Building a Cow Stanchion

Cow stanchions provide a safer method of milking and restraining a cow, both for the user and the animal. The cow is restrained by its head just enough to keep it from moving around in its pen, yet allowing its head vertical movement and comfort. You can make your own milking stanchion using basic tools and material that you can find at any building center.

Things You'll Need

  • 14-inch piece of anchor chain
  • 2 angle irons
  • 2 eye bolts
  • 2 pieces of 1 X 2 hardwood 60 inches long
  • Metal latch
  • Hinge
  • Screws
  • Screwdriver
  • Saw
  • Tape measure
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut two pieces of wood 48 inches long and two pieces 10 inches long. These will form the frame of the stanchion.

    • 2

      Screw together the two shorter pieces of wood at opposite ends of the long piece, forming a "C" shape.

    • 3

      Screw the hinge to the bottom of the open end of the frame and attach the other side of the hinge to the remaining long piece of wood. You now have a rectangular frame with one long side that opens.

    • 4

      Attach the latch at the top of the open side of the frame. This keeps the cow's head in place once the stanchion is closed.

    • 5

      Attach the anchor chain to both sides of the open end of the frame, so that when the frame is open, the long side of the stanchion does not fall to the floor. The chain limits the distance that the stanchion can open.

    • 6

      Attach eye hooks to the center of both short sides of the frame, so that when the stanchion is mounted vertically, the eye hooks will be at the top and bottom of the stanchion.

    • 7

      Mount the top and bottom of the stanchion to cow's pen. Open the stanchion, guide the cow into the frame and latch it. You are now ready for milking and the cow is standing in a comfortable position.