[AlpacaTalk] Suggestions for Placement/Use of Scale in Small Barn?

 

Hi all,

 

I really need to get a scale this year, but have serious space constraints. So, I'm looking for suggeestions as to how others with small barnshave managed.

 

What are your experiences with having a scale in an area where the alpacas have access to it all the time (i.e. it isn't in a chute)? I would of course bring the digital reader into the house or feedroom when not in use so they can't chew the wires/reader. Do you create a chute of some sort around it at wieghing time (it would be against a wall)?

 

What are you experiences with having to bring the scale to the barn each time you want to use it (not high on the list of things I want to do, but would have to to weigh the boys anyway)? Are there special storage issues? If you have dirt/uneven floors, how have you ensured the scale is level each time? 

 

I've considered putting it in the corner of the stall where a long side of the scale would be on the gate wall and a short end on the wall ajoining my feed stall (the other 2 walls are concrete block and the stall is 8'x11'ish). The walls are 4 board fencing so, If I put up a second panel on the other long side and a gate across the other short side, I would also have a chute where I could reach all sides. Any thoughts or experiences with a set up like this? My floors are dirt with stall mats over them, so one concern I have is how to make sure the second long wall/panel is sturdy enough without having to sink a pole floor to ceiling. I considered putting the scale on a wood platform so the panel could be attached to that, but was concerned about them having to step up too high (2" scale + ?" platform). It also means that they would have to walk through a short lane to get into the stall (though it has a 4' wide door) and I hope this wouldn't decrease their use of it as a loafing area.

 

Any other ideas?

 

Thanks!
 

Peace,

Morgen M. Bowers

Dreamwood Farm Alpacas

Claverack, NY

(518) 697-9995

www.dreamwoodfarm.com

 

"We have always known that heedless self-interest was bad morals; we know now that it is bad economics" F.D.R.

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