If you're a small farmer looking for affordable goat shelter plans, you're in luck. You don't have to spend a fortune to keep your goats happy, healthy, and safe from predators. Here are five budget-friendly options that will provide your goats with a safe and comfortable place to live.
Table of Contents
What Can Shelters Be Made Of?
In all of our research we have seen goat shelters can be made from a variety of materials including metal, pallets, or wood. Some have been multi-level with windows and others have had a tarp on top.
At the end of the day, goats don’t much care for their shelter as long as it covers their basic needs. Their requirements can even be boiled down to as little as 6 essential features for shelter.
Some good options include repurposed shelters such as calf hutches, dog houses, or greenhouses.
What is the floor made of? While different goat farmers will say different things, many swear by dirt! It is urine absorbent and cost efficient. This being said, a bedding is crucial such as straw of saw dust (4 inches).
Where To Put A Barn?
Goats tend to get out of their enclosures. Due to this it is best to keep them in an area away from the house.
Goats also can come with the farm smell, even despite your best efforts to keep it clean. Due to this keeping them away from the house and eating areas is ideal.
If you intend to use their manure for a garden or orchard, make sure to either put them out by these for easy transport, or have easy accommodations to move manure for regular barn cleanings.
Another consideration is noise. Our goats are not particularly noisy unless it is feeding time. If your breed of goat is, perhaps farther from the house is ideal.
Ease of getting transporting water. Trust me, you do not want to be carting several pails of water a day to your goats. Ensure it is near a water source, invest in long hoses, or collect rainwater to mitigate this issue.
What Animals Can Share a Shelter with Goats?
It is also important to consider what animals can share an area with goats.
We once considered keeping our chickens with them. But after some research and seeing that goats will accidentally kill chickens and eat chicken food to the point of their own fatality, we opted against it.
Rainwater drainage into a barrel is also a consideration. Goats don’t like to walk through water, so trust me if their main pathways stay dryer even in rainy weather it is ideal. Not to mention the added bonus of free water from the roof of their shelter.
Our Lessons Learned Building a Goat Shelter
The key lessons we took away from making our own goat shelter were a few things. Our barn was not expensive, maybe a total of $400 as we used leftover materials, and it lasted us through a very harsh winter.
These leftover materials from renovating our home were primarily subfloors we utilized for the walls, thinking it would be thick and tall, providing adequate protection from predators. This was not only affordable but worked as we anticipated to keep our goats safe from the weather.
The key is to look at the existing and leftover materials around your property with a new purpose.
While this did work as intended, we used treated wood on the interior and put the boards on top of the 4 feet by 8-foot subfloor (not adjacent to it) we lost some space in the barn. That being said, our three goats are Nigerian dwarfs and are rather small. I think we could comfortable fit 1, maybe 2 more goats in there for a total of 4 to 5 in about 32 square feet. Note smaller goats can fit down to 8 square feet per goat.
We did try using vinyl stick on tile for the floor to save costs and keep the wood floor in good shape, however our floor was not one continuous piece, so it peeled up after enough urine penetrated the cracks.
If you are new to goats, then let me be the first to tell you they are not clean animals and 9/10 mornings they pee in front of me as I open the door.
One feature we do like is the dutch door. It allows us to open the top for ventilation, while the bottom is closed to keep the goats out. Additionally, it allows them easy access in and out without allowing the door to move in the wind.
For other key considerations and essential features for building we have provided a resource for your convenience.
Shelter 1: Pallet Goat Shelter
One affordable option for a goat shelter is to use pallets. Pallets can be easily sourced for free or at a low cost, and can be used to create a sturdy and functional shelter.
Simply stack the pallets and secure them together with screws or nails. Add a roof made from corrugated metal or other durable material, and your goats will have a cozy shelter to call home. This option is also great for those who want to recycle and repurpose materials.
Shelter 2: 10 x 12 Goat Shelter Plans
Protect your goats from the elements with these easy-to-follow 8 x 12 goat shelter plans. Download them now and start building your own goat shelter.
Shelter 3: 8 x 10 Goat Shelter Plans
Looking for a sturdy and affordable goat shelter? These 8 x 10 goat shelter plans are perfect for any backyard farmer. Download now and get started!
Shelter 4: 10 x 14 Goat Shelter Plans (With Storage)
Looking for a durable and spacious goat shelter? This 10x14 goat shelter plans are perfect for keeping your goats protected from the elements and storing their essentials.
Shelter 5: 12 x 16 Goat Shelter Plans (With Storage)
Looking for a sturdy and spacious shelter for your goats? Check out this 12x16 goat shelter that also includes storage for your feed and supplies.
Final Thoughts
There are a variety of materials and considerations when making and placing a goat shelter. With this guide you will have all the information you need and plans to make informed decisions!
Learn More
Raising Goats Guide: A Comprehensive Resource for Beginners: Ready to embark on your goat-raising journey? This comprehensive guide is your go-to resource for all things goat-related. From housing and feeding to breeding and health care, we've got you covered!