How to Build a DIY Goat Shelter

Pallets are a frugal homesteader’s best friend! When we first moved to our farmhouse, we used pallets for our pigs for years. Just a year ago, we switched to hog fencing, and it seems like it’s shifting worse than the pallets.

I love rotating my sheep and goats in smaller pastures because we have a smaller area for them in general. After having sheep and knowing they are hardier in the winter than the goats, my husband built a little shelter out in the small pasture for them from pallets.

This has ended up being the buck/wether area now. The boys have been out there for the winter, and they’ve been doing great. This is one of our snowiest winters in Western NY, too. I love having the option of keeping the stinky bucks out of the barn in the winter. It also opened up the other pen to keep it clean and ready for lambing and kidding season.

If you consider making a DIY goat shelter, I hope ours inspires you. If you have any questions, please drop them in the comment box below.

We wanted to build a goat pen out in the pasture area where we keep our bucks. Then, when I move the bucks to another pen, I can put the sheep in this pen in colder months as well, now that they have a bigger pen.

We built this pen for the goats in spring and we are almost through winter and they’ve been fine out there! Sometimes I think they are warmer because the drafts are minimal in this shelter compared to our barn.

If you are thinking about starting with goats, you don’t need a barn or a huge place to keep them. After having sheep and Nigerian Dwarf goats, goats are very manageable, and their smaller size makes taking care of them easier.

Here is the drawing my husband made for this. I know everyone has asked us for this when we did our barn.

Materials Needed:

Before we start, let’s gather our materials:

• 15-20 wooden pallets (depending on pen size)
• Screws (3-inch deck screws work well)
• Wire mesh or fencing
• Roofing material (corrugated metal or plywood)
• Hinges and latch for the gate
• Tools: drill, saw, hammer, measuring tape

Estimated cost: $100-$200, depending on how many materials you can source for free.

Pro tip: Check with local businesses, construction sites, or online marketplaces for free or low-cost pallets.

Planning Your Goat Pen

1. Determine the size: Allow about 20 square feet per goat for a shelter area. If you can’t do that, it’s still okay. You’ll most likely supplement with more hay, which is an added cost.
2. Choose a location: If possible, select a well-drained area with some natural shade.
3. Sketch your design: Plan for a rectangular or square shape with one side designated for the opening.

Preparing the Site

1. Clear the chosen area of debris and vegetation.
2. Level the ground as much as possible using a rake or shovel.
3. Mark the corners of your pen with stakes or spray paint.

Building the Frame

1. Start by creating a base frame with pallets laid flat on the ground.
2. Stand pallets vertically along the perimeter, securing them to the base and each other with screws.
3. Ensure the pallets are tightly fitted together to prevent gaps.

Adding the Roof

1. Create a slight slope for water runoff by making one side of the pen slightly taller.
2. Lay pallets across the top to form rafters.
3. Secure your chosen roofing material (corrugated metal or plywood) to the rafters.

Reinforcing the Structure

1. Cover the entire structure with wire mesh or fencing, stapling it securely to the pallets.
2. Pay extra attention to corners and joints, reinforcing them with additional screws or brackets if needed.

Creating a Gate

1. Build a frame for the gate using pallet wood.
2. Cover the gate frame with wire mesh.
3. Attach hinges to one side and a latch to the other.
4. Ensure the gate swings freely and latches securely.

Finishing Touches

1. Add a layer of straw or wood shavings for bedding.
2. Install feeders and water containers, ensuring they’re easily accessible for both goats and you.
3. Consider adding some “goat entertainment,” like sturdy branches or wooden spools for climbing. We used an old picnic table in this pen and cinder blocks we had around the homestead.
4. We added some plastic sheets to the pen’s door for winter. They worked great! I was surprised most days the water wasn’t completely frozen over. They are thick, and we got them free from a job my husband did.

Maintenance Tips

1. Regularly check for loose screws, protruding nails, or damaged wire mesh.
2. Clean the pen weekly, replacing soiled bedding.
3. Inspect the roof after storms to ensure it remains watertight.

Building a goat pen from pallets is a rewarding project that provides a safe, comfortable home for your goats without breaking the bank. With some basic tools and a bit of elbow grease, you can create a customized shelter that meets your goats’ needs and your budget constraints.

Remember, happy goats make for a happy farm. So roll up your sleeves, gather your materials, and get building! Your goats will thank you with their playful antics and contented bleats in their new, cozy home.