How to Keep Goats Warm in Winter

Winter can be tough on goats, especially if they’re not used to the cold. Some handle it better than others, but no goat likes standing around shivering.

The good thing is, there are plenty of ways to help them stay warm.

In this article, we’ll go over what you can do, from setting up the right shelter to making sure they have the best food to keep them warm when temperatures drop.

If you're interested in other animals that can thrive on just one acre, check out our list of 1-acre farm animals.

Give Them a Good Shelter

A solid shelter is the first thing they need. Goats hate being cold and wet, so they need a dry, protected space where they can escape the wind, rain, and snow.

Even if they have thick fur, constant exposure to bad weather can make them sick.

If your winters are mild, a three-sided shelter might be enough. It gives them a place to get out of the wind while still allowing fresh air to move through.

But if temperatures really drop, or if you get a lot of snow and ice, they will need something more enclosed to keep the warmth in and the cold out.

At the same time, make sure there is some airflow. A completely sealed-up shelter might seem like a good idea, but it can trap moisture inside, making everything damp.

That kind of stuffy, wet air is bad for their lungs and can lead to respiratory issues. Goats, like people, don’t want to breathe in stale, humid air all winter.

A little ventilation, like gaps near the roof or a small open section, helps keep the air fresh without letting in too much cold.

Bedding

For bedding, straw or pine shavings are good choices. A great way to add warmth is by using the deep litter method.

This means adding fresh bedding on top of the old layers instead of cleaning everything out all the time.

The layers underneath start to break down, creating warmth naturally.

The most important thing is to keep everything dry because wet bedding will only make them colder.

If you want to take things a step further, raising the bedding slightly off the ground can help prevent the cold from seeping in.

Keep Their Water from Freezing

Goats need water all the time, even in winter. The problem is, water freezes.

If you don’t have a heated water bucket, you’ll have to break the ice a few times a day (or come up with a creative way to keep it from freezing, like using insulated buckets or adding warm water when needed).

Dehydration can sneak up on them in winter since they don’t feel as thirsty when it’s cold, so always check their water.

Goats don’t like dirty or stale water either, so make sure it’s fresh. They also don’t typically eat snow or ice, so don’t assume they’ll hydrate themselves that way.

If you want to make life easier, heated waterers or electric bucket warmers can be a lifesaver.

Just make sure the cords are out of reach—curious goats might decide to nibble on them, which isn’t a great idea.

Feed Them Right

Goats stay warm from the inside out, thanks to their rumen (basically a built-in furnace).

Eating hay keeps that furnace running, so they need plenty of it. In fact, if they only eat grain without roughage, they can actually freeze to death.

Roughage comes from hay, brush, grass, silage, beet pulp shreds, and fodder—these are what truly keep them warm.

They should always have access to hay, especially at night when temperatures drop.

They also need minerals to stay healthy, especially in winter when their bodies are working harder to keep warm.

You can find these minerals in alfalfa hay, sunflower seeds, kelp meal, and even peanut skins.

If your goats aren’t getting enough from their food, a loose mineral mix with zinc and copper (instead of a hard mineral block) ensures they get what they need.

Goats don’t always lick blocks enough to get all the minerals—they can be a little picky.

Proper Ventilation and Insulation

Good ventilation is important because cold air near the floor can trap harmful gases, while fresh airflow helps keep the shelter healthier.

But there needs to be a balance.

Too much airflow creates drafts, which can leave goats shivering and more likely to get sick—pneumonia is no joke.

The best setup allows stale air to escape while keeping the wind from blowing directly onto the goats.

Roof vents or small openings near the top of the shelter work well for this.

If you’re insulating your barn, focus on the walls and ceiling while still allowing for ventilation.

This helps trap warmth without making the space stuffy.

Also, check for any gaps in the walls or doors and seal them up—cold drafts sneaking in at ground level are not what you want.

Let Them Be Active

Unless it’s absolutely miserable outside (freezing rain, howling winds, or heavy snow), goats do better when they get to move around a bit.

Walking, playing, and climbing help them generate heat. Setting up multiple feeding stations or providing climbing platforms encourages them to stay active instead of huddling in one spot all day.

