Housing and fencing

In short

• Indoors 1.5–2 m² (16–22 sq ft) per goat, for a buck 3–4 m² in a separate pen, plus 2.5–4 m² of run per goat.
• Dry and draught-free at goat height, but with air outlets under the roof. You must never smell ammonia.
• Hay rack 35–40 cm (14–16 in) per goat, with bars a horned head cannot get stuck in.
• Fence at least 1.2 m (4 ft), for a buck 1.5 m (5 ft); the bottom wire or mesh right down to the ground.
• An electric fence for goats needs at least 4,000–5,000 V and at least 4 wires.
• Shut the goats in at night, especially kids, if there are loose dogs, foxes or, in North America, coyotes in your area.

What's inside

Chapters

1. Where to put the shed and run
2. Measurements: how much space you need
3. A shed for 4–5 goats and a buck
4. Floor and bedding
5. Hay racks, drinkers and licks
6. Light, air, winter and summer
7. Fences that hold goats
8. Run and pasture
9. Predators and dogs
10. Milking area and quarantine
11. Common mistakes
12. Printable checklist

Worksheets

• Shopping list for a 6 × 4 m shed
• Fence and bedding calculator
• My shed: measurements and sketch
• Shed and fence care through the year