Post by Bil on Nov 29, 2012 19:05:27 GMT -5
Our cows are both heifers, but will be giving birth this next year. We felt we needed to start training in how to use a stanchion for milking and in case we need to do any work on them. (we don't have a squeeze chute)
I looked at all the ones online here and then when ever I went to a bark I'd look at the stanchions. The ones I liked the most were the self locking metal ones but I couldn't find any for sale or that I could afford. I went to a farm last week and saw a wood stanchion that is sort of self locking and I liked it. I took a picture of it and then recreated it in Google Sketch-up (can share if people like) and then built it. LOVE IT!
Both my cows started using it the first night. I have to show Honey (the one with spots) where to put her head in and they don't mind being locked in (well, I guess I don't know if Sugar doesn't like being locked in because she can get her head out).
I need to make a few changes:
1. Make the opening narrower but adding a 2x2 on the inside of the right post.
2. Turn the entire thing around so the double post is on the right and the single post is on the left so the cows are closer to the edge (where I will be down about 10" so they'll be closer to me).
3. Build a chute for them so they don't angle away from me.
4. Keep using it. ;D
Thought I would share some pictures.
The stanchion open:
Honey in the stanchion:
Honey enjoying some alfalfa and a little grain
Sugar in the stanchion:
Sugar wanting me to leave her alone!
I can lock the movable bar with a metal bar that I put in a hole drilled in the wood to keep their head locked in. I've thought of some self locking mechanisms that might work (easiest would be a 2x4 that would sit up on the movable post and then when they put their head in, it would fall down and lock their head in).
Any suggestions or critiques would be appreciated!
Bil
I looked at all the ones online here and then when ever I went to a bark I'd look at the stanchions. The ones I liked the most were the self locking metal ones but I couldn't find any for sale or that I could afford. I went to a farm last week and saw a wood stanchion that is sort of self locking and I liked it. I took a picture of it and then recreated it in Google Sketch-up (can share if people like) and then built it. LOVE IT!
Both my cows started using it the first night. I have to show Honey (the one with spots) where to put her head in and they don't mind being locked in (well, I guess I don't know if Sugar doesn't like being locked in because she can get her head out).
I need to make a few changes:
1. Make the opening narrower but adding a 2x2 on the inside of the right post.
2. Turn the entire thing around so the double post is on the right and the single post is on the left so the cows are closer to the edge (where I will be down about 10" so they'll be closer to me).
3. Build a chute for them so they don't angle away from me.
4. Keep using it. ;D
Thought I would share some pictures.
The stanchion open:
Honey in the stanchion:
Honey enjoying some alfalfa and a little grain
Sugar in the stanchion:
Sugar wanting me to leave her alone!
I can lock the movable bar with a metal bar that I put in a hole drilled in the wood to keep their head locked in. I've thought of some self locking mechanisms that might work (easiest would be a 2x4 that would sit up on the movable post and then when they put their head in, it would fall down and lock their head in).
Any suggestions or critiques would be appreciated!
Bil
karen
