Goat Shelter: Planning, Designs & Equipment You’ll Need

Nothing makes you want to be a goat farmer more than driving past a beautiful pasture on a warm summer day and seeing goats of all ages running around without a care in the world.  

The next thing you know you’re the proud owner of your own herd of goats and you get to enjoy watching your goats grow and develop under your watchful care!  

Then your first storm catches you unprepared as you scramble to protect your goats with a makeshift shelter comprising whatever items you can find…

But that’s not how it has to be!

In this beginner’s guide, we show you how to get sheltered up – from what kind of shelter do goats need, to DIY goat shelter plans and buying a goat shelter, we cover all the bases!

Building Your Goat Shelter: Before You Begin

Before you begin planning and building a goat shelter, here are some important things to remember.

Goats are capable of scaling sheer cliff walls in search of food

A healthy, active goat is likely to climb, stand on, or jump off of various architectural features in your shelter, including horizontal cross-braces, objects fixed to the wall, gates, ladders, etc. Items that are within a goat’s reach should be very durably constructed, and items that you don’t want goats to interact with should be stored very high, or out of the shelter.

Be attentive to wind and water flow on your property

Goats need protection from wind and rain, and it’s important that their hooves stay dry. Situating your shelter on low ground, in the path of strong winds, makes it more difficult to build an adequate shelter. Some goats also need daytime sun protection in certain climates. Situating your shelter in a place with good soil drainage, good wind protection, and some sun protection already in place makes it easier to build.

Know your local wildlife

Goats will attract predators. If your area has bobcats, coyotes, foxes, wolves, and other predatory animals, your shelter will need to be stronger and more secure. Goat feed and feces may also attract rodents and other pests, which may in turn attract snakes, so keep the shelter secure and clean, with proper storage.

Do Goats Need Shelter?

For thousands of years wild goats have lived without people providing shelter for them as they have flourished in their various parts of the world.  

But domesticated goats are different from their wild cousins. Even though their wild cousins have lived without shelter for all this time, domesticated goats need more help to thrive because they have been bred to be dependent for so long.  

Even though they are hardy animals, domesticated goats do best when they have shelter provided for them along with their quality food and water.  Many problems can be avoided if you provide adequate shelter for your goat herd.

What Kind of Shelter Do Goats Need?

When planning your goat shelter, there are many factors you will need to look at. The size of your herd, how big you want your herd to get, and your location are all aspects that play important roles in what your shelter will end up becoming.  You don’t want to build a shelter in Montana that was meant for the climate in Florida and you don’t want to build a shelter meant for a few goats when you plan on growing a massive herd.

Many times, the common lean-to found throughout the pastures of North America is sufficient for a herd of goats to thrive.  However, it is probably not adequate if you plan on having your does kidding during the winter when snow is falling on the frozen ground.  In that circumstance you would want something more substantial to protect your does and their kids. But, if you do live in a warm environment with does kidding in ideal weather, the typical lean-to may be a great shelter for your goats.

The size of your shelter is also something to consider.  If your goats are outside in a pasture with access to a shelter, you will not need to have as much square footage in your shelter for each goat compared to having your goats inside a shelter for extended periods of time without access to pasture.  You will be able to decide how big your shelter needs to be based on the amount of time your goats will spend in the shelter along with the average goat’s size.

Planning Your Goat Shelter

Whether you are building or buying your goat shelter, there are a number of factors to consider.

Number and breed of goats

As a rule of thumb, goats require 10-15 square feet per goat for overnight shelter, provided they have good outdoor exercise and foraging space. If your outdoor space isn’t very large, or if you have a rough climate where goats may be spending a lot of time indoors, allow 20 square feet per goat. Altogether, goats need a combined indoor and outdoor space of about 250 square feet per goat. However, pygmy goats and miniature breeds can get by with less space, and large meat goats or very active breeds will require more. You should always have a minimum of two goats together, and three is better. You should also plan for your herd to increase in size over time, as dairy goats need to be kidded regularly, and you will be adding baby goats to the herd.

