Goat Barn Ideas

Goats are inquisitive and determined to get out of their pen, or to get in to wherever they can cause mischief. They have the same needs as other livestock and pets: good nutrition, companionship, exercise and safe, dry sleeping quarters, with extra attention needed for security. Materials to build secure, functional goat barns and pens can be new or re-purposed supplies already on hand.

  1. Adapting

    • Goats do best with closely-spaced boards or rails.

      Starting new with goats on an ideal, empty property and plenty of funds to build deluxe accommodations rarely is the case. More often, a rural property has had other farm animals at some time, and their former or current buildings need to be adapted to goats without much planning time. Whether for pets, dairy or meat, goats need not cost a lot to house, if other structures are available to serve as part or most of their shelter. Add flat, sturdy, weather-resistant materials to pre-existing ones, and goats can be kept adequately.

    Shelter Shapes

    • An A-frame makes a simple, quick shelter for pasture or pen. Pallets secured with a crossbrace, plywood sheets, old doors and paneling can provide enough protection if made solidly, with enough room for the goats to stay dry. Goats rub and chew wood, so the material needs to be monitored for damage. Tailgates from pickups and wagons can serve as gates, lids and movable sections.

      Quonset huts of various heights and lengths are used for other livestock and work fine for goats. Chicken coops are goat-sized also. Dome-shaped fiberglass calf shelters and "igloo" doghouses have the advantage of durability, won't be chewed by goats, and generally offer added insulation against cold.

    Lean-tos

    • If the inside of an existing building does not have enough room to add goat pens, an outside wall can serve as a starting point. A lean-to shelter can be built on with a slanted roof, for as much room and materials allow.

      When adding room for goats, consider space for storage of metal garbage cans with feed and supplements, equipment including a wheelbarrow, rakes and pitchforks, extra pails and feed pans, first aid supplies, milking equipment, brushes and other grooming supplies.

    Wind and Rain

    • If an orientation away from prevailing wind and rain is not practical, a baffle can be made in front of a shelter with a simple L-shape, making a sort of hallway to deflect the elements. Goats need to be kept dry and out of cold wind and drafts. A layer of insulation can be sandwiched between nonchewable panels to help retain heat. Tarps protect against rain and wind if well-secured and monitored for goat damage. If rain and wet ground is a problem, raised platforms supply dry bedding areas.