6 Best Goat Corral Panels For Kidding Season That Keep Does & Kids Safe
Protect does & kids during kidding season. We review the 6 best corral panels, focusing on kid-proof spacing, durability, and overall herd safety.
Kidding season can feel like controlled chaos, but the one thing you can control is the safety of your kidding pens. A flimsy, poorly designed pen is an invitation for a stressed-out doe to escape or a curious kid to get stuck. The right corral panels aren’t just about containment; they are a critical tool for ensuring a safe, low-stress environment for mothers and newborns. This guide breaks down the best panel options for hobby farmers, focusing on the practical tradeoffs between cost, durability, and ease of use.
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Choosing Panels for Safe Kidding Pen Setups
The first thing to realize is that a kidding pen panel has a different job than a perimeter fence. Its primary role is to create a small, secure, and observable space where a doe can bond with her kids without interference from the rest of the herd. This means your selection criteria should prioritize safety over sheer strength.
Look for three key features: height, bar spacing, and construction. A 4-foot height is the absolute minimum to discourage a doe from jumping, with 5-foot being a much safer bet. Bar spacing is even more critical; you need vertical and horizontal gaps small enough (ideally under 4 inches) to prevent a tiny kid from slipping through or, worse, getting its head trapped. Finally, consider the material—galvanized steel offers the best rust resistance, while powder-coated panels provide a smooth, durable finish that can eventually chip.
Don’t get caught in the "heavier is always better" trap. While heavy-gauge steel is incredibly durable, it’s also a nightmare to move by yourself. If you need to reconfigure pens between kiddings or break them down for storage, lighter-weight "utility" panels offer a practical balance of strength and portability that is more than sufficient for most goat breeds.
Tarter 5-Foot Utility Panels for Versatility
Tarter is a name you’ll see in nearly every farm store, and for good reason. Their 5-foot tall utility panels are a fantastic all-around choice for creating flexible kidding stalls. They strike a great balance between being sturdy enough for a pushy doe but light enough for one person to manage during setup.
The real advantage of these panels is their simple pin connection system. Dropping a few steel pins through the looped ends is fast, secure, and allows for incredible flexibility. You can easily create a 10’x10′ stall with four panels, or use three to form a pen in the corner of a barn. This adaptability is perfect for the dynamic needs of kidding season, where you might need to expand, shrink, or move a pen on short notice.
These panels are typically powder-coated, which provides a tough, corrosion-resistant finish. While durable, it’s not invincible. Scratches and chips from moving them around can eventually lead to rust, especially if stored outdoors. Even so, for their cost and versatility, they are a solid workhorse for any hobby farm.
Behlen Country 6-Bar Panels: Heavy-Duty Choice
If you raise larger, more powerful breeds like Boers or Kikos, or if you simply believe in buying equipment that will outlast you, Behlen’s heavy-duty panels are worth the investment. These are built to a higher standard, often using heavier gauge steel and featuring a 6-bar design that offers more containment for both does and adventurous kids.
The construction is where these panels shine. They are often hot-dip galvanized, a process that provides superior, long-term protection against rust compared to paint or powder coating. This makes them an excellent choice for permanent or semi-permanent setups that will be exposed to the elements year-round. They are designed to take abuse from much larger livestock, so a goat is barely a challenge for them.
The tradeoff, however, is significant. These panels are heavy. Setting up a pen is often a two-person job, and moving them is a serious workout. They also come with a higher price tag. This is a "buy it once, cry it once" purchase, best suited for farmers who have a dedicated kidding area and prioritize maximum durability over portability.
Priefert Utility Panels for Easy Portability
Priefert panels are engineered for the farmer who values speed and convenience. While still strong, their design often prioritizes a lighter weight, making them exceptionally easy to handle and reconfigure by yourself. If you’re constantly adjusting your barn layout or need to set up temporary pens in the pasture, these are your best friend.
Their defining feature is the chain-and-latch connection. Instead of fumbling with loose pins, you simply wrap a chain and drop a latch into a slot. It’s incredibly fast, secure, and allows for connections on uneven ground where pin systems might bind up. This small detail makes a huge difference when you’re tired and trying to set up a pen quickly before an impending birth.
This portability comes with a slight compromise in brute strength. While more than adequate for Nigerian Dwarfs, Pygmies, and most dairy breeds, a very large, very determined meat goat doe might be able to push them around if not properly secured. They are the perfect solution for rotational systems and temporary setups where ease of use is the top priority.
