Managing Shelter Drainage and Land Design

This lesson of our “Complete Goat Guide Course” focuses on the importance of planning and managing drainage for goat shelters, ensuring that moisture doesn’t compromise the shelter’s structure or the goats’ comfort. You’ll learn how to design and adapt your shelter to handle land-specific challenges effectively.

Key Topics Covered:

• Understanding Land and Moisture Flow
  • Analyze how water flows across your property to plan shelter placement effectively.
  • Avoid placing the shelter where roof runoff might flow toward or under it.
• Sunlight Considerations
  • Orient shelters to allow goats access to morning sun, which they enjoy for warming up.
  • Design rooflines to maximize sunlight exposure and support goat health and well-being.
• Mitigating Drainage Issues
  • If moisture flow impacts the shelter, redirect runoff using drainage systems like French drains.
  • French drains can effectively channel water away, protecting the shelter’s foundation and interior.
• Design Adaptations for Shelter Elevation
  • Ensure the interior of the shelter is the highest point in the area, preventing water from pooling inside.
  • Modify the land around the shelter to create natural slopes that guide water away.
• Proactive Planning for Shelter Design
  • Consider both roofline direction and natural land slopes during the initial design phase.
  • Aim to shed water away from the shelter, preventing moisture buildup and erosion.

Conclusion:

Proper land and drainage management is crucial for maintaining a durable and comfortable goat shelter. By understanding how water flows across your property and implementing solutions like French drains or elevated shelter interiors, you can protect your goats and their living space from the harmful effects of moisture. Thoughtful planning and proactive design adjustments not only ensure the longevity of your shelter but also contribute to a healthier environment for your goats.