When getting ready to bring your new goats home, the first step is to plan how and where to contain them! Goats are known escape artists and because they are so curious and agile, it can be a difficult task, but not impossible. More important than keeping goats in, you will need to keep predators OUT. Goats are very susceptible to predators especially when they are babies. The third component of appropriate goat housing is weather protection. Goats are very hardy in the hottest and coldest climates as long as they can escape the elements.
Raising goats demands careful planning, especially when it comes to housing and protection. From predator-proofing with Livestock Guardian Dogs to crafting ideal barns and shelters, this guide covers essential aspects. Learn about the importance of secure fencing, ventilation, and weather protection to ensure your goat herd thrives. Be informed about goat behavior, the limitations of their horns in defense, and practical tips for choosing the right materials. Elevate your goat-keeping experience by creating a safe, comfortable environment that addresses all these key considerations.
An Important Note about Livestock Guardian Dogs
We reference livestock guardian dogs, aka LGD, throughout this article as they play a key role in determining what lengths you need to go to in order to provide adequate predator protection for your very vulnerable goats. When we refer to LGD, we are speaking about specific breeds of dogs bred over thousands of years for strength and instincts to actively engage with predators.
We do not recommend relying on companion breed dogs to effectively protect your goat herd, especially babies. The trusted Labrador Retriever who barks at the coyotes and does a great job of keeping the chickens safe during the day is not an LGD. While MANY non LGD breeds make fantastic guardians over their families and other farm animals, they are not bred or designed to actually fight a coyote or bear or mountain lion. LGD are bigger and stronger and instinctually smarter when engaging with predators.
LGD also must be on patrol 24/7 in order for you to consider their presence as a part of your predator protection plan. Most predation occurs at night and they can’t do much if they are snuggled up on the couch all night. Also, get 2 or more! Even if you have a smaller property to patrol, having back-up is crucial for effective predator control and the safety of your LGD pack. Remember that story of the Great Pyrenees who fought off a whole pack of coyotes and was hailed a national hero? He did that alone and while we applaud him, he should never have had to face a whole pack alone. He is lucky to be alive.
The Ideal Barn, Run, and Pasture For Goats
We are often asked about the ideal enclosure space for new baby goats to keep them safe, comfortable and healthy. Because we run our four LGD 24/7, our goat set up is different than if we had to ensure predator protection with fencing. If you are unable to rely on the livestock guardian dogs to protect your goats, you will want to consider the following set up.
---> A house w/ proper, secured ventilation and protection from cold, wind & rain/snow. Sliding “barn doors” for adjustable openings on one or more sides would be fantastic!
---> A small fully enclosed “run” with sturdy, small wire on all sides, including the top. We suggest chain link with a run of chicken wire over the top. A solid cover over a portion of the run for sun and rain protection aside from inside of their barn. Having a space to feed them during the rain, besides in the barn, is ideal as is an open area of shade with plenty of cross breeze.
Why two layers of wiring? Even ½” hardware cloth can be ripped off by big cats and bears so heavily secured chain link is the strongest option. Yet, bobcats, weasels, foxes and other small predators can penetrate the chainlink gaps so the smaller wire is also required. The combo of the strong chain link and the smaller wire will protect against big and small predators.
---> A concrete/cinder block perimeter or other “dig proof” underground protection. Another option is a hot wire placed at digging level to deter predators that dig. Dogs, coyotes, bears etc.
---> A larger fenced run or pasture for times when it is safe for them to have less protection. Added row(s) of hotwire to the top of this fence can help keep out daytime predators like bears and loose dogs. Be sure to get the highest rated power box you can find - think bear and moose power!
Envision this set up with the goats having access to their house/barn and secured run at all times. Goats don’t love being enclosed when the weather is nice. Our herd can usually be found sleeping out in the field or under one of our massive mulberry trees. They only prefer their barn enclosure during wet or extreme weather.
