Consider these in Housing/Shed &Fencing of your Goat or Sheep
When raising goats or sheep, it is important that you protect them. You need to provide them proper shelter to keep them safe. The housing or shed depends on many things. Here are some of the things you must consider in housing/shed and fencing:
Flooring for Goats or Sheep
You can choose from wood, soil/dirt, or gravel flooring. Among these three, I prefer the soil or dirt flooring. Soil absorbs the urine and waste of your goat. If you use wood flooring, you will need to clean it from time to time since wood does not absorb waste. Concrete flooring is not recommended since it absorbs cold and it will be bad for the goats’ health.
Bedding for Goats or Sheep:
All types of flooring, whether soil, wood or concrete, can absorb cold. You need bedding in order to make sure that the goats will not feel cold. Wood shavings or straw is what others use for bedding. This will help your goats to feel warm and comfortable.
Dimensions /Structure:
You need to consider the size/area of the shelter. Commonly, it is necessary to have at least 10 to 15 square feet of housing. You need to have a spacious area since you will need to change their bedding from time to time.
Weather Condition:
You need to build your goat’s or sheep shed in a place where there is ideal weather. A place with dry climate would be preferable so you don’t have to worry about your goats being cold.
Structure/Space/Area:
You also need to consider how many goats or sheep you will raise. If you have a lot of goats or sheep, a larger structure for shelter is needed.
Storage or feed/equipment room:
Aside from the housing itself, you also need to consider the place where you will keep the feeds and other things necessary for raising goats.
Safe Water Supply
You need to have easy access to water. Having your supply of water near your area will lessen the needs for hauling water every time.Make sure you have Clean water supply
Secured Fencing:
You need to decide whether your fencing is temporary or permanent. The materials to use must be considered. You can use wood or wires.
Fodder for your Goats or Sheep
Fodder or Feed is the largest investment in this type of business. This is important because the health and growth of your goat largely depend on the feeds or the food . Goats/Sheep can be easily infected and get a disease when not properly fed. Goats or Sheep need sufficient amount of nutrients in order to produce good meat or milk.
Water for Goat or Sheep:
This does not cost much to the breeder. The water supply must be clean and must be sufficient especially during summer.
Pasture and Browse for Goat or Sheep:
This contains a lot of protein needed by the goat.
Hay for Goat or Sheep:
This is the most common feed for goats. Hay comes in different quality depending on the type. Pick hays with higher protein content.
Vitamins/Minerals for Goat or Sheep:
This is needed in small amounts to ensure goat health. Goats need vitamins A, D and E.
Grains for Goat or Sheep:
This can be a temporary substitute for other feeds for variety. This is also healthy for goats as it contains carbon and protein.
If we follow above guidelines, It’s sure profitable Goat or Sheep business.
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