Welcome to Goat Keeper Weekly!
Every so often, I like to share little snippets from inside our Holistic Goat Circle – the funny stories, practical tips, and seasonal reminders that come up when goat owners start swapping experiences. Think of it as a peek into a thriving community of holistic goat keepers helping each other learn and grow.
This week’s question had us all shaking our heads (and laughing a little):
Can Goats Breed Through a Fence?
Earlier this month, one of our members, Gloria, posted a hilarious-but-totally-not-funny photo that had everyone wondering:
“Can goats actually breed through a wooden fence?”
It turns out… yes, it can happen. While it’s rare, a determined buck will surprise you – especially if the fence isn’t solid or tall enough. If your fence has wide slats or gaps, or if you’re using livestock panels, a persistent buck can sometimes manage the impossible.
Or, in the words of the venerated Dr. Ian Malcolm… Life… uhh, finds a way. 🤣
Why it happens:
- You may have noticed that bucks in rut can be aggressive and persistent. And does in heat can be very determined.
- Fences with horizontal boards or wire gaps give just enough opportunity.
- If does are cycling and the timing aligns, they are gonna do what they are gonna do.
How to prevent it:
- Don’t fence breeding groups next to each other unless the fence has solid walls – if there’s a gap, you may end up with unplanned babies.
- Visual barriers help! Bucks are less… insistent when they can’t see the does.
- And of course, make sure to reinforce corners and gates.
Want to see how the discussion unfolded (and maybe share your own story)?
👉 Join the full discussion inside the Holistic Goat Circle.
Fall Breeding & Hay Prep
Fall is one of the busiest seasons for goat keepers – pairing does and bucks, buying hay before prices spike, and making sure everyone’s minerals and condition are where they should be before winter.
Inside our Herbal Pioneers program (a private learning space for Holistic Goat members who want to dive deeper into natural herd care) we’ve built a whole library of practical tools to make this season smoother.
Two that come in handy every year are:
- The Goat Breeding Preparation Checklist – A step-by-step guide to help you confirm that both your bucks and does are ready to breed, with reminders about minerals, body condition, and timing.
- The Hay Buying Worksheet – A simple printable sheet to compare local hay sources, track cost per pound, and how to evaluate texture, smell, and nutrient content.
Even if you’re not yet in Herbal Pioneers, these are great reminders to check your herd’s nutrition, parasite status, and housing before cold weather sets in.
👉 Curious about Herbal Pioneers? It’s our deeper-dive learning hub where members get guided lessons, printables, and real-world seasonal tools like these. Learn more or join here.
How to Make Colloidal Silver for Goats
If you’ve been around me for long, you already know I’m a big believer in keeping a few simple, natural remedies on hand – and colloidal silver is one of my favorites. It’s an antimicrobial liquid made by passing an electrical current through silver rods in distilled water, and it can be used topically or internally for a wide range of goat-care needs.
In our household, colloidal silver is the first thing I reach for when a goat gets a cut, scrape, or minor infection. It helps fight bacteria and supports healing without harsh chemicals, and it’s inexpensive to make once you’ve got the basics down.
If you’re new to it, don’t worry – it’s not nearly as complicated as it sounds. Inside the Holistic Goat community, I put together a free step-by-step guide that walks you through how to make it, including:
- What kind of silver rods to use and where to get them
- how to DIY a power source
- How to tell when your solution is ready
👉 Click here to learn how I make colloidal silver for goats.
Even if you never end up making your own, it’s worth understanding how this simple remedy fits into a natural first-aid kit for your herd.
💛 A Note from Megan
That’s it for this week’s Goat Keeper Weekly, where we trade stories, swap tips, and laugh through the joys (and chaos) of goat keeping.
If you ever need quick answers, the Helping Hand Chatbot inside the Holistic Goat Circle is always available – it’s trained on my free lessons and guides so you can get help anytime.
And if you’re ready to go deeper into herbal and mineral care, the Herbal Pioneers community has full lessons, printables, and seasonal checklists to make herd management simpler.
All my love,
Megan
FAQ
Q: Can goats really breed through fences?
A: I wish I could say no… but yes, it happens! A determined buck in full rut can surprise you – especially with livestock panels or fences that have larger openings. If you’ve got a particularly ambitious gentleman, double-fencing or adding a visual barrier will save you from unexpected kids later.
Q: When should I start breeding my goats in the fall?
A: Most folks aim for late fall so kids arrive in early spring – that sweet spot where it’s warming up but not muddy and miserable yet. The main thing is making sure both your does and bucks are in good condition before pairing. Think shiny coats, good weight, and balanced minerals.
Q: Is colloidal silver actually safe for goats?
A: Used properly, yes. It’s been a staple in my own herd (and home!) for years. I make mine with distilled water and pure silver, and use it for cuts, scrapes, and the occasional internal bug. The key is keeping it simple and using it wisely – a little goes a long way.