Having a fully enclosed run off of their house enables them to be inside or outside and to choose their optimum sleeping spot while maintaining a fully protected space. It’s an expensive endeavor to fully enclose a space, therefore, the main pasture space is accessible off of the run for times when they are safe to run and play in the full allotted space. Goats of all ages love to run and play! Exercise is proven to be an essential part of a healthy goat’s regime. We advise giving them as much space as you have to offer on your property.
Protecting Your Goats From Predators
When planning your goat farm, you will need to provide predator protection. Even if you do not regularly see predators, they can still be active in your area and your goats are vulnerable without specific precautions in place.
Thorough research into the primary predators in your region is crucial, and it's essential not to overlook the potential threat posed by roaming neighborhood dogs. Drawing on over 15 years of experience in the livestock community, we've observed that dogs contribute significantly to predation incidents. Familiarize yourself with local regulations concerning wandering dogs and understand your legal options for safeguarding your livestock.
It's important to note that introducing goats onto your property can attract predators that previously were not a concern. Proactive measures to address both known and unforeseen threats are key to maintaining the security of your goat herd.
Here in our area, we have coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, raccoons, and even bears. We employ four livestock guardian dogs, or LGD’s, who are on patrol 24/7. This is a predator-friendly way of protecting our animals (and humans!) without having to harm the predators. We highly recommend getting at least two LGD’s to protect your livestock and family.
Our favorite breeds are from the Anatolian regions. We currently have an Akbash, Kangal, Gampr, and Anatolian. The shorter hair of the Anatolian breeds is much easier to manage than that of the Great Pyrenees. Additionally, we prefer the Anatolian breeds over the GP as they tend to bark less than their fluffy cousins! Barking is an essential part of how LGD's protect but some breeds tend to be quieter than others. This is a big consideration, especially for smaller ranch properties who have neighbors to consider.
If you do not have an LGD on guard, your goats will require (this is not optional!) a predator proof house and yard. Many of these predators are active during the day so they will need a yard that is fully covered with a material like chain link. You will also need to ensure that nothing can dig under your fencing. We suggest hot wire and/or buried concrete. Because this enclosure can be expensive, we recommend having a smaller, fully enclosed yard that opens into a larger fenced yard where the goats can be during safe times. See above for, The Ideal Barn, Run, and Pasture For Goats.
Can goats protect themselves from predators with their horns?
It is a myth that keeping horns on your goats will enable them to defend themselves. While goats possess horns that can serve as a moderate means of protection, it's essential to recognize that they are not invincible against predators. Goats may use their horns for defense, particularly in territorial disputes or confrontations within the herd, but these natural defenses have limitations.
Predators such as coyotes, wolves, bears and big cats are skilled hunters that can pose a significant threat to goats, even those equipped with horns. To ensure the safety of your goats, it's crucial to implement comprehensive predator protection measures, including secure fencing, shelter, and vigilant management practices, or livestock guardian dogs.
Do goats need to be enclosed at night?
Ensuring the safety of goats during the night is paramount, and closing them into a predator-proof, well-ventilated housing serves as a crucial protective measure. This practice shields goats from potential nocturnal threats posed by predators like coyotes and wolves. Adequately designed and secure goat housing provides a fortified refuge, minimizing the risk of predator attacks during vulnerable periods.
However, goat keepers with vigilant livestock guardian dogs on duty throughout the night, can confidently remain keep their goats in pens or on pasture. The presence of these guardian dogs acts as an additional layer of protection, deterring predators and contributing to the overall security of the goat herd. Combining secure housing practices with the assistance of dedicated guardian dogs creates a comprehensive defense strategy, ensuring the well-being of goats in both enclosed spaces and open pastures during nighttime hours.
What kind of weather protection do goats require?
Within their enclosed yard, pen or pasture, goats will require shelter from the sun and rain/snow as well as from the wind. Being in the high desert of southern California, we have more of a heat issue than a cold issue. Therefore, we prefer a high (8-10 feet tall) shade/rain shelter to keep the heat at bay with smaller houses below for the goats to escape the wind or to snuggle up together when it is cold.
