Goat shelter and housing options are critical, as finding suitable housing can prove tricky due to goats’ destructive behaviors. This guide offers several goat housing options, from sheds and barns to calf hutches and more, to fit your needs.
Goat Shelter Requirements
Whether raised in the city or on a farm, goats require shelter from the elements. Housing should have at least three sides and a roof to protect them from wind and precipitation.
Three-sided goat housing should have a window on the north side and another on the south side (change window locations to east and west if you live in a particularly hot climate). Add a door to keep out the elements and potential predators whenever possible.
Goat housing should be spacious to prevent overcrowding, with each goat requiring a minimum of twenty square feet.
Other housing requirements include straw or hay for bedding, a feeding area (equipped with feed buckets and a hay manger), and a water trough or water buckets.
Goat Shelter: Barns
If you live in a rural area, you may already have an unused barn on your property. Using existing barns and other outbuildings is an excellent way to shelter your goats without stretching the budget.
Barns have another advantage: they are usually spacious, making it convenient if you are looking to expand your herd to a small business or hobby farm.
Also, many barns have stalls already built in and are move-in ready for goats.
Barn Disadvantages
If you don’t have an existing barn on the property, a barn is probably not the best option for many hobby farmers, as building even a small barn can prove costly.
If housing goats in an old barn, look for safety issues, such as rusty nails, old paint (old paint may contain lead, causing lead poisoning and death if ingested), or unsafe living conditions due to deterioration. Goats are strong, and even gentle Pygmy goats can damage outer walls if housed in a deteriorating barn.
Goat Shelter: Sheds
Sheds are the best goat housing option if you live in a suburban or urban area, as they are generally more eye-pleasing than other shelters. If you don’t already have an outbuilding, sheds are a great option, as they are more affordable than building a barn.
Sheds are another excellent option for those who keep several goats as pets, as they do not require as much upkeep as a large barn.
Another advantage of housing goats in a new shed is that there is no need to worry about toxic paint.
If goats are being housed in a shed, test the shed structure to ensure it can withstand goats like a barn. Look for loose or rotting boards, weak spots, and other structural damage.
Shed Disadvantages
While sheds aren’t as expensive to build as barns, they may not be affordable for those with tight budgets.
Sheds will only accommodate several goats, so if you want to expand your herd, you will need multiple sheds.
Goat Shelter: Calf Hutches
If you live on a dairy or beef farm, you may have some unused calf hutches. These hutches work well for housing goats and are an excellent low-cost option.
Built to hold up to calves, these hutches can support the weight and abuse goats inflict on their housing.
Chain the goat to the hutch when housing goats in calf hutches to prevent them from jumping out. The chain should be long enough that the goat can freely move around the hutch but not so long that it can leap out. Attach the chain to the goat’s collar for easy on/off.
Calf Hutch Disadvantages
Calf hutches are usually three-sided, so they are not the best option for keeping out the elements. They also offer little protection against predators such as coyotes.
Calf hutches have a rural look, so if you have neighbors nearby, you may want to choose a more eye-pleasing goat house.
Goat Shelter: Three-Sided Out Buildings
Three-sided outbuildings are the most popular goat housing as they are more affordable than other options, allow plenty of airflow, and protect goats from the elements.
This affordable goat housing option is excellent for those in climates with mild winters. However, the roof must be sloped to prevent rain or melting snow from dripping on the goats.
Another advantage of these structures is that if you are handy with tools, plans are available online for building your own.
Three-Sided Building Disadvantages
Three-sided buildings are one of the most popular goat housing choices, but they still have disadvantages. One of the most significant disadvantages is that three-sided buildings do not offer protection from all the elements. Goats are sensitive to wet conditions and cold weather, so having a fourth wall for extra protection may be necessary for cold or damp climates.
Another disadvantage of a three-sided building is the lack of predator protection. Three-sided buildings are accessible to coyotes, as they can easily jump over barn gates and fencing to access the herd. Coyotes can severely hurt or even kill goats, so care should be taken to protect your herd in locations where coyotes are prevalent.
No matter what goat shelter and housing options fit your needs and location, the necessities are identical. So, whether you choose a barn, shed, or calf hutch, select the one that will best protect your herd from the elements and the predators in your area for the best goat-keeping experience.
This article about goat shelter and housing options was written for Hobby Farms magazine. Click here to subscribe.