CountyLine Panels with Gate for Easy Access
Never underestimate the value of a walk-through gate. A standard panel with an integrated gate, like those commonly sold under the CountyLine brand at Tractor Supply, is a game-changer for daily chores during kidding season. It transforms the frustrating task of climbing over a fence with buckets of water and flakes of hay into a simple, stress-free walk.
This isn’t just about your convenience; it’s about animal safety and well-being. Stepping over a 4- or 5-foot panel is an accident waiting to happen, both for you and for any newborn kids underfoot. A gate provides clear, safe entry and exit, reducing the risk of tripping and disturbing a new family. It’s especially useful when you need to quickly assist with a birth or check on a weak kid without a major commotion.
While a gate panel costs more than a standard one, the investment pays for itself in saved time and reduced frustration. When choosing one, pay close attention to the latch. You want a design that is easy for you to operate with one hand (while the other holds a bucket) but is too complex for a clever goat to figure out.
OK Brand Welded Wire Panels: A Budget Option
For farmers on a tight budget, don’t overlook standard welded wire panels, often sold as "hog panels" or "utility panels." These are significantly less expensive than tube-style corral panels and offer surprising versatility. A single 16-foot panel can be bent into a U-shape and placed against a wall to form a quick, effective kidding jug.
The key to using these safely is choosing the right grid size. Avoid large-gridded cattle panels at all costs, as the 6"x8" openings are a perfect head-trap for a small goat kid. Look for panels with a 4"x4" or smaller grid. This spacing is small enough to prevent even newborn Nigerian Dwarf kids from getting stuck.
The downside is labor. These panels are not freestanding. You’ll need to support them with T-posts and secure them with wire or clips, which adds time and a bit of extra cost to the setup. However, if you’re handy and need to build multiple pens without breaking the bank, they are an excellent and safe alternative when used correctly.
Sioux Steel Victory Panels for Maximum Durability
When you’re ready to build a permanent kidding setup and want the absolute best in terms of longevity, Sioux Steel is a brand to consider. These panels represent the top tier of farm equipment, designed for maximum strength and weather resistance. They are an investment in infrastructure, not just a temporary solution.
What sets them apart is the quality of materials and finish. Many feature a premium powder coat over galvanized steel, offering two layers of protection against the elements. The welds are clean and strong, and the overall construction is meant to withstand decades of use, not just a few seasons. This level of durability means less time spent on maintenance and replacement down the road.
This is not the choice for someone needing a few temporary pens. The cost is high, and the weight reflects their robust build. But if you are establishing a permanent kidding barn and view your panels as a long-term asset, the upfront cost of Sioux Steel can be justified by its exceptional lifespan and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your pens will not fail.
Kidding Pen Setup Tips for Doe & Kid Safety
The best panels in the world won’t help if the pen itself is poorly planned. A safe kidding pen is about more than just strong walls; it’s about creating a sanctuary for the critical first few days of life. Start by choosing a location that is clean, dry, and completely free of drafts.
Once you have the location, focus on the details of the setup. A few simple steps can make a world of difference:
- Size Matters: A 5’x5′ pen is a great starting point. It’s large enough for the doe to move around comfortably but small enough to feel secure and keep her kids close.
- Deep Bedding: A thick layer of clean, dry straw provides insulation from the cold ground, absorbs moisture, and gives kids a soft place to land.
- Secure Feed & Water: Use corner feeders or hay racks and hang water buckets securely. This prevents a doe from knocking them over, making a mess, and leaving her kids without water.
- Check for Gaps: Ensure panels are pinned or latched tightly together. Pay special attention to corners and connections to barn walls, as these are prime spots for a tiny kid to try and squeeze through.
- Predator Protection: If your kidding pens are in an area with potential predator access, consider a top cover. A simple wire panel or tarp secured over the top can deter owls, raccoons, and other threats.
Remember, the ultimate goal of the "jug" or kidding pen is to facilitate bonding. By separating the new mother and her kids from the herd, you give them a quiet, private space to learn each other’s scent and sounds. This is especially vital for first-time mothers who may be confused or overwhelmed. A secure pen allows this natural process to happen safely.
Ultimately, the best goat corral panel is the one that fits your budget, your animals, and your management style. Whether you choose a portable Priefert for flexibility or a heavy-duty Behlen for permanence, the priority remains the same: creating a safe haven. Investing in a solid, well-planned kidding setup is one of the most important things you can do to ensure a successful and low-stress start for the newest members of your herd.
