The Importance of Breezeways

This lesson introduces the concept of breezeways and how they can revolutionize the way you manage chores, feed, and maintain your goat operation. Breezeways create a functional and organized space, keeping goats out of the way while improving efficiency and reducing frustration.

Key Topics Covered:

• What is a Breezeway?
  • A designated area that is goat-free but easily accessible to you.
  • Used for staging hay, tools, and equipment while keeping animals from interfering.
• Why Breezeways Matter
  • Simplify feeding by allowing you to deliver hay directly into feeders without being rushed or hassled by goats.
  • Eliminate the frustration of goats pulling hay from your hands or causing messes.
  • Create a stress-free space for new or less-experienced handlers who may feel intimidated by pushy goats.
• Setting Up a Breezeway
  • Use fencing panels to create a contained area separate from goat pastures.
  • Design breezeways to connect multiple pastures or pens, creating a horseshoe or loop system for easy navigation.
  • Ensure gates within the breezeway can remain open for quick access without risking goat escapes.
• Additional Benefits
  • Provide a secure space for staging hay, pitchforks, and other tools.
  • Create a safe resting area for farm dogs where they can monitor goats without being harassed.
  • Reduce the need for constant gate opening and closing, saving time and effort.
• Drainage Considerations
  • Address water flow and drainage issues to keep breezeways functional year-round.
  • Channel runoff and snowmelt away from breezeways to avoid flooding or muddy conditions.
• Practical Applications
  • Stack hay in breezeways for short-term access, reducing trips to the hay barn.
  • Feed directly through fencing panels, ensuring goats can’t access the breezeway while you work.

Conclusion:

Breezeways are a simple yet transformative addition to any goat operation, providing a functional and organized space for feeding, staging tools, and managing daily chores. By keeping goats out of the way and streamlining tasks, breezeways reduce frustration and improve overall efficiency. Whether you’re dealing with pushy goats or managing large herds, breezeways can significantly enhance your farm’s workflow and make goat farming much more enjoyable.