Small Barn Ideas We're Saving Up For
The pasture is fenced and the barn fund is growing very slowly. Here's what we're looking for in a small barn for a few goats and a donkey.
the barn fund: current status, desperate
The barn is the big one. It's the thing that turns our fenced pasture into a place animals can actually live, and it's also the thing we can't afford yet. So while the barn fund grows, very slowly, we're doing our homework.
What we need it to do
Our future residents are a few goats and a donkey, with chickens in their own coop nearby. That means the barn needs to provide:
- Shelter from rain and wind. Goats in particular hate getting wet.
- Shade. Georgia summers are no joke.
- Good airflow. Ventilation keeps animals healthy and keeps the smell down.
- A dry spot for hay and feed. Wet hay is wasted money.
- Easy cleaning. A wide door that fits a wheelbarrow is non-negotiable.
Options we're considering
A run-in shed. Three walls and a roof. The simplest and cheapest option, and many people say it's all goats and donkeys really need in a mild climate.
A shed kit. A prebuilt or kit shed adapted for animals can be faster than building from scratch, especially if, like us, you don't have construction experience.
A small pole barn. More expensive, but it gives room for stalls, storage, and growth if we get carried away with animals, which we probably will.
Questions we're still answering
Where on the pasture does water drain away instead of pool? How far is it from the house when it's raining? Do we need a permit in our county? We'll share what we learn as we go.
Follow the barn fund
Every affiliate purchase on this site goes toward the barn. When it's finally built, you'll see it here first, and we'll probably cry.
Save this for later. Find this idea and more on our Homestead for Beginners board on Pinterest.