Kidding Pens

Every kidding doe needs a separate indoor pen of her own, where she and her kid can be together and protected. Kidding pens should be 16 – 25 square feet per doe.

If your breeding is spaced throughout the year, kidding pens can be cleaned and re-used. These pens can be temporary, and put away out of season, but you should allow for that space inside your goat shelter if you plan to breed your goats.

Food and Water

In mild climates, where goats will only be sheltering overnight, having an indoor feed supply isn’t strictly necessary. However, if they will be in their shelter for longer periods, there will need to be a food supply. And goats always need access to clean, fresh water. You need to have enough watering stations that all your goats can drink at the same time, if they choose to. Make sure to plan enough space for food and water.

Storage

If you have goats, you will need to store food, bedding, supplements, medicine, cleaning equipment, grooming supplies, and perhaps milking or kidding supplies. While all those things don’t need to be stored inside your goat shelter, it’s good to anticipate where you will store them and how you will easily get those things to and from the goats.

Keep in mind that you may need kidding supplies or medical supplies in a hurry, and they should be readily accessible. Keep in mind that you will regularly be transporting goat feed and bedding to the goats, and regularly cleaning and hauling away soiled bedding.

Giving yourself room to access the shelter with a wheelbarrow, planning for a ramp, adding high shelves, or other storage and access solutions should be anticipated at the earliest stages.

Shelter Supplies

Once you have your shelter you will need to make sure you have your essential supplies.  Some of these supplies are bedding and blankets.  Having these will make your life a lot easier.

When it comes to bedding your best options are wood shavings and straw.  Many times, you can buy wood shavings from a local supplier in bulk.  If you do not need wood shavings in bulk you can also buy it by the bag from a local farm store.  Straw can usually be found from farmers in your area for less than the cost of wood shavings.  Wood shavings seem to be more absorbent, but straw does a great job too for bedding.  At the end of the day though, bedding comes down to your personal preference.

Blankets have many purposes for goats from adding more protection from the elements to keeping them clean.  If you are needing a good blanket to add extra protection for your goat, the Weaver Goat Blanket can be a good fit for you to buy.  Now, if you have a show goat that likes to roll around in everything they find the Sullivan Goat Tube can be a huge time saver for you.  Having a couple goat blankets lying around can be a huge help for you in the future.

Designing Your Goat Shelter

Once you have determined all the things that need to go in your goat shelter, you have a good idea of how large it needs to be, and where it will be situated on your property. Now it’s time to look at design.

Doors

If you have a mild climate, no pests or predators, and good kidding pens, you may not need doors at all, and you can allow goats to come and go from the shelter at will. A door-less goat shelter solves the problem of needing indoor and outdoor feeders and waterers, and means that you don’t need to put goats indoors at night and let them out in the morning.

However, if you need more protection, then you need doors. Doors need to be large enough to give you free access to the inside of the shelter, along with a wheelbarrow if necessary, and sturdy enough to keep out predators. Many people like split doors (also called Dutch doors) as a way to let in light and air while containing the goats.

Roof

Most pre-fab goat shelters do not offer much of a roof overhang, if any. But a roof overhang can be a great way to keep an outdoor feeder or equipment dry, and act as a rain shelter for outdoor goats during damp weather. Depending on your climate, an overhang can also prevent excessive shoveling in snowy climates. When possible, an overhang is a good idea.

Windows and Ventilation

Goat bedding will become soiled with urine and feces. Proper air circulation allows that material to dry and air out, dissipating unpleasant odors. Dry air also prevents the buildup of moisture that contributes to mold, mildew, and other potentially harmful microbes.

While a goat shelter needs to provide protection from wind, it is also essential that it be well-ventilated, with good air flow, in order to be a healthy environment. Place windows high on the wall, out of the reach of goats and predators, and on opposite sides of the shelter in order to promote air flow. You may also want to consider a cupola, which allows air movement and keeps a shelter cool.

