Building Bedding in Goat Shelters

This lesson in our “Complete Goat Guide Course” covers the essential techniques for creating effective bedding in goat shelters, particularly during the winter months. Proper bedding not only ensures your goats’ comfort but also helps maintain their health and warmth in colder temperatures.

Key Topics Covered:

• Bedding Materials
  • Use low-quality grass hay as bedding because it’s often cheaper than straw.
  • Recycle surplus feed or waste from feeders to reduce costs and maximize resources.
• Shelter Placement and Feeder Location
  • For smaller herds, place feeders inside the shelter to repurpose wasted feed as bedding material.
• Seasonal Cleaning Schedule
  • Clean shelters only twice a year: once in spring and once in fall.
  • Avoid frequent cleanings during winter to retain the benefits of deep bedding.
• Deep Bedding Technique
  • Continuously add fresh bedding layers over the existing ones.
  • The deeper layers compost naturally, creating an exothermic reaction that generates heat.
• Additional Winter Tips for Goat Comfort
  • Provide evening feedings to keep goats warm, as digestion also produces heat.
  • Allow goats to create their own nests in the bedding, which enhances insulation.
• Understanding Goat Resilience
  • Goats are naturally hardy animals and can thrive in cold conditions with adequate bedding and food.

Conclusion:

Creating proper bedding in goat shelters is a cost-effective and efficient way to ensure your goats’ comfort and health, especially during harsh winter months. By using inexpensive materials, repurposing waste, and leveraging the natural heat generated by composting bedding, you can maintain a warm and safe environment for your herd. Goats are remarkably resilient animals, and with these techniques, they can endure even extreme cold with ease.