For anyone building toward self-sufficiency or running a small-scale farm in Australia, choosing the right livestock shed or shelter is one of the most important infrastructure decisions you’ll make. It directly impacts the health of your animals, the ease of day-to-day operations, and ultimately, the productivity and resilience of your land.
But the options are broad — from portable livestock shelters to custom-built cattle sheds, from simple shade structures to insulated barns — and the right choice depends on your animals, your land, and your workload.This guide provides a clear, practical breakdown of the different livestock shed and shelter options available in Australia, comparing materials, designs, costs, and suitability for various animals including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry. We’ll also look at portable vs permanent options, the pros and cons of building your own vs buying pre-fab, and what to consider in terms of weather, ventilation, drainage, and animal welfare.
Continue reading our analysis of what makes a good livestock shed (depending on your specific need requirements) and factors to consider, or you can skip straight to our product comparisons here.
If you’re looking for personalised livestock shelter recommendations, try our AI-powered livestock shelter calculator here.
Why Good Shelter Matters in Small-Scale and Self-Sufficient Farming
In commercial operations, infrastructure often scales with enterprise size. But on a smaller farm or homestead, your setup needs to be more adaptable — often cheaper, multi-purpose, and easy to maintain without a team of workers or specialist equipment.
A well-designed livestock shelter protects animals from heat, cold, rain, wind and predation. In Australia’s variable climate — especially with increasing extremes — this isn’t optional. Heat stress can significantly reduce milk yields and growth rates in cattle, while prolonged exposure to wet conditions can trigger hoof issues in sheep and goats. Even poultry egg production can drop with insufficient protection from drafts or summer sun.
Shelters also protect your pasture. Animals given dry, comfortable resting spaces are less likely to churn up mud or compact soil in areas that matter.
So, what does that livestock shed look like?
Different Livestock, Different Shelter Needs
The best livestock shed is the one that fits both your animals’ biology and your farm’s constraints. Here’s a breakdown of what’s typically required per species:
Cattle Sheds (Beef and Dairy)
- Size: 3–4 m² per head for resting space, plus feeding areas
- Shelter type: Strong-roofed, open-sided structures are common; some farmers opt for ventilated barns with deep bedding in colder areas
- Key considerations: Cattle generate a lot of body heat and moisture, so good airflow is critical. Also, shelter design should allow safe movement, especially for horned breeds.
Sheep Shelters
- Size: Around 1.5 m² per head for loafing areas
- Shelter type: Windbreaks, shade sails, and three-sided sheds are common; fully enclosed barns for lambing in cold or wet areas
- Key considerations: Protection from driving rain and chilling winds is essential, especially during lambing. Keep floors dry with good drainage.
Goat Shelters
- Size: 1.5–2 m² per head
- Shelter type: Goats prefer elevated, dry shelters with strong walls and roofs. Portable huts or converted sheds often work well.
- Key considerations: Goats hate wet feet and will avoid muddy shelters entirely if they can. Design for dry, raised flooring and protection from rain.
Pig Shelters
- Size: 2–3 m² per pig indoors, plus outdoor runs
- Shelter type: Arched pig arks, steel or timber-framed huts with open ends
- Key considerations: Pigs are tough in cold weather but need shade in summer. Ventilation and dry bedding are essential to prevent respiratory issues.
Poultry Coops and Sheds
- Size: 0.3–0.5 m² per bird indoors, 1–2 m² outdoors
- Shelter type: Insulated coops, mobile tractors, hoop houses
- Key considerations: Predator-proofing, ventilation, and dry nesting areas are the top priorities. Mobile shelters help with pasture rotation.
Comparing Livestock Shed Materials: What Works Best in Australian Conditions?
The materials you choose for your livestock shelter aren’t just about cost — they affect durability, comfort, and the long-term health of your animals. Australian conditions range from tropical downpours to searing summer UV, so the right material needs to work with your environment, not against it.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common materials used for livestock sheds and portable livestock shelters in Australia:
1. Steel-Framed Structures
Best for: Cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, multi-use barns
Strengths:
- Durable and long-lasting
- Resistant to termites, rot, and fire
- Easy to erect with pre-engineered kits
- Can span large areas without internal support posts
Weaknesses:
- More expensive upfront than timber
- Can become very hot in direct sun if not insulated
- Requires skilled installation for structural safety
Ideal for:
Permanent cow shelters or large multipurpose cattle sheds on properties where wind loading and longevity are key concerns. Many Australian manufacturers offer galvanised steel options designed for rural use, with optional cladding, ventilation panels, and guttering.
