The penning system is where the house is divided into individual pens and communal housing is where all the goats are together in one large area. (This is generally used in larger enterprises with smaller enterprises favouring the penned system).
Housed goats should have access to a yard or pasture with the space allowance for penned goats being calculated in relation to size and age - usually allow a minimum of 2sq m / goat. If the goats are penned, make sure they can see each other, as it is important for their well being. They are gregarious characters and can get distressed if left on their own.
Purposely constructed goat houses can be made of wood, stone or concrete. Do not use metal as this can be cold in winter and too hot during the summer.
Ensure adequate drainage, so that the floors can be washed down easily, floor space with a slight slope is ideal.
Main requirements in your goat's housing will need to be:
- Mains for electric lighting
- Fixtures and fittings for hayracks, food & water buckets
- Mineral or salt licks
- Well ventilated, but not draughty
- Small bench for kid goats to lie under and jump on