures
✔ Height: 42–48 inches
✔ Wire Type: 4–6 strands of high-tensile electric wire
✔ Power Needed: 5,000–7,000 volts
🔹 Why It’s Great:
- Works well for large pastures.
- Affordable compared to mesh fencing.
- Doubles as predator protection.
🔹 Best For: Large homesteads & free-range goats & poultry.
🔹 Top Pick: Gallagher S400 Solar Fence Charger
How to Build an Escape-Proof & Predator-Proof Fence
✅ Step 1: Choose the Right Fence Type
- Welded wire + electric wire for permanent fencing.
- Electric netting for mobile pastures.
- Hardware cloth for chicken & duck coops.
✅ Step 2: Install Sturdy Fence Posts
- Use wooden or metal T-posts every 8–10 feet.
- For electric fences, install grounding rods properly.
✅ Step 3: Ensure Proper Fence Height
- Goats: At least 48 inches to prevent jumping.
- Chickens: Clip wings or add overhead netting if they fly over.
- Ducks: Make sure bottom openings are under 2 inches.
✅ Step 4: Secure the Bottom of the Fence
- Bury 6 inches underground to stop digging predators.
- Use an apron-style fence (bend outward at the bottom).
- Add an electric wire at ground level to deter predators.
✅ Step 5: Train Your Animals to Respect the Fence
- Goats: Let them touch an electric fence while supervised.
- Chickens & Ducks: Keep them in a covered run for a few days before free-ranging.
🔹 Pro Tip: Use motion-activated lights or livestock guardian dogs for extra protection against predators!
Electric vs. Non-Electric Fencing for Chickens, Ducks, and Goats
| Feature | Electric Fence | Welded Wire + Hardware Cloth |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Large pastures, predator protection | Permanent enclosures, small pastures |
| Escape Prevention | ✅ High | ✅ High |
| Predator Protection | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Excellent (if buried) |
| Cost | 💰 More affordable | 💰 More expensive |
| Ease of Installation | ✅ Easier | ❌ Harder |
🔹 For backyard flocks & herds? Welded wire + hardware cloth works best.
🔹 For large farms? Electric netting is cost-effective and deters predators.
Common Fencing Problems & How to Fix Them
🚧 Goats Jumping Over the Fence?
✔ Increase fence height to 5 feet.
✔ Use angled posts to make climbing harder.
🚧 Chickens Flying Over?
✔ Clip one wing to reduce flight ability.
✔ Add overhead netting or electric wires at the top.
🚧 Ducks & Chickens Squeezing Through Gaps?
✔ Use 1” hardware cloth around the bottom of the fence.
✔ Install a small-mesh barrier (under 2 inches) along the base.
🚧 Predators Digging Under?
✔ Bury fence 6 inches deep or add an apron fence.
✔ Use motion lights or guard animals (dogs, geese, or donkeys).
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Fence for Chickens, Ducks, and Goats
A strong, escape-proof fence keeps your animals safe while protecting them from predators.
Quick Recap:
✔ Best Permanent Fence? 2” x 4” Welded Wire + Electric Wire
✔ Best Portable Fence? Premier 1 PoultryNet Electric Netting
✔ Best Predator-Proof Fence? Hardware Cloth + Welded Wire
✔ Best for Large Pastures? High-Tensile Electric Fence
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