2. Timber-Framed Sheds
Best for: Goats, sheep, poultry, hobby-scale operations
Strengths:
- Affordable and widely available
- Easy to work with for DIY builders
- Naturally insulating
Weaknesses:
- Susceptible to termite damage and rot unless treated
- Requires more maintenance (painting, sealing, repairs)
- Not ideal in high rainfall or cyclonic regions
Ideal for:
Small-scale producers or homesteaders comfortable with building their own structures. Timber works well in cooler climates and for dry-weather livestock like goats and poultry.
3. Hoop Shelters & Shade Structures (Poly Cover or Canvas)
Best for: Seasonal cover for pigs, poultry, and sheep
Strengths:
- Lightweight and portable
- Lower cost than permanent structures
- Easy to dismantle, move or expand
Weaknesses:
- Vulnerable to tearing in storms or prolonged UV exposure
- Limited insulation or wind protection
- Shorter lifespan (3–10 years depending on material)
Ideal for:
Portable livestock shelters or temporary set-ups in rotational grazing systems. Widely used in regenerative farming for their flexibility and minimal soil disturbance.
4. Recycled or Repurposed Materials
Best for: DIY builds, urban fringe farms, budget-conscious projects
Strengths:
- Very low cost
- Environmentally friendly
- Can add character and unique functionality
Weaknesses:
- May require more design planning
- Potential issues with structural integrity
- Not always weatherproof or pest-resistant
Ideal for:
Tinkerers and homesteaders who enjoy building with reclaimed wood, pallets, old roofing iron, or shipping containers. These solutions require more effort but can yield surprisingly good results for poultry, pigs, and even goats.
Portable vs Permanent Livestock Shelters
Both portable and permanent shelters serve different needs — and many small-scale Australian producers use a combination of both depending on the season or species.
Portable Livestock Shelters
- Great for: rotational grazing, protecting pasture, moving flocks or herds
- Best suited to: poultry (chicken tractors), pigs, sheep and goats
- Construction: lightweight steel, timber frames, or pre-fab units
- Advantages: Flexibility, pasture recovery, ease of cleaning
- Limitations: Less robust in storms, more susceptible to wear
Permanent Livestock Sheds
- Great for: infrastructure-heavy operations, long-term animal housing, equipment storage
- Best suited to: cattle (especially dairy), overwintering animals, lambing or kidding
- Construction: concrete pad, steel or timber frame, fixed utilities (water, electricity)
- Advantages: Stronger, longer-lasting, easier to weatherproof
- Limitations: High initial cost, less flexible, requires council approval in many areas
Livestock Shed Costs in Australia: DIY vs Pre-Made Options
When it comes to livestock sheds and shelters, your costs can vary dramatically depending on whether you choose to build it yourself or purchase a ready-made solution. But cost isn’t just about upfront spend — it’s also about time, labour, lifespan, and ongoing maintenance.
Let’s break it down.
DIY Livestock Shelters: Cost Breakdown
DIY sheds can save money, especially for small-scale or off-grid farmers. However, they do demand some basic tools, construction knowledge, and time.
| Animal | Typical DIY Shelter Size | Estimated Cost (AUD) | Materials |
| Chickens | 2m x 1m | $150–$500 | Timber, tin, mesh, screws |
| Goats | 3m x 2m | $400–$900 | Timber, roofing, pallets |
| Sheep | 3m x 3m | $600–$1,200 | Timber, corrugated iron |
| Cows | 6m x 4m | $1,500–$4,000+ | Steel posts, hardwood, concrete footings |
Pros of DIY Sheds:
- Custom size and shape
- Low cost if you use recycled materials
- Sense of ownership and flexibility
- Can be built incrementally
Cons:
- Labour-intensive
- Requires basic carpentry and planning skills
- May lack engineered structural integrity (for insurance or council purposes)
- Less weather-resistant if shortcuts are taken
If you’re building for your own use on a private property (especially in regional or rural Australia), DIY shelters can be a great way to get started. Just make sure your structure meets basic safety, weather, and drainage needs — especially for larger animals.
