Well, it took a while but it’s finally (mostly) complete. With an El Niño winter forecast—colder and wetter than normal—I wanted the goat shed to be more comfortable for humans (well, me) and beasts.
Some improvements were just for the alpacas. I moved the dividing wall on the upper part so the animals would have more room. I made the back door to the south bigger and also enlarged the opening between the upper and lower parts of the shed so they could have more room to move around. An additional plus is now I can move around much easier, too.
Jessie is standing in the widened opening and pointing out where he sleeps at night.
The unintended consequence is finding out Doink can now jump through the opening. I haven’t caught him jumping up yet…only back down…
But the big improvement is the insulation and interior walls and ceiling. I got the insulation from a neighbor who was remodeling and all of the walls are recycled fencing and siding.
Brandy likes it, I think!
Doink sleeps under the platform. When the cold weather hits, that area will be all straw and blankies!
Nice corner. I think I could sit there and read a book to the animals!
When I find just the right quote, I’m gonna stencil it on the red. (Maybe teach Doink to read, too!)
We had rain for a couple of days and I would come out and often find the alpacas resting comfortably on the upper level. On the lower level Doink would be napping, completely buried in straw. The goats would on the floor or up on the platforms, eyes closed and chewing their cud. Chickens would be scratching around everywhere. It’s not a big shed, but it’s a warm, happy one 🙂
**Shared at Simple Saturdays, Our Simple Homestead, Homestead Hop, (mis)Adventures Monday and From the Farm**
Well done you! I especially like what decorators would call the pops of red.
My barn population was similarly diverse–sheep, chickens, ducks, and a horse–and, while lacking the red, did have a radio tuned to the classical station. A visitor once stopped dead on entering, looked around and said, “I just know baby Jesus is in the hay here somewhere.”
Quote suggestions, both from E.B. White: “Some Pig.” Charlotte; or “There will be no culling of my chickens, no matter the color or the propensity for laying.” One Man’s Meat That quote goes on to say something like ‘They may all lie about the groaning board feasting and roistering…’ That particular quote is one of the reasons I love E.B. White. I thought you would enjoy it.
Thanks for the quotes, Sally! I constantly re-read One Man’s Meat and my copy is highlighted from front to back—I will probably choose something from there 🙂 And now, on to the thrift store to find a radio…that is a wonderful idea that I will steal if that’s ok! I think they would love some music.
would Doink use a ramp? or does he really jump up that step? the shed is gorgeous- you are amazing, Joan-
Jocelyn
He jumps! I’ve now seen him do it, but not caught it on video. He is one amazing pig, that Doinkers! I think you should come over for some hot tea and a barnyard visit soon 🙂
Nice job Joan! Looks like the Alpacas are liking it a lot as well as all the others. Doink always cracks me up as he seems so curious. It’s great that you’re so handy and can do so many things around there. Good too that you got it done before the winter moves in, which it appears like it’s going to happen soon. Have a great weekend.
Lisa
Thanks! Working out there is my favorite thing in the world 🙂
Just got to love that pig – nice going, Doink! Also nice going Joan – that shed looks so good I wouldn’t mind snuggling up in it myself. 🙂
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Last night he had gathered every ounce of straw and hay and somehow wrapped the blankies along the outside for extra warmth. I could not see one bit of him! What a pig.
What wonderful things you have done to improve the goat shed. Sounds like your animals are greatly enjoying it too. I’m looking forward to many great posts from you and your wonderful place and furry and not-so-furry friends!
We are having a good time this fall! I look forward to posting all our fun 🙂
Joan Hobbs recently posted…The New and Improved Goat Shed
I have recently done a make over on my chicken shed so I totally get the satisfaction of making improvements although your shed is a much bigger project than mine. It looks really great and I love how it suits your assorted animals. Great to get done before winter sets in and I look forward to seeing a quote on the red panel. We added a brass door knocker (we had spare from a former project) to the girls door as a bit of fun.
Carol Caldwell recently posted…Peaches and Barley like to stand on my back or shoulders
Looks so cozy and inviting. I’m sure they will all be quite comfortable there on the next chilly day. Good on ya!
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First freeze tonight. Everyone is tucked in and sleeping!
Joan Hobbs recently posted…The New and Improved Goat Shed
The most beautiful goat shed I’ve ever seen! Is it silly to wish my bedroom walls had the same awesome wood planking?
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No, after I did the first wall I was thinking, “Wow, I really want this in my house…why am I putting it in the shed???”
You have a great looking barn! I love it!!
Thanks for sharing at this week’s Blog Hop!
http://oursimplelife-sc.com/our-simple-homestead-blog-hop-23/
I think it’s so helpful to see how other people have set up their barn areas. Thanks for the ideas and for sharing on the Homestead Blog Hop. I hope we see you again today. Pinning!
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