When you live on a farm with livestock, it is a sure bet that a crisis of some kind will always be just around the corner -- and calving season is a perfect example. If a cow has a difficult calving and becomes unable to care for her new calf, cattle farmers must step in quickly to protect it from the elements and predators and keep it close by for feeding and general care. Since calves in this situation must also be kept separate from larger herd members that might carelessly trample them, a makeshift calf shelter is usually the best solution.
What you will need:
1 Livestock panel, designed for use with cattle
2 steel t-posts, to hold the cattle panels and pallet backing in place
1 wooden pallet, to create a sturdy backing material for the calf shelter
10-14" cable ties, to fasten the cattle panels together
1 waterproof poly tarp with grommets, approximately 4' x 6' in size
Straw or wood shavings for bedding
To construct the calf shelter:
Drive the two steel t-posts into the ground, approximately 4' apart on a fairly level spot with good drainage. Place the pallet on its longest side against the t-posts and use two of the cable ties to fasten each end securely to the two posts.
Attach one end of the cattle panel to one of steel posts, and secure it firmly with a cable tie at both the top and bottom of the panel. Then attach the other end of the cattle panel to the other post in the same way, forming a curved enclosure.
Secure the short side of the tarp to the pallet using a cable tie threaded through the grommet and then around one of the slats on the pallet. Repeat the process on the second side.
Pull the tarp forward and secure the front corners of it to each side of the cattle panel, using the remaining cable ties to form an awning-type shelter to keep the calf from getting too much sun or being exposed to wind or rain.
Place the bedding inside, then move the calf into its safe and sturdy temporary home. When the cow recovers and can once again resume her maternal duties, simply remove the electrical wire ties, dismantle the cattle panel, tarp, and pallet, and then store the components until the next calf shelter crisis occurs.
Cattle panels come in a variety of sizes and wire tensile strengths. Your agricultural equipment and supply store can help you determine which one will work best for your needs. Companies like Big Springs Equipment can offer more information.
