OT: cattle handling facility

On a very tight budget, and will only be working a small number of
cows/calves(less than 20 to start, hope to grow more on down the
road). I'd like it to be under roof. I've found a used Priefert model 91
headgate for $450, don't know if I should should go that direction or
not. I've been looking at Prieferts os-3 system which is a 90dehree
sweep, 10ft alley with back stop, and the model 91 headgate for
around $2500. Am I better just buying some corral panels and bikding
something myself with the used headgate?? I'd also very much like to
have some scales but don't know if it's in the budget, and if I do find
some on the cheap, is a 10ft alley big enough for scales? Any design
ideas? Thanks for any input..
 
First off, I would only buy a head catch that is automatic. I have not been around a Priefert much, so can't help you there. I don't like sweeps, tubs or what ever a person calls them, although they work to some degree. Check out Bud Williams videos, and look into a Bud box. I used to think they were a joke, and I still don't think you need to have it setup like what they profess.
Think like a cow. Use tunnel vision and walk though your set up looking straight forward. If you can't see the hole, neither can a cow.
Scales are a luxury and would low on the list to buy.
10 foot wide is about right, maybe a little tight on foot, WAY TO TIGHT horseback. 10 long is about 2 maybe 3 cows if they are crammed in tight.
 
I think $450.00 for a used head gate alone is high and then you only have a head gate, the other system you mentioned still does not include a squeeze chute, a tub and squeeze chute allow you to work your cattle with the least amount of help and with the least danger of a cow hurting herself because you always have control of the animal. You are on the right track wanting your facilities to be under a roof, if you make that happen you will never regret the expense. I dont know what part of Kentucky your from but I know there are several manufacturers of cattle handling equipment in central Kentucky, many along the US route 127 corridor, a lot of those places have ''scratch and dent'' yards where you might find a pretty good deal that just needs some small repairs or paint etc.
 
My tub/alley/chute plus high quality tall gates in my barn cost me about $10,000 but I think it's about the best money I've ever spent. I run about 100 cows and most of the time I work by myself. Nothing beats working cattle calmly and quietly and not giving them any viable option other than going where you want them to go. Before my current setup I had a very functional homemade setup that served me well until that barn burned. Your best money is spent on high quality gates. If cows think they can get out you are in trouble. My $0.02 worth from 50 years experience.
 
Take it from someone who has been there. It's cheaper to buy a good $5000 headgate and squeeze chute than it is to pay a $10,000 ER bill. If you can't afford to do that, some county NRCS has equipment for rent. My county has a portable Powder River Headgate and chute that it rents out. After my trip to the ER I bought a WW set up. It's heavy enough handle 2000# bulls. Putting it inside is a good idea, I built a shed to work my cattle in the dry and shade, one of the best things I've done.
 
worked cows this weekend, have squeeze chute but it does not have the self catch head gate those are great, have alley 10ft wide leading to small sweep to chute. course all my cows are gentle. Just make sure your chute is anchored to your alley. couple years ago a guy down the road did not have his anchored cow got rank and turned the chute over on him, was working by himself did not make it.
 
I bought my sweep and one section of alley way new last year for $2600. It was made by an Amish welding shop and is all pipe with no tubing that will rot out. It was from central MO. Check Craigslist for his ads as he said he was selling several per week. It was the best money we ever spent on the beef herd.Tom
 
If you can afford the $2500,go with something decent right from the start. I can just about guarantee that if you build something yourself,no matter how much stuff you THINK a cow can tear up,you'll still grossly underestimate them.
 
That's kind of been my thinking anyway. I figure the Priefert stuff should be decent, and the model 91 head gate can be operated manual or auto. It also attaches to there squeeze chutes so I can maybe add that next year. 90 degree sweep with a small holding pen that can always be expanded. Ive also been considering the Bud box design, just havent really seen one that jumps out at me as being effecient.
 
You are limited on what you can do with a head gate alone. I would go with a whole squeeze shoot right from the start. You will save yourself a lot of agany and perhaps from even getting hurt. It doesnt really matter what you use for your pin and alley way as long as it is unbreakable by cattle. If not, cattle will simply bust it down. As for a scale, some squeeze shoots are equipped with a scale on them. But probly only your higher end shoots. I am just not really seeing the need for a scale. After you have been around cattle for awhile, you can get to where you can guess pretty close on weight.
 
I can't remember where you are in Kentucky. If you aren't too far from me, you would be welcome to see my simple set up. I keep about 30 head. I bought a used squeeze shoot and built a small bud box. It works really well. I am currently using corral panels, but planning on up grading to guardrail in the future. I do all of my cattle handling by myself. They are calmer with someone they are familiar with handling them. I also go out in the pasture regularly so they are used to me being around. I am in Trimble Co.
 
I'm over in east ky...about 3 hours from you probably. If I was closer I'd definitely come by and take look. Anyway you could maybe shoot me some pictures??
 

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