Predator-Proof Livestock Pens

Predator-Proof Livestock Pens LIVESTOCK Handling 30-3-18 Anyone with livestock at risk to marauding wildlife will want to take a look at the predator-proof pens on Pat Copa's farm near Salem, Oregon. "We sell breeding stock to kids for 4-H and FFA projects. Many do not have a barn or other building to keep the animals safe," explains Copa. "Consequently, they make easy prey for predators." In an effort to avoid the bad publicity that results when predators take livestock, especially from 4-H and FFA kids, the Mountain Lion Foundation (MLF), working with the 4-H and FFA, has designed two models of predator-proof pens. To demonstrate the simplicity of the pens, the MLF paid for materials to construct one on Copa's farm. The Copas keep 30 adult Pygora goats (a breed developed from pygmy and angora goats) year round. They sell the fiber for knitting, felting and spinning. They also sell about 20 kids each year across the Northwest. They use the pen for overnight protection. "We don't have a lot of predator problems, thanks to two small barns that were on the place when we bought it and perimeter fencing we installed," says Copa. "However, having the pen here lets us show our customers and other tour groups an economical shelter for livestock." The 10 by 20-ft. structure is made from chain link fencing and T-posts for quick and easy construction. There's a canopy over the top. The cost for the shelter was about $500. The idea is simple. Set up the roof kit for the canopy, drill holes in the pipe frames for eye bolts to secure tension wire with turnbuckles. Cover the roof with chain link and fasten it to the frame and the tension wires with rebar tie wire. Install the plastic sunshade or tarp and raise the roof up on the provided legs. A T-post pounded in at each corner leg and fastened to the leg with hose clamps anchors the fence to the site. A prefabricated chain link panel with gate placed at the end of the shelter provides entry and exit. Chain link fence wrapped around the other three sides keeps out predators. The sides are also strengthened with eyebolts at the base of the poles and tension wire with turnbuckles. If coyotes are a problem, the MLF suggests stretching chain link across the floor of the structure and attaching it to the side panels and the tension wire A larger, heavy-duty shelter uses pressure-treated wood posts anchored in concrete with a wood roof. The 120 sq. ft. shelter has chain link sides and a suggested materials price tag of approximately $1,000. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Pat Copa, 6058 Riverdale Rd. S., Salem, Ore. 97302 (ph 503 391-1377; info@verdant vistas.com; www. verdant vistas.com).

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