How to Make a Mineral Block Holder

Many farm animals need mineral supplements as part of their diet. These nutrients are required for good health. A mineral block holder will keep the mineral solid and allow the animals to lick the block as needed. Think of it like a salt lick used for deer. Make sure the inner dimensions of the mineral holder are equivalent to the standard-sized mineral block. The mineral block holder is designed to keep the block dry on the bottom and protect the top from the elements.

Things You'll Need

  • 2-by-6 wood
  • Plywood
  • Saw
  • Wood screws
  • Screwdriver or drill
  • Post
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Instructions

    • 1

      Mark a length of 2-by-6 wood so you have 12-inch sections. Cut out the marked 12-inch pieces with a saw. You will need eight 12-inch pieces in total. Use a carpenter's square for the ends to make sure they are even.

    • 2

      Cut two pieces from plywood with a saw, measuring 13.5-by-13.5 inches for the top and the bottom of the holder. Cut two 6.5-by-16-inch pieces of plywood for the holder's braces. For the braces, cut the ends at a 45 degree angle instead of cutting them straight.

    • 3

      Screw together four of the 12-inch pieces from Step 2 so they form a square. To ensure the box is square, one end of the wood is attached to the outside of the next piece. The other end of the wood is connected on the outside of the next piece of wood. Use two wood screws per corner and screw in with a drill or screw driver. Place the top piece over the constructed square and secure it to the square using wood screws, three on each edge. A total of 12 screws are used to attach the top piece to the square.

    • 4

      Repeat Step 3 and use the remaining four 12-inch pieces and the bottom piece of plywood.

    • 5

      Screw the bottom box to a post using eight wood screws. Position the bottom piece so it is a minimum of 14 inches from the ground, with the plywood side down. Screw the top piece to the post above the bottom piece. The distance from the top piece to the bottom piece will depend on the animal. Make sure the distance is appropriate for the animal to access the mineral block. The top piece is attached to the post with the plywood on top, providing protection from the elements for the mineral block.

    • 6

      Insert the top brace so it rests in the center of the top piece of plywood and then forms a 45 degree angle to the post. Secure the brace to the top with three woodscrews and use another three screws to attach the other end of the brace to the post.

    • 7

      Attach the bottom brace in the same manner as Step 6, with the brace being centered under the bottom piece of plywood.

    • 8

      Insert the post into the ground in a spot where your animals can access the mineral block.