December 24th, 2024

Proper Housing for Miniature Goats: Creating a Safe and Comfortable Environment​ for your babies!  Miniature goats, like Nigerian Dwarfs, are such a joy to raise. But if you want them to stay happy and healthy, you’ll need to make sure their housing is just right. A good shelter does more than keep them safe from predators and bad weather (goats hate rain) —it gives them a cozy spot to relax and thrive. Here’s everything you need to know about setting up the perfect space for your miniature goats.
1. How Much Space Do Goats Need?
Goats are social, playful little creatures, and they need enough room to stretch their legs and interact with their herd mates. As a rule of thumb:

• Indoor space: Plan for at least 10-15 square feet per goat inside the shelter.
• Outdoor space: Give each goat around 200-250 square feet in a secure yard to roam and play.

Always keep at least two goats together—they’re herd animals and don’t do well on their own. A bigger herd? Great! Just make sure there’s enough space to keep everyone comfortable and stress-free.
2. Building the Perfect Shelter
Your goat shelter doesn’t have to be fancy, but it does need to be functional. Here’s what to focus on:

• Weather protection: Keep your goats dry and out of the wind. A sturdy roof and walls that block drafts are key.
• Good airflow: Ventilation is crucial to prevent respiratory issues. Add vents near the roof so air can flow without creating cold drafts.
• Comfy bedding: Use straw, pine shavings, or pellets for bedding. Make sure it’s clean and dry, and replace it often to keep things fresh.
• Easy access: Make doors or openings big enough for goats to come and go but small enough to keep predators out.

3. Fence It In
Goats are escape artists, and they’re surprisingly clever when it comes to testing your fencing. A good fence does double duty: it keeps your goats in and predators out. Here’s what works:

• Use woven or welded wire fencing that’s at least 4 feet high.
• Check for gaps that curious goats might squeeze through.
• Add a hot wire along the top or bottom if you’ve got persistent escapees.

4. Keep Them Busy
Goats get bored easily, and bored goats can get into trouble. Add some fun to their housing area:

• Climbing spots: Platforms, ramps, and logs are great for exercise and enrichment.
• Toys: Try balls, hanging ropes, or other sturdy items for them to play with.
• Snack stations: Safe branches or plants to nibble on keep them entertained and happy.

5. Plan for the Seasons

• Winter: Add extra bedding and make sure the shelter is insulated. Heated water buckets are a lifesaver to keep water from freezing.
• Summer: Provide plenty of shade and fresh water. If it gets really hot, a fan can help keep the air moving.

6. Stay Safe from Predators
Coyotes, dogs, and even large birds can pose a threat to your goats. Keep them safe with these tips:

• Lock the goats in their shelter at night.
• Use predator-proof latches on gates and doors.
• Consider a livestock guardian animal, like a dog or donkey, for extra protection.

7. Keep Things Tidy
A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your goats healthy:

• Check fences and shelters regularly for damage.
• Clean water buckets and replace bedding often.
• Remove debris or anything that might be hazardous to curious goats.
• Providing proper housing for your miniature goats is one of the most important things you can do for their well-being. With enough space, a cozy shelter, and some fun enrichment, your goats will be living their best lives. Whether you’re raising them as pets or for dairy, the effort you put into their housing will pay off with happy, healthy animals.

This is a picture of one of our barns! We keep the younger girls in here at night so they are safe and sound (and human momma can sleep without worrying). We have since replaced the top dutch door with a more open version to give even more ventilation. We have vents on the front and back of the barn for extra air, and under the eaves of each side of the barn is has an open space (too small for predators) for cross ventilation. Goats pee... a lot! And the cumulation of the urine at night can create ammonia vapors which are not good for goats to breath. By creating cross ventilation in your barn, the vapors can rise and exit the barn. I clean my barns out weekly to ensure things are nice and clean for them. I once read a good rule of thumb... "if you wouldn't want to sit and stay in there all night... then neither will your goats". My personal belief is that the cleaner I keep them- the healthier they seem to be. And that makes momma happy! Happy goats = Happy Momma. 

• Providing proper housing for your miniature goats is one of the most important things you can do for their well-being. With enough space, a cozy shelter, and some fun enrichment, your goats will be living their best lives. Whether you’re raising them as pets or for dairy, the effort you put into their housing will pay off with happy, healthy animals.

This is one of the barns for our goats.