Goat Housing – What Makes A Good Goat Shelter?
If you are into the business of meat goat farming, it is definite that before you started out with your venture, you made plans on where you will place the herd. So what makes a good goat housing then?
Good goat housing should be able to accomplish one important thing: the herd’s protection! Best shelters for animals should be able to defend them from utmost temperatures, rain, and can provide them a safe spot to rest at night.
One good thing about goats is that these animals are adaptable to rough terrain and weather conditions. But then again, goats should still be provided with protection from these elements in order for their stress experience will be minimized, enabling them to be more productive and ensure that they grow healthier.
Good goat housing plans should also include keeping the moisture out, lest you risk the herd to contract respiratory diseases. Your best choice would be to use wood because this material does not accumulate water.
Ideal goat housing is an open building – it can keep the moisture out during winter months and can also ensure maximum airflow during the summer months. It will also do the animals good if there are trees in the surroundings since trees are also excellent insulators and they can maintain the herds cool during summer.
Having an open building also ensures ample air circulation which can prevent ammonia build up from animal urine and feces. It is also critical that beddings are supplied for the animals to work as floor insulators. You can use materials such as sawdust, wood shavings, and wood boards as beddings. There are actually different types of bedding materials that also have different capabilities in absorbing urine. Bedding materials are not costly and are readily obtainable.
You may also need to consider what other countries do, using slanted board floors and walls for good airflow and easier cleaning. It would also be a great idea if you supply the animals with stilted housing to guard the goats from soil parasites.
As for the roofing materials, you can also choose from a lot of materials – from hay to metal, whatever you deem it necessary. But it is great to point out, even though, that straw and hay roofing are excellent insulation that are good during hot months and cold months.
Raising meat goats can be simple and easy if based on those who have done it. If you are looking for more tips on goat housing, raising meat goats and want to avoid the common painful mistakes made by novice and experienced farmers too, go to: raisingmeatgoats.com
