How to Build a Goat Milk Shed

Goats offer good milk production compared to the amount of care they need, and their milk is naturally homogenized. A single milk goat can easily provide a half gallon of milk a day. A milk shed is an important component in goat farming. A clean, dry location to milk your goat will provide years of use and promote the health of your herd.

Things You'll Need

  • Concrete
  • Framing lumber or concrete block
  • Roofing material
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find an area suitable for the milk shed, preferably 100 feet from feeding racks. Consider the distance needed to transport the goat from the yard and the milk to storage.

    • 2

      Lay out the area you intend to use. Consider the number of goats you intend to milk at once. The tiniest shed requires room for a goat and a person, or at least 6 by 6 feet.

    • 3

      Pour a smooth concrete pad as both foundation and floor. To encourage cleanliness, the floor should remain free of straw, hay, feed and litter.

    • 4

      Erect the walls by stacking concrete blocks and mortar, or making a frame wall, putting plywood on studs 24 inches on center. The height inside should accommodate the tallest person using the shed. Avoid building short doorways which require ducking.

    • 5

      Frame the roof using at least 2 x 6 inch lumber. Attach a standard shingle roof over plywood decking, or for economy use corrugated roofing material screwed on slats every 12 inches. Clear plastic roofing material will allow light in the shed.

    • 6

      Build air flow into the design with high vents or windows, careful to avoid direct drafts in the milking area.

    • 7

      Build a raised platform from wood or metal. At least 1 foot off the ground will allow you to reach the udder and teats easily. A keyhole stanchion allows a goat to feed during milking. This keeps her still during the experience.

    • 8

      Consider a shelf for your milking tools: cups for testing milk and cleaning the teats and feed storage. Install a hook on the wall for the stainless steel milk bucket. It would be unfortunate to lose a day's milk to a wayward hoof.

    • 9

      Optional: Install a sink for washing up before and after milking.