Lighting

You may not want to go all the way and wire a goat shelter for electricity. But it is a good idea to consider how you will light the goat shelter. If you live in a climate with long nights during winter, if your goats have a medical condition or are kidding at night, or even just for thorough cleaning, adequate lighting will be necessary.

Consider adding battery-powered LED lights. If you can take them off the wall or ceiling and bring them down low for close examination of a goat in the dark, that’s even better.

Building Your Goat Shelter

Flooring materials

Cement

Some people prefer cement floors because they are easiest to clean. However, they are also cold, hard, and uncomfortable, so you will need to give your goats extra bedding or other padded materials to compensate.

Earth floors

Packed earth floors are certainly affordable and easy. However, they can retain moisture from rain, water, and urine, and take a long time to dry. Goats should not be standing or sleeping in mud, so it’s important to provide excellent ventilation that allows moisture to evaporate.

Pressure-treated wood

Pressure-treated wood is a popular choice because it is stain- and rot-resistant. However, some people are concerned that such floors are treated with toxic chemicals that may be harmful.

Untreated wood

Untreated wood, often with a narrow gap between boards, is a popular choice.

Gravel, sand, etc.

Many people who keep goats use a layer of sand or gravel between the flooring and bedding in order to allow moisture to drain and dissipate, and find it’s a good solution for them.

Roof materials

Goat shelter roofs are typically made of plywood with tar paper and sometimes shingling that you would find on any other outdoor shed. In some climates, you can use a metal roof, but be mindful that those roofs can be hot in some climates. Remember that, unless your goat shelter is tall, your goats may find a way to climb, jump, or walk on the roof, so it may need to be more durable than you expect.

Framing materials

People make goat shelters from all kinds of materials, including using old sheds, pre-fab shelters, plywood, wood pallets, unused fencing, etc. Provided that the shelter is well-designed, well-constructed, and well-situated a wide range of materials can be used.

How to Build a Goat Shelter – DIY Steps to Building a Goat Shelter

Here are some steps for building a simple goat hoop house. The hoop house is a cost-effective way to protect your goats from the elements.  It does not provide a lot of protection from the cold unless you insulate the outside with straw bales, but can be a great way for goats to get away from the rain and provides shade as well:

1. 1You will need to get one 4’x16’ cattle panel, four t posts, and a good tarp.
2. 2Set your cattle panel on the ground where you will want your shelter to go and drive two t posts into the ground where your two short corners are.
3. 3Affix your two corners from the short side of your cattle panel to the t posts.
4. 4Determine the width of your hoop house by arcing your cattle panel.
5. 5Once you have determined the width of your hoop house pound the remaining two t posts into the ground where the 2 unaffixed short ends of the cattle panel end up.
6. 6Affix your last two corners from the short side of your cattle panel.
7. 7Place your tarp onto your cattle panel and affix is using whatever material you have on hand.

While this hoop house may not last as long as some other shelters, it will provide your goats with a good amount of shelter in a very cost-effective way. To make it last longer you can put cattle panels upright in their normal position on the sides to prevent goats from climbing on top of it.  You can also add a panel to the one of the openings and add a tarp for even more shelter.

Goat Shelter Plans – Where to Find Plans Online (Including PDF Plans)

There are many online resources that offer many goat shelter plans that you can follow in building your own goat shelter.  

Construct 101 offers many free PDF plans that can help you create some amazing goat shelters.  The Construct 101 Goat Shelter is just one example of what they have.  There are many more shelters on their website for you to look through and make a decision on which one would fit your goat farm best.

Buy a Goat Shelter – Where to Buy One & Tips for Buying

If you do not want to build a goat shelter, do not worry, there are many places to buy a goat shelter from.  Whether it be from an online retailer, a hardware store, or a local farm supply store, these places have many options that can fit whatever your goat shelter needs are.  So, if you are one to shop instead of build, here is your shopping guide.

