Cow shed--barn

greenspun.com : LUSENET : Countryside : One Thread

I have been collecting materials all fall and winter long for a large shed or small barn to house my two jersey cows and four calves. I have on hand alot of lumber salvaged from an old barracks--2x4s' and 2x6s'; 1x6s', and 3-10 foot beams. Also have probably 40 sheets of galvanized metal--my dilemma is the best way to put it all together?? It will have a dirt floor--with a small area of concrete for milking. I need it to be as simple as possible as my experience is limited! Thank-you!!

-- Lynn Royal (homesteadmama@att.net), April 23, 2001

Answers

Check out the plans on pages 46 thru 49 of the new issue of Countryside. Looks like what your described having will fit nicely into the materials list with minimal modifications.

-- Jay Blair in N. AL (jayblair678@yahoo.com), April 23, 2001.

Hi Lynn - I too had limited construction experience, but I built a small 12' x 12' shed for my two cows last year using pole barn construction. It has a dirt floor and is open on one side with a large overhang in the back where I can store a week's worth of hay. I built about 90% of the shed by myself. I used a couple of those "third hand" grips/clamps that would hold things in place while I did the nailing. I did have a post hole digger on my tractor to drill the 3' holes needed to sink each post in (saved me a lot of time). I imagine you would want a barn/shed at least twice that size for your cows and calves. I used "Building Small Barns, Sheds & Shelters" by Monte Burch as my guide book. Good luck - you can do it!

-- Barb (rosemontfarm1@aol.com), April 23, 2001.

Lynn, Where are you located? If its close by, wife and I could help.

-- Kevin in NC (vantravlrs@aol.com), April 23, 2001.

Kevin-- Wished you lived closer, but I am in Washington State-- otherwise I would take you up on that offer to help in a minute!!

-- Lynn Royal (homesteadmama@att.net), April 23, 2001.

Moderation questions? read the FAQ