A busy goat is a warm goat.

Toys, logs, or even just a few hay bales stacked together can keep them engaged.

If you’ve ever watched goats, you know they love to jump on things—just like chickens enjoy perching. (If you're new to raising chickens, check out our guide to raising chickens for beginners for more tips.)

Giving them something to play on not only keeps them entertained but also helps them stay warm.

Skip the Heat Lamps

It might seem like a good idea to give goats a heat lamp, but it’s usually not.

Heat lamps can be a fire hazard, and if goats get used to artificial heat, they won’t grow a proper winter coat.

They’re better off adjusting to the cold naturally. Instead, focus on keeping them dry, well-fed, and out of the wind—those are the things that really make the most difference.

If you have a goat that’s sick, very young, or struggling in the cold, extra bedding and wind protection will usually help more than artificial heat.

If you must use a heat source, make sure it’s secured properly and isn’t a fire risk.

Help Them Sleep Comfortably

Goats do not like lying on cold dirt or concrete because it pulls heat from their bodies, making it harder for them to stay warm. This is especially uncomfortable in winter when the ground gets even colder.

Giving them raised platforms or thick piles of bedding helps a lot.

Wooden pallets with a layer of straw or hay on top work well because they keep goats off the cold ground and provide insulation.

Deep bedding, where you keep adding fresh layers on top of old ones, can also create warmth as the lower layers break down.

Straw is the best option for insulation, but wood shavings and dry leaves can also work if changed regularly.

If you have enough space, letting them sleep in groups makes a big difference. Goats naturally huddle together when they sleep, and their body heat helps keep them warm.

If they have a buddy to curl up with, they will stay much warmer at night.

Some people even build small wooden sleeping boxes or enclosed stalls where a few goats can rest together in a wind-free, insulated space.

Watch for Signs of Trouble

Even with good care, winter can be tough on goats, so it’s a good idea to check on them regularly.

If they’re shivering, standing hunched up, or acting unusually quiet, they might be too cold.

Respiratory issues are also common in winter, especially if their shelter is damp or not properly ventilated.

If a goat is coughing, has a runny nose, or seems off, it’s best to keep an eye on them—or call a vet if things get worse.

Also, watch for weight loss. A goat that isn’t eating enough hay won’t have enough internal heat, and losing body fat in winter makes it harder to stay warm.

Helping Goats Adjust to Cold Weather

Goats don’t just wake up one morning fully prepared for winter—they need time to adjust as temperatures drop.

Letting them stay outside as long as possible in the fall helps them develop thick winter coats.

If they’re given access to a warm barn too soon, they might not grow the heavy fur they need later in the season.

A good approach is to keep them in pasture shelters and let them use natural windbreaks like trees for as long as they’re comfortable.

Once there’s snow on the ground—or if things get too wet and muddy—then it’s time to let them into the barn.

This gradual transition helps their bodies naturally prepare for the cold.

How to Care for Newborn Goats in Winter

Baby goats (kids) are much more sensitive to cold than healthy adults.

Kids don’t have the body fat or full winter coat to keep them warm, and older goats may not regulate their body temperature as well.

These goats need extra bedding, wind protection, and sometimes even a safe heat source (but again, heat lamps can be a fire risk).

A thick dog sweater can work for a weak or struggling kid, but make sure it fits properly and doesn’t rub their fur off.

If a kid is shivering, weak, or struggling to stand, warming them up quickly but gently is important.

Wrapping them in a towel and bringing them into a warmer space—like a heated barn area or even inside your home for a short time—can help.

If they’re severely chilled, warm water bottles wrapped in towels or placing them on a heating pad set to low can gradually raise their temperature.

Colostrum (the first milk from their mother) is especially important for newborn kids, as it helps them develop immunity and provides energy to generate body heat.

If they can’t nurse properly or aren’t getting enough colostrum, a colostrum replacer or supplement may be necessary.

With the right setup, goats can handle winter just fine. Keep them dry, well-fed, and comfortable, and they’ll stay happy and thriving—even in the coldest months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)