Building Animal Pens

What should I decide before I build?

Begin with the animals. Species, number, size at maturity, breed and whether they are kept in all year all affect the design. Pigs push and root, goats climb and test fences, sheep follow each other into corners, and poultry need protection from predators from above and below.

Ask your county extension office for space and housing guidance for your species, and talk to local keepers who have raised the same animals. Their advice about local predators and weather is valuable.

Write down your plan on paper with measurements before you buy materials. Sketch the pen, gates, water and shelter, and adjust the drawing until the daily routine feels easy.

Where should I put the pen?

Choose well-drained ground, with a gentle slope that sheds water. Avoid low spots and areas near wells and streams, where manure runoff can cause contamination. Place pens within easy reach of water, feed storage and electricity if you need it.

Think about prevailing wind, summer shade and winter sun. Position gates so you can move animals, feed and equipment in and out without crossing the pen.

Look at the site in wet weather, if you can. A spot that seems fine in August may hold standing water in April, and moving a pen later is far harder than choosing well now.

What materials work for fencing?

Choose material for the species and the pressure animals will put on it. Woven wire, welded panels, board, cattle panels and electric strands are all used, and each suits different animals. Posts must be sturdy and set deep enough for your soil.

Corner and gate posts carry the most strain and deserve extra bracing. Check that there are no sharp ends, gaps or protrusions that can injure animals or trap heads and legs.

Use gates wide enough for the equipment you will bring through, and hang them so they swing in the direction that suits your work. Latches should be secure against clever animals and easy for you to use with gloves.

• Fence height and spacing matched to the species
• Strong, braced corner and gate posts
• No sharp ends or head-trapping gaps
• Predator-proof skirts or aprons where needed

How do I plan shelter, shade and water?

Animals need shelter from wind, rain, heat and snow. The shelter should be dry, draft-free but ventilated, and large enough that every animal can lie down comfortably. Provide shade in summer and clean water at all times.

Place waterers and feeders so they do not foul with manure and so animals cannot be cornered while eating. Plan for winter water access and how you will keep it from freezing.

Make shelters easy to clean. Smooth floors, removable panels and enough height to work inside save your back and encourage you to keep the space clean and dry.

How do I handle drainage and mud?

Mud breeds disease and hoof problems. Build up high-traffic areas such as gates, feeders and waterers with gravel or other firm footing, and direct roof runoff away from the pen. Rotate or rest pens when possible.

Plan where manure will go. A manure storage and composting area away from water sources is easier to build before the pen is in use.

Leave room to separate animals when you need to, for new arrivals, sick animals or birthing. Even a small extra pen is valuable, and your vet will say the same.

Which rules apply where I live?

Zoning, setbacks from property lines and wells, animal number limits, building permits and neighbor rules vary by state, county and town. Call your local zoning or planning office and ask what applies to livestock pens and to any buildings you plan to build.

Also ask about fencing laws, and who is responsible for boundary fences, since these differ by location. Check any homeowner association or deed restrictions.

Keep records of your approvals, any permits and conversations with officials. If a neighbor or inspector raises a question later, you will have the answers at hand.

What about safety and biosecurity?

Build pens that are safe for you to work in, with gates you can open easily, an escape route and good lighting. Keep children out of pens with large or unpredictable animals.

Disease prevention starts with design. Separate new animals before they join the group, keep feed covered and limit contact with wild birds and visitors' animals. Disease reporting rules and biosecurity requirements vary, so ask your state veterinarian or extension office.

Review the pen after the first month of use. Animals show weak points quickly, and early repairs are simpler and safer than fixing a failed fence.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Homestead & Small Farm Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.