Goat playgrounds

[4289leader]

Good Morning, I am a Girl Scout leader with 8 girls looking to earn their bronze award. We have a local animal sanctuary that houses wolf dogs, exotics and farm animals. One item that appears on the sanctuary's list is a goat playground, which is what the girls would like to do with permission from the owner. Each girl needs to have 20 hours into this project which research, material gathering and installation of project and them sharing the project. One of their concerns is the right materials to use as we don't want them to get sick or hurt. Ideas and suggestions for materials that are safe and cost effective would be appreciated.

 

[waddles99]

Wooden spools! Most electrical supply companies give them away for free if you give them a call and ask nicely, in fact, some will be glad to give them away! They are sturdy and strong and heavy. Not to mention the goats love to play on them. Just google 'goat spools' and you will find a bunch of different ideas on how to use spools for goats. I used mine by connecting some with planks so they can walk across from spool to spool. I also placed smaller ones next to the spools so they can jump up. I'm not sure if using spools would give enough work for 20 hours as mine took about 2 hours to make, but I'll bet if you make a big enough playground it will take longer. Also you could only incorporate a couple spools and do the rest out of wood. Good luck! Some people feel unsafe about using pressure treated wood with goats. I use it and its fine but if you feel unsafe you can use western red cedar. Also if you do use spools make sure to patch over the holes in the center so they don't get their hoof stuck in it and break a leg in the hole.

Good luck!

 

[4289leader]

Thanks for the tips. We'll try as what is not donated we will be purchasing. I was concerned about the goats chewing on the treated lumber but the owner of the sanctuary seems to think it will be fine.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

We use regular wood or plywood. Goats do eat wood, so some maintenance is necessary.

 

[ShrekDawg]

These ideas are awesome!

 

[Their gram]

I have to show my husband your playscape! JUST what I want for my goats

 

[Their gram]

I've had many goats over the years - for fun and for milk. I used to make chevre and flavor with my own herbs - lots of fun, and delicious. I haven't had goats for about two years, but missed them a lot! So, we got some this Spring! A Saanen, two Alpines (pictured) and a Nubian/Alpine cross who wouldn't be still for the photo shoot. I want a LaMancha and a full Nubian and then I'll be happy. I don't intend to breed these girls. But you know....

The Alpines are Cindy Lou and Sally Mae, and they're wearing their pink collars with bells. Buttercup, the Saanen, keeps taking her's off. =)

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I've had many goats over the years - for fun and for milk. I used to make chevre and flavor with my own herbs - lots of fun, and delicious. I haven't had goats for about two years, but missed them a lot! So, we got some this Spring! A Saanen, two Alpines (pictured) and a Nubian/Alpine cross who wouldn't be still for the photo shoot. I want a LaMancha and a full Nubian and then I'll be happy. I don't intend to breed these girls. But you know....

The Alpines are Cindy Lou and Sally Mae, and they're wearing their pink collars with bells. Buttercup, the Saanen, keeps taking her's off. =)
View attachment 1030833

They are adorable. I miss my Nubian, he was my favorite boy.