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7 Free DIY Goat Shelter Plans You Can Make Today (With Pictures)
Pete Ortiz
Last updated:
Providing adequate shelter for your goats is important to keep them happy and healthy. Even if you live in a climate that doesn’t see snow, there will be times when it is raining and/or cold. When it is sunny and hot, it is nice to provide a shady area to cool off.
This list of seven plans teaches you how to build a goat shelter that you can start today. Read through the list to gather information and inspiration to build a shelter for your goats.
Construct 101 offers plans to build a simple goat shelter that has storage on one side, with the other side dedicated for the goats. The shelter is 14 feet by 10 feet, with a tapered roof. The plans include a free PDF download, as well as step-by-step instructions with drawings that are easy to follow. When you finish this shelter, your goats will be comfy and happy in their new home.
Skill level: Intermediate
Materials: Multiple sizes of lumber, plywood, exterior siding, metal roofing, deck screws, galvanized nails, finishing nails, door hardware, and roofing panel screws
Tools: Miter saw, tape measure, drill with bits, and hammer
2. Pygmy Goat Pallet House by Starving the Monkeys
For a small shelter ideal for pygmy goats, Starving the Monkeys shows you how to make this DIY house. It is made with three standard pallets that form the floor and the walls, then you use six more pallets for finishing the house. This is an easy project that doesn’t require that much building confidence, so it is ideal for beginners. You can paint or stain the house once finished to add color to your farm.
Skill level: Beginner
Materials: Pallets, drywall screws, and deck screws
Tools: Power screwdriver, hand saw, and measuring tape
All Pet Care shows you how to make a simple goat shelter by using wood pallets that you can typically find for free or at an affordable price. You will want to find pallets that are in good shape because they constitute most of the shelter. The roof is made of plywood and covered with corrugated metal. You can easily build this shelter in one day.
Skill level: Beginner
Materials: Five pallets, plywood, wooden boards, metal hinges, L-shaped brackets, and waterproof paint
Tools: Screwdriver, screws, saw, measuring tape, sandpaper, and paintbrush
4. Goat Playhouse and Shelter From The Little Frugal House
This goat shelter also functions as a playhouse, and The Little Frugal House blog shows you how to make one. Goats love to play, so this is a great structure because you can accomplish two projects in one. The sides are made from pallets and the roof and ladder from other pieces of lumber. You don’t have to spend that much money to create a cozy little house.
Skill level: Beginner
Supplies: Two pallets, lumber, and screws
Tools: Hand saw, measure tape, and electric screwdriver
5. Building Shelter for Goats by Mike’s Backyard Nursery
Mike’s Backyard Nursery shows you how to make a shelter that is a great size for your goats to protect them from the elements. The inside measurement is approximately 8 by 8 feet. This is a project for those who have more building experience under their belt. However, it is not a complicated plan, and there’s a YouTube video that shows how to build it.
Skill level: Beginner to intermediate
Supplies: Variety of lumber, four by-eight-foot posts, purlins, siding, screws, OSB sheathing, and shingles
Tools: Post hole digger, drill and bits, measure tape, and miter saw
This loafing shed from My Outdoor Plans is a great option for a goat shelter. This is an ideal size if you have many goats because it is a larger shed. However, you can customize it to fit your needs and even make the roof lower, since goats aren’t as large as other livestock. These are simple plans, but it may take longer to build because of the size of the shed.
Skill level: Intermediate to advanced
Materials: Variety of lumber, siding, screws, brad nails, and lag bolts
My Outdoor Plans offers a smaller shelter that provides more protection from the elements. You could easily build a door if you want to safeguard against predators. The size of this shelter is 8 x 10 feet, but it’s customizable to your preferences.
Skill level: Intermediate to advanced
Materials: Variety of lumber, roofing sheets, screws, plywood, brad nails, tar paper, asphalt shingles, wood glue, stain/paint, and wood filler
This list of seven DIY plans teaches you how to build a goat shelter that features a variety of styles and shapes. Some are more suited for large herds, while others are only meant to house one goat at a time. You can also pick from different skill levels, so you can find one that you feel confident to build. Finding one that fits your budget is important too.
Your goats will fare better when they have adequate shelter from the elements. Also, you will find that many of the plans can be built in one day or over the weekend.
Pete has been working in the trades since high school, where he first developed a passion for woodworking. Over the years, he has developed a keen interest in a wide variety of DIY projects around the home. Fascinated by all sort of tools, Pete loves reading and writing about all the latest gadgets and accessories that hit the market. His other interests include astronomy, hiking, and fishing.
As the founder of House Grail, Pete's primary goal is to help consumers make educated decisions about DIY projects at home, in the garage, and in the garden.