We faced record rain and snowfall last year and used canvas painters’ drop clothes to cover the open ventilated areas on our high shaders. This worked well for keeping the driving rain and snow out of the pens.
See our Ideal Set-Up above for more details.
We plan to modify the above set-up for our buck herd to give our boys a better warm area. They use the trees at the edge of the pasture for shade anyway so we are converting their high shade area into a warm cozy winter barn. I’m anticipating some of the barn cats making their way into the new cozy digs!
Note: It's crucial to avoid using small dog houses or igloos on their own as shade sources for goats. As the sun hits the roof, these structures essentially become "hot boxes" and are unsuitable for any living thing.
Do goats need ventilation/windows in their shelter?
Goats need a lot of ventilation in their shelter. If you have a stall, shed or igloo, you will need to change the bedding often (think weekly) to prevent respiratory issues from the accumulation of ammonia. Sheds should also have proper ventilation cut into the walls to allow for good air-flow. Be sure to cover these holes with 1” or smaller wiring to prevent predators from entering. (Bobcats can get through 3” gaps!)
Sheds do not make great shelters from the heat since there is no airflow. They may shade the goats from the sun but the heat will build up making the shed stifling. We suggest that the goats have a covered area with open spaces to get out of the sun and enjoy a breeze to keep cool. Smaller shelters under a high, open cover make good spots to get out of the wind and cold.
In the absence of shade trees, additional open shading, such as another shader on the opposite side of a barn, can be added, leaving open sides to facilitate airflow and maintain a comfortable environment for your goats.
What is the best fencing to contain goats?
Goats are known to be escape artists! They can climb or jump fences shorter than four feet and they will challenge their fences regularly. They also love to rub and scratch on anything they can which will eventually wear down lower quality wire. We suggest using 5’ chain link fencing to keep goats enclosed..
Investing in quality materials upfront is not just prudent but a long-term money-saver. The hours spent fixing and replacing cheap fencing could be better utilized on other aspects of goat care. While it's tempting to cut corners, the adage "you get what you pay for" holds true in goat fencing.
Starting with cheap wire fencing might seem like a cost-effective solution, but it turned into a time-consuming and costly endeavor for us. Over the years, we found ourselves constantly replacing sections due to wear, tear, and the persistence of our clever goats. The initial savings quickly evaporated in the face of ongoing labor and material costs.
If you have horned goats in your herd, be sure to use fencing with smaller gaps that goat’s can’t put their head through. Their natural curiosity can lead to them getting stuck and unable to pull their heads back through because of their horns. Ensuring the right fence gap size, especially for horned individuals, is a crucial consideration in your goat fencing strategy.
So, when it comes to fencing, investing wisely upfront saves you both time and money down the goat-herding road.
How big should my goat shelter/pen be?
We are often asked how much space the goats will need, and finding the right balance is crucial. While we love seeing our goats roam freely across their 2-acre pasture, we understand that not everyone can provide such expansive space. In our experience, a pen size of at least 12' x 12' is suitable for accommodating 2-3 goats. However, it's essential to note that this is on the smaller side, and goats thrive with additional room to run, play, and graze safely.
According to the American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA) and the guidelines from UC Davis, ensuring adequate space is vital for the well-being of your goats. ADGA recommends a minimum of 15 square feet per goat in a shelter or barn. For pens, they suggest at least 200 square feet for the first goat and an additional 100 square feet for each additional goat. UC Davis emphasizes the importance of providing space for goats to express natural behaviors, including moving, stretching, and playing.
While a 12' x 12' pen can serve as a starting point, aiming for larger spaces aligns better with the natural instincts and behaviors of goats, promoting their overall health and happiness.
Where on your property should you put your goats' pen/shelter?
