Hello while not vegetarians we do have the same beliefs that animals no matter their use should always have the best home possible. With that being said I have researched cob house because I am also starting out to be self sufficient. I am getting my goats this weekend. Cob houses are CRAZY hard work. I have actually researched pallet buildings. you can usually get them free from anywhere and they are strong and reliable and go up REALLY fast. I just built my barn for the goats 18ft by 8ft in just two days. I did buy the metal roof because I couldn't find any without holes but the whole thing cost about $300 for the post and tin and screws. I live in northern FL so the summers are really hot so I am leaving the sides open for now so they will have a cool place to stay out of the sun but doors are my project before winter so they will be toasty warm. Something to think about before starting your barn. Also what I have researched many people say start out with babies so they bond with you easier. I have heard that goats taken away from home and herd is hard on them and they need alot of work to bond with. Since you work and will not be able to spend a huge amount of time with them you may want to think about this. Of course I could be wrong I am just starting out myself. hope this helps also you might want to look up growing your own additives to supplement the food with. Duckweed is a great source of protein for all animals and is very easy to grow. Also black oil sunflower seeds. something else to look into.
