Building the Perfect Goat Shelter

In this Complete Goat Guide Course lesson, we’ll cover the essential elements of creating an ideal goat shelter, including design tips and the benefits of a mobile shelter system. With insights from Mark Warkey’s experience building shelters across three properties, you’ll learn how to set up a practical and effective space for your goats.

Key Takeaways:

1. Basic Shelter Requirements

Every goat shelter must include:

• Three sides: Protects goats from wind and rain.
• A large opening: Prevents dominant goats from blocking access for others.
• A roof: Keeps goats dry, which is crucial for their health.
• Deep bedding: Provides insulation and comfort, especially in colder climates.

These features ensure your goats stay warm, dry, and safe, even in extreme conditions like heavy snowfall or freezing temperatures.

2. Why Mobile Shelters Are Superior

Mark highlights the advantages of mobile shelters, which are built on skids and can be relocated with ease.

• Flexibility:
  • Allows for adjustments as your herd grows or your needs change.
  • Avoids the regret of having permanent shelters in less-than-ideal locations.
• Durability:
  • Made from resilient materials like drill pipe to handle heavy snow loads.
  • Overbuilt for longevity, capable of withstanding up to 4 feet of snow.
• Ease of Assembly and Movement:
  • Designed to be assembled in five pieces without requiring heavy machinery.
  • Can be moved with a tractor or truck, making them practical for most setups.

3. Common Shelter Design Mistakes

• Narrow Openings:
  • A narrow entrance allows the alpha goat to dominate and block other goats from entering.
  • Solution: Design wide openings to accommodate multiple goats at once.
• Permanent Shelters:
  • Fixed shelters can become inconvenient as your herd expands or your layout evolves.
  • Solution: Opt for mobile shelters to adapt to changing needs.

Marc’s Pro Tip:

Invest in movable shelters from the start to avoid the headache of wishing you could relocate permanent structures later. Mobile shelters not only offer flexibility but also make managing your goats and land much easier.

For more tips and resources, check out packgoats.com. Whether you’re building your own shelter or looking for ready-made options, you’ll find everything you need to keep your goats comfortable and safe.