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How to Make a PVC Milking Stanchion

A stanchion is a device used to keep an animal tethered while it is milked. Permanent stanchions include a feeding station and usually some type of wall or rail for the animal to lean against. They are useful for both cows and goats. Permanent stanchions must be sized to the animals, but temporary or movable stanchions are much more versatile. Temporary stanchions are really nothing more than a sturdy post. The animal's halter is tied to the post to keep it in one place.

Things You'll Need

2 plastic tubs with covers
Soup can
Cement
Craft knife
PVC pipe, 2 inch diameter, 3 feet tall
Drill with bit
Rope, 2 feet
1 covered bucket, 5 gallon
PVC pipe, 3 inch diameter, 3 feet
Saw
PVC pipe, 2.5 inch diameter
Large plastic tub

Instructions

Goat Stanchion
- 1
  Wash out a plastic tub. For goats a plastic ice cream tub works well. Remove the lid and set it aside.
- 2
  Clean the soup can. Make sure that the label and any food are scoured from the metal can.
- 3
  Place the can upside down in the center of the ice cream tub.
- 4
  Mix the cement with water according to the directions on the package. Fill the tub with cement all around the soup can. Scrape the cement flush with the top of the tub. Do not overfill. Allow the cement to dry
- 5
  Place the lid back on the tub. Turn the tub full of cement over. Start at the center of the tub and cut an "X" over the can. Remove the flaps and smooth the plastic around the can.
- 6
  Stack the second tub upside down over the first. Cut a hole in the center of the second tub. Remove the tub.
- 7
  Drill a 1/2 inch hole though both sides of the PVC pipe 2 inches from the top. Place the bottom of the pipe in the soup can hole of the tub.
- 8
  Slide the second tub right side up so that it rests on the upside down tub of concrete. Fill the tub with feed.
- 9
  Thread a light rope through the holes at the top of the stanchion. Tie the ends to form a loop. The goat's halter will be tied to this loop of rope.
Cow Stanchion
- 10
  Clean the five gallon bucket. Set the lid aside.
- 11
  Place the 3 inch diameter PVC pipe in the center of the bucket.
- 12
  Mix the cement with water according to the directions on the package. Fill the tub with cement all around the PVC pipe. Scrape the cement flush with the top of the bucket. Do not overfill. Allow the cement to dry.
- 13
  Cut the pipe flush with the top of the bucket. Snap the lid on and turn the bucket over.
- 14
  Cut an "X" in the center of the bottom. Cut off the flaps and smooth the edges around the pipe that's cemented in the bucket.
- 15
  Place the second large plastic tub upside down over the bucket filled with cement. A large plastic tub like the ones used to ice drinks can work. The bottom portion of a large garbage can that has been thoroughly cleaned will also work well. Just cut off the bottom foot or so. Cut a hole in the center of the tub that matches the hole in the bucket. Remove the tub.
- 16
  Drill a 1/2 inch hole 2 inches from the top of the 2.5 inch diameter PVC pipe. Place the bottom of the pipe into the hole in the cement-filled bucket.
- 17
  Slide the large plastic tub right side up down the pole so that it rests on the bucket. Fill the bucket with feed.
- 18
  Thread a rope through the holes at the top of the stanchion.

Animals & Science