Field Shelters

Field Shelters – Protect Your Livestock, Horses and Equipment

Whether you're managing a smallholding, farm, or large garden, field shelters offer a practical and versatile solution for protecting your animals and equipment from the elements. These shelters are popular for their adaptability, ease of installation, and usefulness across multiple applications. In this post, we’ll explore what makes field shelters invaluable and outline their various uses, so you can decide if one is right for your needs.

A field shelter (also known as a run‑in shelter or livestock shelter) is an open‑fronted structure designed to provide animals with:

• Protection from the elements – shade during hot summers and a wind‑ or rain‑break during bad weather.
• A dry area for resting and feeding; essential for horses’ hoof health and sheep comfort.
• A safe place for lambing, foaling or caring for animals that are sick or recovering from injury.

Unlike permanent stables or barns, mobile field shelters allow you to reposition them as grazing areas change, and generally means you won’t need full planning permission.

The Many Uses of Field Shelters

Horse Shelters:

Our equestrian shelters give horses the freedom to come and go as they please. They are spacious enough for rolling and feeding and can be equipped with grilled windows or doors if you need to confine a horse temporarily.

Sheep, Goat and Alpaca Shelters:

Smaller animals also benefit from field shelters, which give them a secure place to hide from rain or snow. For animals that prefer some independence, a shelter can allow them to roam the pasture freely while still having access to cover when needed.

Poultry and Small Animal Shelters: Field shelters can be adapted to house chickens, ducks, and other small animals. Adding some mesh for ventilation, and potentially closing off parts for security, can create a safe, spacious haven for your feathered friends.

Hay, Straw, and Feed Cover:

Keep animal feed and bedding dry and protected by storing them in a field shelter. This helps to extend the lifespan of perishable supplies and ensures they’re on hand for daily chores.

Machinery and Tool Storage:

Tractors, mowers, and other machinery can be housed in larger field shelters to protect them from the elements. By storing equipment out of direct sunlight and rain, you can help prevent rust and prolong the life of your valuable assets.

Seasonal Item Storage:

For seasonal or less frequently used tools or vehicles, a field shelter provides a convenient place to keep items that would otherwise take up space in a more permanent structure.

Field shelters can serve as emergency shelters for animals during storms, illness, or injury. If a larger animal falls ill, a shelter can act as a temporary isolation unit, protecting the sick animal from other animals while they recover. During storm season, an additional shelter can be used to ensure you have enough space to accommodate all your livestock safely.

Field Shelters can also make a fantastic addition to your lambing equipment as they're quick to setup or move to where needed.

Benefits of Using Field Shelters

Field shelters have a host of benefits that make them ideal for a range of applications:

Flexibility: They are easily movable, which means you can adapt your sheltering solutions as your needs evolve.

Cost-Effective: Field shelters are typically more affordable than permanent buildings, making them an economical choice for many farmers and smallholders.

Easy Installation: Most field shelters are straightforward to assemble, and you can install them without heavy machinery or large teams.

Weather Protection: The primary purpose of field shelters is to protect animals, supplies, and equipment from the elements. They help minimize the impact of harsh weather on your livestock and materials, ensuring everything stays in top condition.

Environmental Impact: Field shelters are often designed with materials that have a lower environmental impact than permanent buildings. Additionally, their ability to be relocated reduces the need for intensive land use or construction work.

When selecting a field shelter, think about the size, materials, and specific requirements of your animals or equipment. If you need a shelter primarily for horses, for example, consider a spacious, well-ventilated structure. For equipment, a more compact and enclosed design might work best. Additionally, consider your local climate, as this will impact the type of shelter you need. Strong winds or heavy snow may call for reinforced shelters to ensure durability.

Field shelters are a practical, versatile, and economical solution for anyone managing animals or equipment outdoors. Their ease of installation, flexibility, and resilience make them invaluable for farms, smallholdings, and even larger gardens. By providing reliable protection from the weather and the ability to adapt to various uses, field shelters can help you create a safer, more organized, and efficient outdoor space.

So, whether you're looking to protect livestock, store equipment, or simply offer a bit of extra shelter on your land, a Field Shelter from Depot2U might just be the solution you need.