Pre-Made Livestock Sheds: Cost and Features
On the other end of the spectrum are pre-fabricated or custom-built livestock sheds from Australian suppliers. These range from modular goat shelters to large-span steel cattle sheds with roller doors, skylights, feed troughs, and full drainage systems.
| Animal | Pre-Made Shelter Size | Estimated Cost (AUD) | Inclusions |
| Chickens | 2m x 1m (chicken tractor) | $500–$1,500 | Nesting boxes, mesh, wheels |
| Goats/Sheep | 3m x 3m (modular shelter) | $1,000–$2,500 | Metal frame, UV roof, anchor points |
| Cattle | 6m x 12m (steel shed) | $8,000–$25,000+ | Concrete footings, insulated roof, roller doors, gutters |
Pros of Pre-Made Sheds:
- Engineered and structurally rated
- Long-term durability (10–30+ years depending on material)
- Faster to set up (especially for large sheds)
- Often includes warranties or after-sales support
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost
- Less design flexibility
- May require delivery and installation fees
- Usually involves council notification or approval for permanent structures
Many Australian suppliers offer livestock-specific models that comply with rural building standards, with options for water tanks, shade panels, and ventilation systems.
Animal-Specific Shelter Needs: Getting the Basics Right
One of the biggest mistakes new landowners make is assuming all livestock can use the same type of shelter. In reality, each species has its own space, insulation, and airflow requirements — and understanding these needs is key to healthy, productive animals.
Here’s a quick snapshot of what each animal group typically requires in Australia’s varied climates:
Cow & Cattle Sheds
- Space per adult cow: 4–6 sqm under roof
- Ventilation: High-roof structures or ridge vents to reduce heat stress
- Drainage: Crucial — wet bedding increases hoof disease and bacteria
- Shelter Type: Steel or timber-framed sheds with partial open walls
Tip: For beef cattle in rotational grazing, a three-sided shelter facing away from prevailing winds is often sufficient. Dairy cattle benefit from more enclosed, hygienic housing near milking facilities.
Sheep Shelters
- Space per ewe: 1.5–2 sqm under roof
- Shelter Needs: Shade in summer, dry bedding in winter
- Shelter Type: Low-walled sheds, movable windbreaks, open-sided shelters
Tip: Many sheep producers in Australia use minimal infrastructure, relying on natural windbreaks and lambing paddocks. But for cold or wet climates, covered sheds reduce lamb losses.
Goat Shelters
- Space per goat: 1–1.5 sqm under cover
- Key Concern: Goats hate wet ground. Always raise flooring or ensure fast drainage.
- Shelter Type: Timber or steel sheds with lockable pens
Tip: Goats are escape artists — ensure their shelter is secure and well-fenced. Raised timber floors and slanted roofs are great in damp areas.
Pig Shelters
- Space per pig: 1.5–2 sqm per adult
- Shelter Needs: Shade, ventilation, and clean bedding
- Shelter Type: Hoop structures, pig arks, insulated sheds
Tip: In warmer Australian zones, pigs are highly susceptible to heat stroke. Ensure shelter placement allows for shade and airflow, and consider wallow areas nearby.
Comparing the Best Livestock Sheds & Shelters Available in Australia
Choosing the right livestock shed involves more than picking a size and shape. You’ll want to consider build quality, warranty, delivery options, climate adaptability, and whether the product suits your breed and property layout. Here, we compare some of the most reputable and widely used livestock shelter providers across Australia.
Cattle Shelters
| Brand | Product | Type | Materials | Portability | Price Range (AUD) | Grainshed Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Action Steel | Custom Cattle Yard Shelters | Permanent | Hot-dip galvanised steel | No | $15,000–$50,000+ | 9.5/10 | Engineered for durability; ideal for commercial operations. |
| Dairy Shelters Australia | Deep Litter Cattle Shelters | Permanent | Galvanised steel, clear roofing | No | Varies | 9.0/10 | Designed for comfort and productivity in dairy cattle. |
| Wheatbelt Steel | Feedlot Sheds | Permanent | Structural steel | No | Varies | 8.8/10 | Provides shade and protection; suitable for various livestock. |
| Polytex | Livestock Shelters | Portable | UV-resistant PVC, steel frame | Yes | Varies | 8.5/10 | Customisable and easy to assemble; suitable for multiple livestock types. |
| Paton Industries | Mobile Shelter – Large | Portable | Galvanised steel | Yes | $6,149.00 | 8.0/10 | Flat-pack kit; simple assembly; towable. |
