It was a crisp, fall day when we pulled up the steep mountain road. I looked past the farm house and there she was. The most beautiful white pygmy goat I had ever seen.
We knew then, that she was our goat. After playing with her for a few minutes, it was clear that she was meant to be the first goat member of our homestead family. We loaded her up, paid the man, and took our beloved goat (we later named Nanny) home with us.
Well, friends, that was almost 4 years ago. Can you believe how fast time flies? We went from 1 goat to 7 goats now. That doesn’t include the babies that have passed through our farm as well.
But the one thing I’ve learned about raising goats is that if you keep them happy, they’ll never want to leave. Which means less trouble for you. This all begins by giving them the perfect shelter.
So I’m going to bring you a bunch of different options so you can choose which shelter will work best for your homestead and your goat(s).
Inspiring Goat Sheds
Here they are:
1. Alaskan Goat Igloos
Do you live in a colder climate? Do you potentially already have one of these igloos hanging around your property from its use as an old dog house?
Well, if you answered yes to either, then this could be a solid goat house option for you. It may seem a little ‘no frills’ but the frills are usually for us. In my experience, the goats really don’t care.
2. The Small Animal Shelter
This option is meant more for inspiration as there is no tutorial for you to build it. If you have past carpentry skills you may be able to look at it and build something similar from the picture.
But if you are new to building and would like to bypass the DIY idea, this actually gives you pricing and instructions on how to order it.
3. Large Goat Shelter
This shelter is a great option if you would like to put your goats up from time to time. It also has plenty of room for multiple small goats and even a couple larger breed goats.
However, this too is meant more for inspiration as there is no tutorial on how to build it. So you’ll have to use the picture to help you (or a gifted carpentry friend) build your own version.
4. Pallet Goat Shed
You are going to see multiple goat houses in this post made out of pallets. I love all things pallet constructed, and I think most of you probably will too.
Why? Because pallets are usually free or very cheap. So why not give your goats a shelter as near to free as possible?
5. The Lean-To Goat Barn
This is another barn that does not have a tutorial on how to build it. However, it does seem extremely functional and well-built.
So if you aren’t into building things yourself, this one can be purchased. But if you prefer to build things on your own, then consider this inspiration for your future build.
6. The Designed Goat Shelter
This little goat house has had a lot of thought put into it. It has a raised bed, which goats love. It also has a ramp to help them climb up and down. It is also something fun for them to jump off of.
Plus, it appears to have a milking area or a birthing area. It all depends on which purpose you would prefer. Again, no tutorial on building it, but the picture is very detailed.
7. Double Sized Pallet Goat Structure
This goat shelter looks like a great option for most goat owners. First, it is cost effective as it is made from pallets.
Then it has a great tutorial with lots of pictures to help you along the way. So if you are looking for a functional and inexpensive build, this could be it.
8. The Frugal Scrap Wood Goat Shelter
This goat shelter actually looks really cool. It has multiple little houses connected so the goats could not just use it as a shelter, but also a place to play and hide.
However, it is also very cost effective as you are shown how to construct it from scrap wood. Using what you already have is probably the most cost effective way to build anything.
9. The Goat Shed with Stalls
This goat shed is another one that is meant for inspiration or purchase. The link below will lead you to the site if you wish to simply purchase your goat shed.
However, if not, then the picture will hopefully inspire you to build a very functional goat shed with two stalls in it. It looks like a great shed to have out on your pasture.
10. Goat Playground and Shelter
What better thing than to get a two for one when you build something? With this build, you’ll actually get a three for one.
So you not only have your goats’ shelter, but you also get a great climbing toy for them. Then, if you raise chickens, there is a place for them in this as well.
11. The Simple Goat Shelter
This is another one that gives you the option to purchase it instead of build. But it looks so simple, I’m sure if you have some carpentry experience, you could probably figure it out.
So if you are in need of a simple goat shelter, then you might really be interested in this option. It also appears easy enough to move around too.
12. Goat Tower
This tower looks like a lot of fun for a goat. It also appears to have an opening at the top so it could be used as a shelter.
So if you’d like to give your goats a fun place to sleep, then you should consider looking into creating this for them.
13. The ‘Gotta Goat’ Goat Barn
I have admired this goat barn for quite some time. When I knew we were moving, and I’d need to build a new goat barn I ran across this one. Sadly, I haven’t got to build it yet.
But if you have the opportunity, then you should. This barn looks great, is super functional, and also appears to be sturdy as well.
14. The 3-Sided House
This little goat shack seems really easy and rather inexpensive to build. All you need to do is frame up three sides.
Then you’ll frame up the roof, attach the metal, and you are done. It doesn’t get a whole lot easier than that.
15. Goat Beds
We’ve been talking about building the perfect goat house for your goats and farm. But what if you have an idea for a shelter, but need a place for the goats to sleep comfortably?
Well, that is where this idea comes in. You use old tires so the goats have a place to crawl inside and sleep. This keeps them up off of the ground, which is their preference.
16. The Wooden Goat Shelter
This little goat shelter is great! It has three sides and a front to it that will block the wind. It also appears to be rather sturdy as well.
Also, it is easy to duplicate since they shared photos of the building process. That should also give you an idea for materials too.
17. The Wooden Teepee
This little wooden fort is something that can be easily thrown together for the winter. It doesn’t have a tutorial to accompany it.
So you’ll have to use your imagination. But after reading the blog from which it came from, the blogger seems to be really friendly. Maybe she would answer some questions for you if you hit a snag.
18. Small Livestock Shelter
This livestock shelter would work well for most any size goat. My biggest goat right now is a Nubian, and I think she could still fit in it judging by the picture.
So if you would like an idea that seems simple enough to build, then you might want to explore this option.
19. The Raised Goat Bed
Once you find the perfect shelter, you are going to want to build your goats the perfect bed. Yes, they can sleep on the ground.
But goats really like to sleep up high. That is where they are at their happiest. Even though this bed isn’t super high, it will still do the trick.
20. Goat Shed with Loft Bed
This is actually my goat shed with loft bed from our previous homestead. Our goats absolutely loved it! They loved the bed, and it did a great job at protecting them from the elements.
But I loved the fact that we were able to build it for basically no money and upcycle what we already had. This one does offer a tutorial as well.
21. The Little Goat Cottage
This little cottage is adorable. It has a covered sleeping area for your goats. As well as a covered area for their feeding.
However, this would only work for baby goats or really small pet goats. Just keep that in mind when choosing which shelter would work best for your farm.
22. The Goat Shed
This goat shed is a great layout for miniature goats. According to the person who posted it, they said that it fits 3 miniature goats pretty easily.
Plus, it is easy to clean as well. This looks like they had a shed and then added a lean-to on to the side so the goats would have an open feeding area and a place to seek complete shelter when needed.
23. The DIY Goat Shelter
This goat shelter has a full tutorial to help you along with the build. It also is a great layout for most goats.
So if you’d like a simple shed that has an opening for your goats to come in and out, then this would be what you’ve been looking for. It would provide the necessary protection while not being overly complicated.
Well, you now have over 20 options for different goat shelters. Hopefully, one of them will be a good fit for your goats and homestead.
But now I’d like to hear from you. Which is your favorite goat shelter and why? What do you look for in a goat shelter? For you seasoned goat parents, what should people look for in a goat shelter? Will you explain why?
We love hearing your all’s thoughts and comments so please give us your input in the space provided below.