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housing for working cattle and driving horses.
Posted by Rob Johnson at 2014-08-29 05:22:08
Its time to get properly set up in our current farm.
My last place was "dry country" , and the animals were all out 24/7.
This place is very wet , boggy in fact for a lot of the year.
And I've had the horses out in it all year , but its no fun bringing them in for work , out of the slop.
And my Brown Swiss calves are coming along nicely , in fact I think I'll do a pair a year.
I also have a jersey/angus house cow.
So , I reckon this summer I'd like to build housing for them , for the wet months.
I've got the Drew Conroy DVD , just to see how Americans train oxen , and I would like to know more on the way calves/steers/oxen are housed.
I think this is half the battle , getting them used to and comfortable with restraint.
So , what books , or videos are going to help me out here ?.
My driving horses I think I'll use loose boxes for , I will only keep 2 ready for work (the days of 6 in work are over).
But I'm likely to have between 2-6 calves/steers/oxen housed.
What is the best way to do it please .
Regards Rob Johnson
Response by ken Pudeler at 2014-08-29 09:47:25
Here in New England oxen need only be out of the rain and wind. I have a "one car grage" (never had a car in it) with no door, attached to their home field, they come and go as they wish. They also need a dry place to lay down out of the snow.
I tie them only while feeding or yoking as it is done across the drive, at my barn where everything is stored. A loose rope around the neck is all that is needed.
Response by Vince Mautino at 2014-08-29 09:54:13
You might find something you can use here.

http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/extension-aben/

Response by Rob Johnson at 2014-08-29 16:52:16
Thanks Ken and Vince.
Our paddocks are on a river flat , and have water flowing over them for months.
Getting the animals off the paddocks would be a big help.
I liked the setup in the Drew Conroy DVD , but would just like to get a little more guidance , the do's , and don't do's of setting up working cattle stalls.
I have had working bullocks for years at my previous farm , but this place needs a different approach.
Regards Rob J.
Response by Rob Johnson at 2014-08-29 17:03:22
Is anyone able to tell me if Drew's book "Oxen" deals with this issue ?.
Regards Rob J.
Response by Peter Nielsen at 2014-08-30 05:01:32
Chapter 2 is on housing oxen. It has a few good tips, but I'd recommend the book more for other topics.
Response by Rob Johnson. at 2014-08-30 06:44:51
I'll probably get the book anyway Peter , but I'm really trying to find some material that will help me set up good stalls , for my boys.
Regards Rob J.
Response by Rob Johnson at 2014-08-31 23:47:06
I have been able to borrow the book Peter , and yes , chapter 2 does deal with the subject.
Between the book , and the DVD , I should be able to work something out.
Regards Rob J.
Response by Rob Johnson at 2014-09-02 16:36:22
I should start building soon , once the ground has dried out enough to dig the post holes.
Regards Rob J.

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