My wife and I are looking into getting two Nigerian Dwarf does. We live on 1/5 an acre in town, we currently have a few chickens but are looking to expand our backyard menagerie. I was wondering if any of you had any ideas for small goat barns and play areas. We have a space of about 30' x 10' that we can use for the entire fenced area including a small barn.
I would love ideas and pictures.
Thanks in advance.
Replies
We have a very similar situation to yours--we have two ND's, one doe and a doeling; and six hens in our small urban back yard. Our outer fencing is four foot chain link and is plenty tall and sturdy for the goats. They spend a lot of their day in a pen about 15x15 but get out to run in the larger yard several times a day and that keeps them busy and happy and content. Spraying down your small space with Pen Protect keeps our neighbors and our noses happy and content, too.
That is what I was planning, just to use the space the goats don't need to store the hay. I am trying to avoid those permits as well, that is the main reason I'm not wiring it. I am comfortable with electrical to a certain extent, but my breaker box has no free breakers in it or spaces to add any. I am not comfortable replacing the entire box so I think at least for now it will be extension cords. Thanks for all of the great ideas.
Thanks! And with Nigerians, you don't have to really build a whole second level, you could "cut" your regular level in 1/2... even if it's only a few bales that you can store... :)
Jordana Heath said:
Thank you for the info. I think I might be able to get a door that opens into the milking parlor instead of out like your drawing shows, which may be better anyways since it snows so much here in the winter that at times doors that open outwards are difficult. I already have a greenhouse, and since our yard is so small I am trying not to take up any more than I have to. I was wondering how I would make a door in the goat pen that the goats wouldn't be able to destroy, so your idea really makes a lot of sense. I will have to draw something up and see what you think.
I would make your barn as tall as you can, and use the top 1/2 of the loafing area (with space for you to walk through) as a platform for hay storage. Keep movement in mind (walking, loading hay, etc) when you place and measure doors and gates. Here's a really neat lighting idea. You tube has a lot of examples of how to make them, but I think all in all they are pretty easy to figure out. http://youtu.be/_zMAWztZ6TI I'd look into wiring your barn more permanently than an extension cord with at least light for after dark, and any heating lamps, etc. you might need in the future. The "loafing" area should be suitable for day and night use.
I've made a shelter similar to this one with a heavy duty tarp over the top. Cost me about $50.00 or so. Might be a good way to get a cover at the front of your barn for wet days and shade without breaking the bank. :) http://istover.com/hoophouse.html
That drawing is somewhat similar to what I had in mind. How tall would you make it, just out of curiosity. I was also wondering if by loafing area that is the same as the area they will sleep? I only noticed one problem I may have based on what you have drawn up. I have a fence very close on one side and another shed close on the other where I would put the barn, so I may have a problem putting a gate/door on the side of the milking parlor area. I like that idea though because then I don't have to put a gate in the run area. I am trying to get as much stuff figured out over the winter so that when the weather gets better I will have a plan. Rachel it is actually as far away from my house as I can get. I only have 1/5 an acre and my house is pretty much situated in the middle. I plan to put the goats in one of the far corners of the back yard, but of course on this small of a lot that is still pretty close to the house. There is no electricity ran out there , but it is easy enough to run an extension cord out there from the house. There is another shed close to this area, but it will be pretty full with all of my lawn car equipment, tools, etc. I unfortunately don't have a garage, how I wish I did.
Sorry all I got on a ramble but I really appreciate the assistance. I have also been getting some help from a semi local Nigerian Dwarf goat owner.
I drew this up based on what I would do in your situation.Leaves room to add on for more goat space later if desired. Length is 30 feet, width 10 feet as stated, barn would be 10 feet by 10 feet on one end. A milk parlor and feed storage area would need light of some sort (windows, skylights, electricity) and is 5'x10', leaving a loafing area that is also 5'x10', allowing room for a hay rack and mineral feeder. Water outside ( I do not like indoor water pails) and an overhanging roof for shade and loafing in bad weather (hot, cold, wet).
So it's near your house? Like a side yard type of a place? Do you have access to any garage space from it? Does the shed have electricity running to it? Will your barn? Good idea to relocate the peach tree. It will get killed if you can't keep the goats from it. (which is hard to do) Enforcing your vinyl fencing is a smart idea. Even if they don't taste it, they'll push against it, and the wire will help keep them from ruining it.
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