5 Portable Goat Shelter Ideas For Goats On The Go!

Goats are easy to maintain compared to most livestock, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have needs. Goats are big grazers which means they need to be moved around to different areas of land quite frequently in addition to supplementing with hay or other feed. They also require shelter.

For goats that are always on the go, take a look at these 5 portable goat shelter ideas.

Portable Goat Shelter

Why Goats Need A Portable Goat Shelter

Goats require protection from harsh climates such as snow, high winds, and the hot sun. However, goats also go through roughage quite quickly, so they need to be moved to different areas of your land regularly. This is where a portable goat shelter, or a mobile goat shelter, becomes an ideal solution.

With a portable goat shelter, you can provide your goats shelter from the elements anywhere you move them to rather than a permanent shelter where they will run out of food sources and have to provide supplementation.

Portable Goat Shelter Ideas

5 Portable Goat Shelter Ideas

There are many ways to build a mobile goat shelter, though here are five ideas to give you some inspiration.

1. A-Frame Shelter

An A-frame shelter is a simple and easy-to-build option that can be made with wood and a tarp. The A-frame shape allows for good ventilation and the tarp can be easily removed for cleaning. Keep in mind that wood can get heavy, so if you can’t lift it with a partner, ensure you have a way of moving it.

2. Hoop Shelter

A hoop shelter is a portable shelter that can be made with PVC pipe or metal conduit and a tarp. The curved shape of the shelter allows for good ventilation and the tarp can be easily removed for cleaning. Hoop shelters are lightweight which is great for ease of portability.

3. Pop-Up Shelter

A pop-up shelter is a portable shelter that can be made with tent poles and a tarp. The shelter can be set up quickly and easily, and the tarp can be removed for cleaning. Pop-up shelters are ideal for last-minute situations or daily movement.

4. Portable Barn

A portable barn is a larger, more permanent shelter that can be made with wood or metal and a tarp. The shelter can be moved around on wheels to different areas of the pasture. However, even on wheels, portable barns are still heavy. You can cut weight by using a lightweight metal like aluminum.

5. Goat Tote

A goat tote is a small, portable shelter that can be made with a plastic tote and a tarp. It's easy to move around and provides shade to goats on hot days.

Mobile Goat Shelter Considerations

Mobile Goat Shelter Considerations

Before you build a portable goat shelter, there are a few considerations to think about.

Weather Conditions

Firstly, the weather conditions in your area greatly affect the type of mobile goat shelter you go with.

For places with frequent high winds, a portable barn is a more substantial structure that will be able to withstand more wind than those made with just tent poles or a plastic tote. However, in a snowy environment, a smaller portable shelter made with an insulating tarp or plastic is better for holding in warmth.

Think about the best option for the local weather and go with an option that makes sense with it.

Sizing

How many goats you have and the breed of those goats is going to impact the type of portable shelter that is best. For larger groups or larger goats, opt for a type that you can make a bit bigger like an A-frame or portable barn. The other option is to provide multiple mobile shelters to accommodate everyone in the herd.

Budget

Lastly, like all things, budget is a factor. A pop-up shelter with tent poles and a tarp is one of the most affordable options. However, if you have a bit more to invest, you may consider a hoop shelter or an A-frame shelter.

Which One Will You Go With?

Which One Will You Go With?

Whether you are raising goats for companionship, as a meat source, or to make goat milk soap, it is important to provide shelter for your herd. A portable shelter is recommended so that the goats can be moved according to food sources. Which one will you treat your goats with?