Movable Goat Pen
Movable goat pens play an important role in raising goats giving you a separate area for care and separation whenever you need it. Not only do they offer a flexible way to separate one or more of your herd, but they allow you to section off areas for other uses as well.
Learning how to raise dairy goats by incorporating different housing tips will help keep your barn safe and efficient for everyone to use.
Goat farming has always been a balance of care and efficiency. Whether you’re raising a few dairy goats in your backyard or managing a good-sized herd, finding ways to keep everyone happy and safe, including you, is key.
During one breeding season, I discovered the hard way that safe housing isn’t just for my goats—it’s just as important for my own safety too.
What is a Movable Goat Pen?
A movable goat pen is a portable, temporary enclosure for your goats that can easily be moved from one area to another. It allows you to keep your goats in a specific location that is safe and protected from the rest of the herd.
You can build these pens in any size using almost any materials you have on hand. Having the option to set one up fast lets you adapt whenever you need to.
Why Do You Need a Movable Goat Pen?
A movable goat pen allows you to manage your herd more efficiently. It allows you to easily separate goats for various reasons such as:
- Pen breeding
- Kidding
- Play area for young kids
- Illness or injury
- Quarantine of new animals
- Separating aggressive or dominant goats
With the right tools and supplies, you can set up a movable pen in minutes, giving you a quick fix to an unexpected problem.
How to Make a Movable Goat Pen
Most of what you need, you may already have. The materials you use for the fencing can vary, but I prefer to use steel fence panels. They are durable enough to keep all of our goats on the right side of the fence.
Supplies needed:
- Metal posts or fence stakes
- Sledgehammer
- Wire fencing, either in a roll or panel.
- Zip ties or fencing clips
- Gate latch or a few carabiner clips that work great to hold things closed.
Instructions:
- Choose a location for your pen that is large enough for your goats and has access to fresh food and water.
- Drive in corner posts at least two feet deep into the ground. If your floor is concrete, you will need to make a free-standing pen.
- Attach wire fencing or fence panels to each post using zip ties or fencing clips to securely hold it in place.
- Use a gate latch or carabiner clip to secure one side of the fence, creating an entrance for you and your goats.
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What size do you need?
The size of your pen will depend on the breed of goat you are raising. Larger breeds will need more space than smaller breeds to allow them to feel comfortable without feeling closed in.
A general rule of thumb is that each goat should have approximately 10 square feet of space, but the purpose of the fence will dictate if you need more.
- Pen breeding – 20 square feet per goat
- Kidding – 30 square feet per goat
- Play area for young kids – 25-40 square feet per goat
- Illness or injury – 15-20 square feet per goat
- Quarantine of new animals – 10-15 square feet per goat
- Separating aggressive or dominant goats – 20-30 square feet per goat
It’s always best to err on the side of caution and build a slightly larger pen than you think you need.
Benefits of Using a Movable Goat Pen
- Flexibility: With a movable pen, you can easily set up a separate area in a corner or other section of your barn.
- Protection: A movable pen can provide protection for your goats if they are sick, injured, or being bullied in the herd.
- Cost-Effective: Building a permanent pen can be expensive, but a movable pen requires fewer materials and can save you money in the long run.
- Healthier kids: Setting up areas for newborn kids will help them adjust more easily to herd life while keeping everyone safe.
- Easy Setup: Setting up a movable pen is quick and easy, allowing you to do it alone if needed.
Additional Tips
- When choosing wire fencing, make sure it is durable enough to withstand the weight of your goats leaning on it or pushing against it.
- If the pen is outside, you may also consider adding some shade or shelter within the pen to protect your goats from extreme weather conditions.
- It’s always better to have a larger pen than a smaller one, as goats need room to move and exercise.
- Make sure the pen has a secure gate that can be easily opened and closed for safe and easy access.
Building a moveable goat pen gives you the chance to provide a secure and separate space for your goats, no matter the situation.
By making sure it’s sturdy to keep everyone on the right side and has enough room to help your goats feel comfortable, you’ll keep your goats happy and safe, including you.
