Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Sheds, stables, and barns
You can keep goats in sheds, old chicken coops, barns, and garages made of wood, stone, con-
crete, cement block, corrugated iron, and even cement half-pipes. The type of shelter you use
will depend upon several variables, the first of which will be your climate. In a mild climate,
you will need to keep your goats from overheating during hot summer months. Some goats
are sensitive to heat, particularly if humidity is high. If your farm experiences snow, harsh
wind, and frozen ground for several months out of the year, your shelter will need insulation
and protection from the cold.
Dairy goats should be kept happy and comfortable because stress can harm milk production.
If your goats are fortunate enough to have a large pasture area, a three-sided field shelter
should be located in the part of the pasture farthest from the barn so they can easily find
refuge from hot sun, rain, and cold wind. In a cold climate, a low shelter no more than 5 feet
high in the front and 3 to 4 feet high in the back will hold the goats' body heat in around their
bodies.
In addition to field shelters, you will need a permanent building for long-term shelter, storage,
possibly office space, and a milking area. A barn is ideal, but this could be a smaller structure,
such as a stable or garage. If you are able to store feed, bedding, and medical equipment in a
separate building away from the area where goats are, you may be able to manage with just a
large shed for milking and permanent shelter.
The recommended size for a goat shelter ranges from 12 square feet per animal in a situation
where the goats will be outdoors much of the year and have a lot of space for outdoor exercise
to 24 square feet per animal in a climate with long, severe winters or hot and humid summers.
The more time the goats must spend inside, the more space you will need to allot per animal
to keep them comfortable and healthy. If you are planning to breed your does, you need extra
space for birthing pens and housing kids. In addition to the living space where goats will
spend most of their time, you will need to add extra square footage for storage and milking
areas.
Housing Requirements for Dairy Goats
Your permanent shelter should keep out moisture, wind, and drafts, but, at the same time, it
needs to be airy and well ventilated, with adequate air circulation. Clean, well-circulated air is
a priority because goats are particularly prone to pneumonia, asthma, and other respiratory ill-
