Want to build a proper goat shed with a raised floor to keep goats dry and disease free. What design and space do I need?
How do I build a raised slatted floor goat shed and what space per goat?
MMurugan S6mo ago · 271 views
4 Answers
🌾Farmer.in Krishi TeamExpert ✓6mo ago
A raised slatted floor shed keeps goats off the wet ground, lets dung and urine fall through, and greatly reduces foot and worm problems. Build the platform raised a few feet above ground with wooden or bamboo slats spaced so droppings pass through but hooves do not get stuck. Orient the shed for shade and good airflow, with a sloped roof and open sides, and keep separate pens for bucks, pregnant and kidding does, and kids. Provide more space per adult goat in covered area plus an open run, with extra room for does with kids, so animals are not crowded. Clean under the platform regularly and collect the manure, which is valuable. Your KVK or animal husbandry office can give space norms suited to your breed and climate.
SSaravanan K5mo ago
Getting the slat gap right was the tricky part for me. Too wide and small kids got their legs stuck, too narrow and the dung did not fall through. After a couple of tries I found a spacing that worked and my foot rot problems almost vanished once the goats stayed dry.
PPerumal R5mo ago
Do not crowd them. I gave my goats more space than I first planned plus an open run to move around in, and they are calmer, fight less and grow better. Separate pens for the buck and for does about to kid saved a lot of trouble.
CChinnasamy M4mo ago
The manure that collects under the raised floor is a real bonus, I sell it to vegetable growers nearby and it is clean and dry, easy to handle. Clean under the platform regularly though, or it builds up and brings flies and smell. Good airflow under and through the shed keeps the goats healthy.