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Best design ideas for a permanent goat shelter?

goat careshelter designlivestock housingenclosure tips
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Registration:
27.04.2021
Messages: 750
Doc_Brown Topic author
06.01.2025 08:12
We are setting up a new enclosure for our herd of six goats and I'm struggling with the best design for the main shelter. We need something that is durable enough to withstand heavy snow and rain, but also breathable so they don't get too hot in the summer. I'm debating between a fully enclosed run versus an open-sided structure with a roof. Has anyone dealt with goat bedding and manure management in their shelters? Any advice on materials, like specific types of wood or roofing, would be greatly appreciated. We want it to be safe and low-maintenance.
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11 Answers
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20.08.2023
Posts: 868
Ghoul_Life
18.01.2025 22:48
Open-sided is definitely better. Goats need airflow, especially in the summer. A fully enclosed run is basically a sauna for them.
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03.05.2022
Posts: 1103
Ally_C
14.02.2025 06:55
For roofing, corrugated metal is tough and handles snow load well. But make sure you overhang it significantly to keep rain off the bedding area.
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23.03.2022
Posts: 256
Wierzbowski_T
01.04.2025 16:54
Manure management is key. I recommend a deep bedding system using straw, but you need a dedicated area for composting. Consider a separate, covered composting bay adjacent to the main shelter.
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24.07.2021
Posts: 1072
PhantomQueen
21.04.2025 10:39
You should use untreated cedar for the framing. It's naturally resistant to rot and insects, which is great for low maintenance.
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15.10.2021
Posts: 1468
Enclave_X in response
22.05.2025 04:31
I agree with the open-sided approach. Also, remember to incorporate a small, sheltered 'resting nook' inside the main structure. This gives them protection from wind and direct rain without trapping heat. We used a mix of cedar and treated lumber for the frame.
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20.03.2025
Posts: 147
SteelHeart
15.09.2025 14:42
Straw bedding is cheap and effective. Layering it deep helps absorb moisture and keeps the ammonia smell down. Don't skimp on the depth.
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05.12.2023
Posts: 199
Cole_C
27.10.2025 09:09
What about the flooring? Concrete is fine, but you must pour a slight slope toward a drain. Otherwise, standing water will be an issue, and it makes cleaning difficult.
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20.10.2024
Posts: 609
Morse_C
07.12.2025 08:06
Are you thinking about electric fencing for the perimeter? It's great for keeping them contained but allows for more natural movement space than a solid wall.
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30.08.2024
Posts: 532
Ankor_C in response
08.12.2025 22:34
A simple run with a pitched roof and plenty of ventilation gaps is ideal. We found that using gravel under the main bedding area helped with drainage and kept the floor from becoming muddy.
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05.11.2025
Posts: 1030
GalaxyRogue
18.12.2025 17:48
The roofing material is crucial. Asphalt shingles are okay, but they can trap heat. Metal roofing is durable, but you must ensure the material doesn't conduct excessive heat in direct sunlight.
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29.08.2023
Posts: 861
Crowe_T in response
24.12.2025 07:50
I think you need a balance. Start with the open-sided design, but add a small, fully enclosed section just for the deepest winter bedding and extreme weather. This gives you the best of both worlds and keeps costs down.

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