The ShelterLogic 8’x10’x5’, is an economical goat hoop house at only $200.  Hoop houses don’t last as long as some other goat shelters, but they provide your goats with the shelter they need to thrive.  The tarp on it is not as durable as other materials on the market, but that is one of the reasons it is so cost effective.  In the end, if you are looking to have a portable shelter that is easy on the pocketbook, this is a great option for you.  

If you are looking for something that will last a very long time with limited maintenance, the Suncast 8’x16’ Shed could be a great option for you.  You will have to pay up at $2,350, but the potential maintenance savings down the road may well be worth it.  This shelter is not as portable as the ShelterLogic, but it can definitely be done with a bit of work if you need it moved.

Locally built wood buildings are also another option to consider when looking for a goat shelter.  Many different companies across the country customize, build, and set up your shelter for you so you don’t have to lift a finger.  

One company that does this is Old Hickory.  They have many locations across the United States.  Choosing a company like this could simplify your life immensely. These buildings are portable, but you will need to have some heavy machinery to move it. When choosing one of these you will have minimal maintenance.

Metal buildings should not be overlooked either.  Just like wood buildings, there are many companies across the United States that can customize, build, and set up your shelter. A lot of them cannot be moved, and if they can they need heavy machinery. You will also have minimal to no maintenance for a metal building.

Manning Buildings is a great company that has amazing deals on sheds, shelters, and barns in both wood and metal.  No matter where you are in the United States, Manning Buildings may beat the prices of many competitors near you and are worth checking out, especially if you are wanting a big building.

Your options are nearly limitless when it comes to buying a shelter for your goats.  These options are just the tip of the iceberg and can get you off to a good start.

Furnishing a Goat Shelter

For small goats and a small herd, your indoor furnishing needs may be minimal. However, here are a few things to consider for the inside of your goat shelter.

Sleeping space

To increase floor space and keep bedding dry, you may want to consider adding a loft to your goat shelter. Goats are ready climbers, and enjoy being up high, so lofts are a popular option in goat shelters.

Nutrition station

In addition to a watering station, you may want to add a nutrition station for minerals and other nutrients that goats require. This station can be kept indoors or outdoors, but many goat owners keep it in the shelter to keep the nutrients dry. You should offer your goats:

Mineral supplements

Domesticated goats usually require a mineral supplement, unless they have access to exceptionally wide range and diversity of forage. Minerals can be offered free-choice, because goats will only consume as much as they need. Minerals generally come in the form of pellets or in a block, and must be specifically formulated for goats (not sheep or other animals).

Mineral blocks and supplements often have a high salt content to attract the goats; note the label on your mineral block, because if it already has salt, then you may not need to give your goats additional salt.

Baking soda

Just as for humans, baking soda calms digestion and can help soothe stomachs. Goats should be offered baking soda freely, so they can eat as much as they need.

Salt

Goats like salt, and need it for survival just like any other animal. Goats have smooth tongues and may not be able to get enough salt from a salt lick, unlike horses and cows. Goats should be given unbleached natural salt, in a loose form, with no additives that prevent clumping. Natural, unbleached salt with no additives often also has essential trace minerals.

Selenium

Selenium is another nutrient that is essential for goats. In areas with selenium-rich soil, when goats are allowed to forage and browse, they often get enough selenium naturally. In areas with low selenium in the soil, you may need to add a selenium supplement.

Kidding Area

Does and kids need a private, quiet area to give birth and to bond naturally. However, you will also need access to the space to assist with birth and do other tasks. Prepare a small, private pen that will contain baby goats and keep them protected from drafts.

You may want extra lighting in the kidding area, storage for medical supplies, and easy access for cleaning. You may also want a stanchion for help with milking a new mother, if she is resistant.

Conclusion

Nothing will make you want to be a goat farmer more than being able to run around without a care in the world when storms roll in because you have adequate shelter for your goats.  You will not have to run around like a chicken with its head cut off because you are prepared.  

Following these steps while planning, designing, and building your goat shelter will allow you to create a comfortable, inexpensive goat shed, or the ultimate goat palace. But either way, your goats will be kept warm, dry, comfortable, and healthy in your new goat shelter.