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maryjane

7072 Posts


Posted - Dec 11 2015 :  2:45:13 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
We have a local company that fabricates galvanized fencing, etc. Initially I had them build a grape arbor for me that I designed. (Most of the treated-wood fence posts I put in are now rotting--I'm soooooo over wood.) Anyway, my grape arbor will outlive me, my children, and their children. Once I had it in place, I got to thinking, why not an animal shelter built the same way (they make several versions but nothing like what I wanted).

Anyway, I drew up plans for one that would be small so that a nearby gate would still open but the next one I have them build will be eight feet deep and eight feet wide. Cost for such a shelter minus the plywood and metal siding would be $635 (the small 6x6 structure pictured here cost me $420 and I picked it up). They provide all the fasteners except for the self-tapping screws that go into the square tubing they use for the roof. They even include a type of screw to attach the plywood siding that ensures that the screw head is flush with the plywood so that siding can go on easily. I used 3/4 inch exterior plywood. I haven't gotten around to siding mine yet. Please note that both sides connect to an open face that has a cross piece that runs from side to side. In other words, it's sturdy and the structure goes together easily. They will ship. Their website is: http://www.luckyacres.net/. Just tell them you want a cattle shelter like the one MaryJane Butters designed (they're a small company).





I should also add that I put black livestock mats down on the inside.

MaryJane Butters, author of Milk Cow Kitchen ~ striving for the stoicism of a cow standing in the rain ~

NellieBelle

11214 Posts


Posted - Dec 11 2015 :  5:46:24 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Cool shelter MaryJane. I need to make one over the weekend. I hope we are able to get to it. I don't know what we will building it out of but something the calves can get out of the winter weather.

To laugh is human but to moo is bovine. Author Unknown
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CloversMum

3486 Posts


Posted - Dec 12 2015 :  08:50:15 AM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
TonyMan, what do you think? These would be a great shelter option.

Seeing MaryJane's shelter in person, it certainly looks well made and oh, so sturdy. I also like that then you can still personalize it with your own type of walls, metal, color, etc. So many of the prefab shelters have a limited design/color selection. And, of course, you must have oodles of options and still be able to create the farm look your heart desires!

Loving life and family on our Idaho farm, Meadowlark Heritage Farm; A few Jersey cows; a few alpacas; a few more goats, and even more ducks and chickens
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CloversMum

3486 Posts


Posted - Dec 24 2015 :  08:20:58 AM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Ethan likes these and so do I. I think some of these will be in our future cow plans!

MaryJane, do you think they are sturdy enough to handle a metal gate attached to the front to shut a cow inside the shelter? I'm thinking more of the 8ft x 8ft size.


Loving life and family on our Idaho farm, Meadowlark Heritage Farm; A few Jersey cows; a few alpacas; a few more goats, and even more ducks and chickens
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maryjane

7072 Posts


Posted - Dec 24 2015 :  8:25:07 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I have an 8 by 8 on order. I was thinking I'd build it out in front using a couple of side panels and then a gate. I think hinge hardware and a latch would work fine. But I'll let you know!

MaryJane Butters, author of Milk Cow Kitchen ~ striving for the stoicism of a cow standing in the rain ~
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CloversMum

3486 Posts


Posted - Dec 26 2015 :  08:47:17 AM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
That's an idea to build it with the panels and extend it out in front a bit. Do you think the shelter structure itself is sturdy enough to attach a gate directly to it if need be? But perhaps we just need to plan an extension in front like you are planning. I'll talk with Ethan.

Loving life and family on our Idaho farm, Meadowlark Heritage Farm; A few Jersey cows; a few alpacas; a few more goats, and even more ducks and chickens
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maryjane

7072 Posts


Posted - Dec 29 2015 :  06:04:27 AM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I'm pretty sure they could put a gate on it for you. Give them a call, Charlene. In fact, I'm going to ask them if they can create my foyer idea.

Little Finnegan looks so cute in ours, curled up in the deep straw, chewing his cud.

MaryJane Butters, author of Milk Cow Kitchen ~ striving for the stoicism of a cow standing in the rain ~
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CloversMum

3486 Posts


Posted - Dec 29 2015 :  9:10:54 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
We'll call them when we can move forward. Can't put one up now in the snow anyway!

Loving life and family on our Idaho farm, Meadowlark Heritage Farm; A few Jersey cows; a few alpacas; a few more goats, and even more ducks and chickens
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maryjane

7072 Posts


Posted - Dec 31 2015 :  6:06:28 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I'm going to try putting one up in the snow. I ordered the 8 by 8 fenced yard for one of my 8 by 8 shelters today, complete with 4 foot gate.

MaryJane Butters, author of Milk Cow Kitchen ~ striving for the stoicism of a cow standing in the rain ~
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CloversMum

3486 Posts


Posted - Dec 31 2015 :  7:46:38 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
in the snow, eh? Much easier to do it now than in the mud, though.

Loving life and family on our Idaho farm, Meadowlark Heritage Farm; A few Jersey cows; a few alpacas; a few more goats, and even more ducks and chickens
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maryjane

7072 Posts


Posted - Jan 03 2016 :  12:10:07 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I will let you know how it turns out, or doesn't in the snow:)

MaryJane Butters, author of Milk Cow Kitchen ~ striving for the stoicism of a cow standing in the rain ~
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CloversMum

3486 Posts


Posted - Jan 03 2016 :  3:08:50 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
It's so cold out right now ... you'll freeze your fingers, even wearing gloves.

Loving life and family on our Idaho farm, Meadowlark Heritage Farm; A few Jersey cows; a few alpacas; a few more goats, and even more ducks and chickens
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CloversMum

3486 Posts


Posted - Jan 07 2016 :  09:57:24 AM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Now I'm thinking of ordering one of these shelters with a divider in the middle for my bucks. We could even have a latched/hinged door on the back side from which we could feed and water the bucks. Ah, my wish list just keeps growing and growing as I think and dream.

Loving life and family on our Idaho farm, Meadowlark Heritage Farm; A few Jersey cows; a few alpacas; a few more goats, and even more ducks and chickens
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