Goat Shelter for Winter
This guide will help you to determine the best Goat Shelter for Winter that you can use to house your herd from the wind, rain, and cold.
How to raise dairy goats that are healthy and hardy even in the worst weather.
Winter is miserable where we live. The snow and sleet that hits in November never seems to let up until sometime in late March.
That weather can take a toll on our livestock, especially our goats.
The good news is that our animals are hardier than you might realize. If given time to acclimate, they can do quite well in the winter months.
How Cold is Too Cold for Goats?
Overall, most goats can do well in temperatures of 32°F. However, some breeds can handle temperatures below that, especially if they are used to the temperatures.
If the weather falls below 20° (-6 degrees Celsius); we will give additional support to help our herd.
The problem is that so many things need to be considered with the weather. The wind and moisture can greatly affect your goats’ comfort level, sometimes causing more harm than the temperature.
Finally, let’s talk about wind chill, a huge part of issues in the north. Wind chill can make the temperature feel much colder than it actually is, increasing heat loss from their bodies.
Shelters Matter for Goats
With all these weather elements coming together, it is important to have a place for your herd to retreat to. Whether that is for uncommon cold snaps in the south or full weeks of bad weather in the north.
What you have matters, and there are a few key elements to have for the best setup.
The main goal is a house with at least three permanent sides and an excellent sturdy roof. You can also have a floor, a fourth wall, windows, and pens.
Best Goat Shelters for Winter
Let’s look at a few options to house your goats. Be sure to look for tips on effectiveness to see if it will work for the weather in your area.
#1. Lean-To
The simplest of the options, if you live in a mild area, a lean-to may be all you need. This structure has three walls and a roof slanted towards the back area, allowing rain and snow to fall away from the opening.
Lean-tos provide relief from the wind and rain and can be quite warm even in the colder months.
What to Have
Be sure to have plenty of bedding to help insulate your goats from the cold ground. Use straw for bedding so your goats are not eating from the ground.
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Size Needed
An 80-square-foot lean-to will house about 4 goats comfortably.
Extra Protection
If you live in a colder area, you can add a partial cover to the front using a tarp. This will help to keep the wind from coming into the shelter.
Overall Rating
Lean-tos are a good option for temporary housing from the weather in milder areas but may not be the best option for northern locations.
#2. Three-Sided Shelter
Three-sided shelters are a step up from lean-tos as they provide more protection from the elements. They have three walls and an open front, often with a roof extending over the opening. These shelters also typically have a raised floor and windows for ventilation.
What to Have
Similar to lean-tos, be sure to have plenty of bedding for insulation and use straw instead of hay for flooring. You can also add extra insulation by placing bales of hay or straw around the exterior of the shelter.
Size Needed
A 100-square-foot three-sided shelter will comfortably house about six goats.
Extra Protection
For areas with harsh winters, you can add a fourth wall and a door to fully enclose the shelter. This will provide even more protection for your goats. Be sure if you do this that you have ventilation near to the roof area to provide fresh air.
Overall Rating
Three-sided shelters are a great option for year-round housing in milder climates but may need some modifications for colder areas.
#3. Run-in Sheds
Run-in sheds are a simple form of shelter that allows goats to come and go as they please. They consist of a roof supported by posts or walls, with an open front for easy access. They provide protection from the elements but still allow goats to graze freely in the pasture.
What to Have
Since run-in sheds have an open front, it is important to have enough space inside for all your goats to comfortably fit during bad weather. You should also provide enough bedding and insulation for warmth and comfort.
Size Needed
The size needed for a run-in shed will depend on the number and breed of goats you have. Aim for at least 10-15 square feet per regular-sized goat and double that for larger breeds.
Overall Protection
Run-in sheds provide adequate protection from the elements and can be modified for extra insulation with the addition of walls or panels. They are also a cost-efficient option, which can be good when first starting out.
Overall Rating
Overall, run-in sheds are a practical and cost-effective option for sheltering goats. Sheds can also be made larger by adding more space as your herd grows.
Overall Rating
Run-in sheds are a cost-effective option for providing basic shelter for goats. They require less maintenance and can be easily built or purchased.
#4. Barn
Our top pic for the best goat shelter for winter is a full barn. Barns are a traditional and popular option for sheltering goats. They offer protection from the elements, storage space for feed and equipment, as well as individual stalls for goats.
What to Have
Barns should have adequate ventilation to prevent moisture build-up and ensure fresh air circulation. You can have a communal stall that is large enough to hold all your goats together as well as individual stalls for birthing, milking, or sick care.
Size Needed
The size of a barn will depend on the number of goats you have, but it is recommended to have at least 20-25 square feet per goat. It is also important to consider additional space for storage and room for future growth.
Overall Protection
Barns provide excellent protection from extreme weather conditions such as strong winds, heavy rain, and snow. They also offer shelter from extreme heat and direct sunlight.
Get our guide on making your Goat Barn Setup one that will work for your herd now and as it grows.
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#5. Hoop House
Hoop houses, also known as high tunnels or polytunnels, are becoming increasingly popular among goat owners. These structures are made of metal or PVC pipes covered with plastic sheeting, creating a hoop-shaped shelter.
What to Have
To provide adequate protection, hoop houses should have sturdy frames that can withstand strong winds and heavy snow. You can also add a layer of shade cloth to protect goats from direct sunlight.
Size Needed
The size of a hoop house will depend on the number of goats you have, but it is recommended to have at least 20-25 square feet per goat. It is also important to consider additional space for feed and equipment storage.
Overall Protection
Hoop houses provide good protection from rain and snow, but they may not be as durable or offer as much insulation as a traditional barn. They are best suited for mild climates with relatively temperate weather conditions.
When deciding on the best shelter for winter, it is important to consider the specific needs of your herd and the weather conditions of your area.
The key is to ensure that any chosen structure provides sufficient space, ventilation, and protection to keep your goats healthy and comfortable year-round.
From light weather to the most severe, this list of options will give you what you need to keep your goats hardy throughout the entire winter months.
