Petee Posted September 11, 2017 Share Posted September 11, 2017 Does anyone know of a local farm that might be willing to rent out some small goats for a week or so? I will have it fenced in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pappy Posted September 11, 2017 Share Posted September 11, 2017 Did your lawnmower break? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Petee Posted September 12, 2017 Author Share Posted September 12, 2017 Actually hubby ran over a big exposed root and killed the mower deck, but the problem for the goats to solve is a poison ivy infested area where we had a HUGE old Ash tree cut down last January. Of course we didn't get it cleaned up as planned before the weeds got tall, so now even weed whacking is dangerous. Now even finishing cutting up the wood is an adventure in skin rashes. I'm going to invest in a movable electric netting fence at the Mother Earth News Fair this weekend and then I can corral a couple of goats to clean out the area. However, I don't want buy goats to do it. I could Rent a Grandkid but then their parents would kill me, and they know where to find me! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueangel Posted September 12, 2017 Share Posted September 12, 2017 Goats have to be "trained" to any type of electric fencing. They will run right over/through it if they aren't. You will also need to buy a fence charger that will deliver enough voltage to control the goats. Most net fencing will state how many stored joules are required per section. I've been raising goats for years, some will stay in an electric fence and some just don't seem to get it. Pompeii 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Petee Posted September 12, 2017 Author Share Posted September 12, 2017 I suppose we will have to tie them and watch them carefully as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueangel Posted September 12, 2017 Share Posted September 12, 2017 At the moment I have 3 in a woven wire fence with 2 strands of electric wire inside to keep them from climbing the wire. I have 3 others that I tie out during the day and put in the barn at night. I only tie goats when someone will be around to keep an eye on them. They are used to being tied and seldom get tangled but stray dogs and coyotes will make short work of a goat. Bon 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dobby Posted September 12, 2017 Share Posted September 12, 2017 Just burn the poison ivy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sanibel Posted September 13, 2017 Share Posted September 13, 2017 35 minutes ago, Dobby said: Just burn the poison ivy Be very careful if you burn. The oils of the poison ivy burning smoke can damage the lungs. Bon 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Petee Posted September 13, 2017 Author Share Posted September 13, 2017 There's a huge tree in the middle of the mess. We need to cut it up for firewood and tear down an old shed in the same mess, but no one is willing to brave the Poison Ivy. I won't spray and I've bundled up and weed whacked but it grows faster than I can deal with it. I'm willing to try the goat solution if I find small goats that I can keep corralled. Otherwise, we may have to wait for a big frost and be very careful as we clean it all up. I've sworn off steroids for the rest of my life...... I hope. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bon Posted September 16, 2017 Share Posted September 16, 2017 Have you asked any of your Amish friends?? They might have a goat or 2, or they might have a son willing to chop down all the poison ivy & spray the area so it doesn't return!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Petee Posted September 17, 2017 Author Share Posted September 17, 2017 I wouldn't want to risk them getting into the Poison Ivy even if they were willing. I think hubby and I will just have to risk it. Aaghhhhh! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sanibel Posted September 17, 2017 Share Posted September 17, 2017 Have you tried spraying with vinegar? ( 1 part vinegar, 3 parts water and 2 teaspoons dawn dishwashing detergent).The problem with this is that this mixture will kill everything it touches, but if you want to knock out the green part without waiting for a frost, it does work. You still have to dig out the roots though or it comes back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Petee Posted September 18, 2017 Author Share Posted September 18, 2017 Normally I do use a mixture like that down at Charlies but not this year because we have such a mess going on this spring. It works best on new tender foliage or after you've removed the top of the plant. It would never touch this tall old mess around the tree. I'll probably start weed whacking it tomorrow. On our way home today I saw a weird animal way ahead on the road. When we got closer I realized it was a Boer Goat and it's buddy. They had collars and were males so I didn't stop and load them into the van! They stink. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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