Author: Lisa Smith
If you have ever watched a goat at the first sign of rain, you’ll know they don’t just walk to cover, they bolt. Unlike sheep, which have oil-rich lanolin in their wool to repel water, goats have a much thinner coat that lacks waterproof properties.
As we head into the wetter months, providing a high-quality shelter isn't just a matter of comfort, it is a critical part of animal welfare in New Zealand. Here is how to choose a shelter that will keep your herd healthy and your farm or lifestyle block manageable this winter.
Why Goats Struggle with the Kiwi Winter
The New Zealand climate is famous for being able to provide ‘four seasons in one day’. This poses specific threats to goats in the form of cold temperatures, damp coats, and mud.
Because goats store their fat internally rather than in a thick outer layer, they lose body heat rapidly when wet. A goat’s coat provides almost no insulation once it is saturated, making a dry loafing area essential for their survival in colder wet areas such as the West Coast.
This can make them highly susceptible to illnesses such as pneumonia. Furthermore, goats are prone to hoof issues like foot scald and foot rot if they are forced to stand in muddy conditions for prolonged periods.
Ideal Features for an Effective Goat Shelter
Three-Sided Wind Protection
A good goat shelter should be enclosed on three sides to block the prevailing wind. In New Zealand, this often means positioning the open face of the shed toward the north or northeast to avoid the biting southwesterly gales.
Heavy-Duty Timber Construction
Goats are famously tough on their housing. They love to rub against walls to scratch and will often lean their full body weight against a structure.
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Timber vs. Steel: While thin metal sheds can dent or vibrate loudly in the wind (which stresses animals), a timber-framed building will provide the structural integrity and quiet environment goats prefer.
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Chew-Proofing: Using treated, high-quality NZ pine ensures the building can withstand the occasional curious nibble.
Flooring and Ground Management
The floor of your shelter is just as important as the roof. Goats are susceptible to foot rot and scald if they stand on damp, soiled surfaces for too long.
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The Raised Timber Option: For maximum health benefits, many owners opt for a raised timber floor. Outpost Buildings can provide heavy-duty timber flooring for many models, which keeps the animals completely off the cold, damp earth. This allows for better drainage and makes it much easier to fork out soiled bedding.
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Natural Earth with Bedding: If you prefer an earth floor, it is vital to ensure the shelter is placed on a slightly elevated ‘pad’ of free-draining metal or gravel. This prevents water from pooling inside during heavy NZ downpours.
Proper Ventilation
While you want to block the wind, you also want to avoid creating a ‘sealed box’ with no ventilation. Ammonia from goat urine can build up quickly, leading to respiratory infections, while a lack of airflow interferes with natural temperature regulation. The livestock shelters offered by Outpost Buildings are designed with high studs and open fronts to ensure natural airflow while keeping the sleeping area dry.
Relocatability
The biggest challenge with fixed shelters is that the area in front of and surrounding your shelter or shed can turn into a mud bath. By choosing a skid-mounted, relocatable shelter, you can tow the building to a fresh patch of grass using a 4WD or tractor. This keeps the entrance dry and significantly reduces the risk of hoof rot. Outpost Buildings Goat Shelters have heavy-duty skid mounted bases to allow them to be towed to different parts of your field as needed and allow soil and grass replenishment.
Recommended Goat Shelter Sizes
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For a Couple of Goats: The Small Borderland Shelter is a compact option that provides a cozy huddle space. (Also available in two other sizes)
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For Larger Herds or Kidding: The Upland Side Open Shelter offers a wider opening, allowing multiple goats to enter and exit without a bully goat blocking the door.
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The Comfort Setup: The Livestock Shelter with Shed allows you to keep your hay and medical supplies dry in an attached storage room, right where the animals are.
Winter Maintenance Tips for Your Goat Shed
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Bedding: Use a thick layer of wood shavings or straw. Avoid hay as bedding, as goats will eat it even after it’s been soiled, which can spread internal parasites.
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The Scratch Station: You can screw a stiff-bristled broom head to one of the internal timber posts. This gives them a place to rub, saving your door frames from extra wear and tear.
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Check the Skids: Before the ground gets too soft, ensure your shelter is on a slightly elevated spot so water drains away from the entrance.
Ready to invest in a Goat Shelter?
Choosing the right goat shelter is a great investment in your herd’s health and your own peace of mind. In the unpredictable New Zealand climate, a flimsy shed simply won’t suffice. By opting for a heavy-duty, relocatable Outpost shelter, you eliminate the stress of mud soaked entrances and provide a quiet, dry, and durable environment where your goats can truly thrive.
Investing in a high-quality timber kitset now means fewer vet bills, healthier hooves, and a shelter that will stand the test of time for decades to come. Check out the range of Relocatable Goat Shelters or get in touch with the team to discuss your requirements.