| DomeShelter Australia | AgShelter® | Permanent | Fabric structure | No | Varies | 8.5/10 | Modern shelter option; suitable for various livestock. |
| ABC Sheds | Feedlot Shelter | Permanent | Structural steel | No | Varies | 8.7/10 | Durable designs tailored for efficiency and productivity. |
| Statewide Sheds | Cattle Shelters | Permanent | Structural steel | No | Varies | 8.6/10 | Designed considering property and weather conditions. |
| Spanlift | Yard Covers and Shearing Sheds | Permanent | Hot-dip galvanised steel | No | Varies | 8.4/10 | Custom-made covers improving safety and flexibility. |
| Tru-Bilt Fabrications | Livestock Shelter | Permanent | Durable materials | No | Varies | 8.3/10 | Offers protection from tough Australian climate. |
Sheep & Goat Shelters
| Brand | Product | Type | Materials | Portability | Price Range (AUD) | Grainshed Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polytex | Sheep Shelter Shade Systems | Portable | UV-resistant PVC, steel frame | Yes | Varies | 8.5/10 | Cable shade systems and waterproof structures. |
| Paton Industries | Mobile Shelter – Small | Portable | Galvanised steel | Yes | $4,973.00 | 8.5/10 | Suitable for various livestock; easy to relocate. |
| Kit Buildings | Enclosed Livestock Shelters | Permanent | Galvanised steel, PVC | No | $1,980.00 | 8.3/10 | Robust construction; suitable for harsh conditions. |
| FNQ Shade’n’Shelter | Animal Shed | Portable | Steel frame, UV-resistant fabric | Yes | Varies | 8.0/10 | Simple assembly; suitable for all livestock. |
| DomeShelter Australia | AgShelter® | Permanent | Fabric structure | No | Varies | 8.5/10 | Modern shelter option; suitable for various livestock. |
| Quality Domes Direct | Livestock Shelter (6 x 6m) | Portable | Waterproof materials | Yes | Varies | 8.2/10 | Compact and safe enclosure for livestock. |
| Container Domes & Shelters | Portable Livestock Shelters | Portable | UV-resistant PVC, steel frame | Yes | Varies | 8.4/10 | Quick and easy to install; simple to relocate. |
| Carports Factory Outlet | Livestock Shelters | Permanent | Durable materials | No | Varies | 8.1/10 | Designed to protect animals from harsh weather conditions. |
| Tru-Bilt Fabrications | Livestock Shelter | Permanent | Durable materials | No | Varies | 8.3/10 | Offers protection from tough Australian climate. |
| Spanlift | Yard Covers and Shearing Sheds | Permanent | Hot-dip galvanised steel | No | Varies | 8.4/10 | Custom-made covers improving safety and flexibility. |
Pig Shelters
| Brand | Product | Type | Materials | Portability | Price Range (AUD) | Grainshed Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polytex | Piggery Shelters | Portable | UV-resistant PVC, steel frame | Yes | Varies | 8.5/10 | Customisable designs with superior materials. |
| Paton Industries | Nursery Hut – 1.9m | Portable | Galvanised steel | Yes | Varies | 8.5/10 | Ideal for pig stalls; easy to relocate. |
| Kit Buildings | Enclosed Livestock Shelters | Permanent | Galvanised steel, PVC | No | $1,980.00 | 8.3/10 | Robust construction; suitable for harsh conditions. |
| FNQ Shade’n’Shelter | Animal Shed | Portable | Steel frame, UV-resistant fabric | Yes | Varies | 8.0/10 | Simple assembly; suitable for all livestock. |
| DomeShelter Australia | AgShelter® | Permanent | Fabric structure | No | Varies | 8.5/10 | Modern shelter option; suitable for various livestock. |
| Quality Domes Direct | Livestock Shelter (6 x 6m) | Portable | Waterproof materials | Yes | Varies | 8.2/10 | Compact and safe enclosure for livestock. |
| Container Domes & Shelters | Portable Livestock Shelters | Portable | UV-resistant PVC, steel frame | Yes | Varies | 8.4/10 | Quick and easy to install; simple to relocate. |
| Stockinpiggle | Free Range Shelters | Portable | Custom design | Yes | Varies | 8.3/10 | Designed for free-range pigs; sturdy and cost-effective. |
| Santrev | Commercial Pig Sheds | Permanent | Hot-dip galvanised steel | No | Varies | 8.6/10 | High-quality and reliable commercial pig housing. |
| Jacksons Australia | Animal Housing Shelters | Portable | Galvanised RHS steel frames | Yes | Varies | 8.4/10 | Structurally engineered; suitable for free-range pigs. |
Note: Prices are indicative and may vary based on customisation and location. It’s advisable to contact the manufacturers or suppliers directly for detailed quotes and specifications.
There are plenty of alternative shed and shelter makers to those we’ve talked about above and of course you could assess all the different materials providers too if you were looking to take the DIY route. Hopefully this will give you a good starting place to form some ideas about what is the best livestock shed for your needs.