This decision involves finding the right balance between convenience and practicality. Ideally, your goats' pen or shelter should be close enough to your house for convenient late barn checks and daily milking. However, it's important to position it far enough away to minimize noise, smells, and flies near your outdoor living spaces. One effective strategy is to build kidding stalls and the milk barn closer to the house, reserving the larger barn and pasture for areas farther away.
When selecting locations, consider your local weather conditions. In areas with extreme heat, positioning structures under shade trees can significantly cool down spaces. For example, our kidding stalls located under a massive mulberry tree provide a cooler environment compared to the buck barn without shade trees. In colder climates, look out for areas where wind blocks are already in place.
TIPS:
---> Watch for how the sun hits the areas you're considering. You will want good south-west shade coverage for the hot summer months but allow for lower southern sun to hit their space during the winter.
---> Consider zoning requirements for placing new buildings and livestock, ensuring compliance with local regulations.
---> Ensure that the Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGD) have access to protect the goats' areas.
Striking a balance is crucial—close enough for security but not too close to the road to prevent theft.
---> Avoid flood-prone areas and look for flat spaces for the barn, as they won't require grading.
---> Goats love to climb, so hillsides that might be otherwise unusable are ideal for their pasture areas.
Choose the best areas on your property that cater to the needs and well-being of your goats, ensuring a harmonious balance between their comfort and your practicality.
What materials are best for building my goats' shelter?
Goats are notorious escape artists and love to challenge their enclosures, so choosing the right materials is crucial. While it might be tempting to opt for cheap materials like pallets, our experience has shown that cutting corners can cost more in the long run. Cheap wire fencing wears down quickly, and the frustration of constant repairs becomes a significant investment in both time and money.
When it comes to building shelters and pens, the choice of lumber is vital. Treated lumber may seem like a cost-effective option initially, but our firsthand experience suggests it doesn't stand the test of time. Painting raw lumber is another alternative, but the ongoing maintenance cost can add up over the years. We recommend investing in cedar or redwood lumber, known for its natural weather resistance and durability. While the upfront cost might be higher, it pays off in the long term by reducing the need for frequent repairs and replacements.
For barn walls and roofing, consider large metal siding panels available at big box building stores. These panels offer durability and eliminate the need for painting. They are a reliable option to withstand the wear and tear goats may inflict on their shelters.
If your budget allows, hiring a local company to build and install pre-built steel panels and shaders can be a worthwhile investment. Some feed stores even offer kits and delivery services, making it convenient for goat keepers to provide secure and durable housing for their animals. Remember, choosing quality materials from the start ensures the safety and well-being of your goats in the long run.
How many goats can I legally have on my property?
Each city will have its ordinances about the number of animals permitted per acre. Some areas classify goats as companion animals while others see them as small livestock. Be sure to check your zoning restrictions before investing time and money into your goat housing. You will also need to find out if there are any permits required and/or restrictions on the placement of a new structure on your property. For example, you may not be permitted to place a goat barn within a certain distance of your property line.
Will goats eat my landscape plants?
Goats do love to graze and they always seem to know which plants and trees are your favorite and most expensive. There are a few that they won't touch, but for the most part, they'll destroy any plants they have access to. If you plan to let your goats out to run and play, be sure to fence off any landscaping that you care about.
They will eat grass but unlike sheep, they won't pull it out. They will graze and mow it down while generously distributing their fertilizing manure pellets. We do not believe it is safe to graze goats on anything treated with chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
What plants are safe/hazardous for my goats to consume?
Some plants and trees are poisonous to goats and can be devastating to your herd. I hesitate to list every poisonous plant because it would be nearly impossible to so and include every plant in every region of the world. I have found this article from UC Davis to be helpful.
Please carefully research any plants, trees or shrubs in your goats' area and be sure to include the seeds and pods of each in your search.
Providing optimal housing for your goats involves a holistic approach. By understanding your dairy goat herd’s needs, potential threats, and the right protective measures, you lay the foundation for healthy and happy goats. Here's to creating a haven where your goats can thrive and bring joy to your homestead!