DIY Goat Shelter

Goats are hardworking and are an excellent addition to a rural homestead. Keeping goats healthy requires the provision of shelter from inclement weather. A goat shelter need not be an elaborate structure to be useful. A simple, yet effective, design allows for easy disassembly and re-location while providing suitable shelter for up to twelve adult goats. Even the novice carpenter will find this to be a straightforward project.

Things You'll Need

  • 2-by-4-inch lumber
  • Measuring tape
  • Circular saw
  • Drill with 1/2-inch drill bit and screw driver
  • Large wood screws
  • 1/2-inch re-bar stakes 1-foot long
  • Rubber mallet
  • 3 cattle panels, 16-feet long and 48-inches high
  • Fence staples
  • Staple gun
  • 12-by-16-foot tarp
  • Bailing twine
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut two lengths of 2-by-4-inch boards each measuring 12 feet long. Make straight cuts using a circular saw. Cut two more pieces of 2-by-4-inch lumber. These pieces need to be 10 feet long. Set all the scrap wood aside.

    • 2

      Choose a level location to construct the goat shelter. The location you select should have proper drainage and be easily accessed by the goats who will be using it. Place all of the needed tools close to your chosen location.

    • 3

      Arrange the four cut boards in a rectangle. The rectangle should measure 10-by-12 feet. Set all of the boards up on their narrow sides, and screw them together with large wood screws. This rectangle will be the frame for the shelter.

    • 4

      Drill a 1/2-inch hole through each board at each corner of the frame. Be sure to drill the holes all the way through the boards. Adjust the frame in desired position. Use a rubber mallet to hammer a re-bar stake through each hole. These stakes will hold the frame in place.

    • 5

      Bend a cattle panel to form a hoop shape and slide it in between the two 12-foot sides of the frame. Slide the hoop all the way to the front of the frame. Repeat with a second cattle panel, then slide all the way to the back of the frame. Bend and place the third cattle panel in between the sides, so it overlaps the other cattle panels. Attach all of the panels to the frame using fence staples.

    • 6
      Tie the tarp on tightly.

      Drape the tarp over the cattle panels. Adjust the tarp so it hangs over evenly on both sides. Use small lengths of bailing twine to tie the tarp to the panels. Tie the tarp on as tightly as possible to keep it from blowing in the wind.