Things You'll Need
- Concrete
- Framing lumber or concrete block
- Roofing material
Instructions
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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6
Build air flow into the design with high vents or windows, careful to avoid direct drafts in the milking area.
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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.
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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.
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9
Optional: Install a sink for washing up before and after milking.
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