yourbadd
Exploring the pasture
- Joined
- Jan 31, 2011
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I have set a goal for myself to have the funds and materials saved up by spring to get moving on my goat barn and enclosure. I have read book after book and know that everyone has their own set rules for how much space is needed. I wanted to get a realistic picture from folks who may have the obstacles we do.
My plan is to build a 10x30 shed/barn to house 2 mini dairy goats. I don't have plans to keep a buck or any offspring until I need to replace a current milker. I'm already the crazy chicken lady, I don't need the crazy goat lady title too!! I was thinking of using a non-climbing horse fencing 48 inches high and giving them 625sq ft of running room. We live close to 20 acres of wooded property and have seen a few coyotes off in the distance...will price electric fencing to step up security. We have a large shepherd but he's my baby and I won't lose him to the goats!!
Questions:
1. How much space will I need to store hay and grains? Will there realistically be enough room in the barn for a storage area, milking area and 3 stalls? (1 stall for each goat and 1 to keep kids separate)
2. We won't have water or electric in the barn for a while....it is only 50 yards or so from the house to the proposed barn location, will I go mad hauling water?
3. With no water and electricity do I dare milk in the barn? Will we lose kids to cold and illness without access to heat lamps?
4. What is the most important feature/item/etc.. you have or wish you had on/in your barn?
Any other suggestions or advise is most welcome!!
My plan is to build a 10x30 shed/barn to house 2 mini dairy goats. I don't have plans to keep a buck or any offspring until I need to replace a current milker. I'm already the crazy chicken lady, I don't need the crazy goat lady title too!! I was thinking of using a non-climbing horse fencing 48 inches high and giving them 625sq ft of running room. We live close to 20 acres of wooded property and have seen a few coyotes off in the distance...will price electric fencing to step up security. We have a large shepherd but he's my baby and I won't lose him to the goats!!
Questions:
1. How much space will I need to store hay and grains? Will there realistically be enough room in the barn for a storage area, milking area and 3 stalls? (1 stall for each goat and 1 to keep kids separate)
2. We won't have water or electric in the barn for a while....it is only 50 yards or so from the house to the proposed barn location, will I go mad hauling water?
3. With no water and electricity do I dare milk in the barn? Will we lose kids to cold and illness without access to heat lamps?
4. What is the most important feature/item/etc.. you have or wish you had on/in your barn?
Any other suggestions or advise is most welcome!!