How to Make a Cattle Holding Pen

It is imperative when working cattle to have an adequate holding pen to hold the cattle until they move to the working area. The size of the pen will depend upon the size of the breed and how many cattle are being held. Site location is very important as well. You should choose a spot with good drainage, 1/4-inch per foot is good, but not more than 2-inches per foot. Ease of transportation should be considered in choosing a site as well as accessibility to electricity and water if possible.

Things You'll Need

  • 4-inch by 4-inch by 8-feet treated posts
  • 50-inches by 16 feet wire stock panels
  • 2-inch by 6-inch by 8-feet boards
  • Heavy duty pipe gate
  • 16 d nails
  • Heavy post staples
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Instructions

    • 1

      Locate a well drained site for the holding pen.

    • 2

      Dig and set 4-inch by 4-inch by 8-feet treated wood post, 18-inches deep.

    • 3

      Measure 8-feet and set next post, 18-inches deep.

    • 4

      Nail a 2-inch by 6-inch by 8-feet board at the top between the two posts and repeat this process for the middle and bottom. Leave about 6-inches between the bottom board and the ground.

    • 5

      Hold and attach the 50-inch by 16-feet wire stock panels to the 2-inch by 6-inch by 8-feet boards using large post staples.

    • 6

      Repeat process until the desired dimension for the holding pen is achieved.

    • 7

      Attach the heavy steel pipe gate to the last 4-inch by 4-inch by 8-feet post and secure it with a latch of your choice.