Squeeze chute visibility?

[Stocker Steve]

The "or worse" is what we get when we try to use closed sided chutes and alleyways. If they can see out they're fine but when they can't they try to climb over the sides.

My original chute is solid. On the new place I used five rough cut oak planks spaced about 6" apart and nailed them to railroad ties. Then I boxed in the tops of opposing ties. There will be no escape from...

[gberry]

Steve, how do you like the Bud Box? We are thinking of redoing our pens and have considered using the box instead of a crowding tub. Do you happen to have any pictures of your setup?

To block the view of cattle entering the squeeze chute, we used an old piece of conveyor belt woven in and out of the uprights on the chute with good success. Some will still balk, but it has helped quite a bit.

[novatech]

Stalling at the squeeze or blasting through are 2 of the reasons I just work mine in the alley. Pipe behind them or pack 3 in at a time, do what I need to do and let them out. Only time I use the squeeze is when I need to work on the head or udder, which is maybe once in a cows life.
If I have to use the squeeze and they balk then I have a pipe I put behind them. If they move forward the pipe moves forward using notches I put in the side of the chute. Sometimes I have to use the pipe as a lever and literally have lifted the entire rear off the ground. A training day about once a year just letting cattle walk through the squeeze, following each other, has done wonders for when I have to actually use the stinking thing.
As far a visibility is concerned I always thought an opaque shower curtain might work pretty good.

[Dave]

I really like those moly silencer chutes. Now if I can just win the lottery so I can afford to buy one.

Taking the time to run the entire bunch through the chute a couple times with everything open does work wonders. Years ago I worked for a rodeo contractor. Everytime we came to a different arena we ran all the bucking stock through the chutes into the arena and out the out gate several times. If cows think the way out is through the chute they go there with ease.

[SRBeef]

I really like those moly silencer chutes. Now if I can just win the lottery so I can afford to buy one.

Taking the time to run the entire bunch through the chute a couple times with everything open does work wonders. Years ago I worked for a rodeo contractor. Everytime we came to a different arena we ran all the bucking stock through the chutes into the arena and out the out gate several times. If cows think the way out is through the chute they go there with ease.

I think you hit on a secret. I give my herd treat grain in the corral fenceline bunks once a week or so. If I have time I will close all gates and leave them in there for an hour or so, just so they learn not to go nuts when enclosed. Then if it works out with the pasture rotation I will open the tub, gates and headgate as the way out.

A few of the older brighter cows lead the way and pretty soon they all exit calmly thru the tub, alley, chute and headgate.

The only "problem" I've seen with this training, according to my vet, so far is that during vet visits it makes it a bit tougher to sort say the calves from the cows since they all WANT to get into the tub and alley since they remember that is the way out... My vet says usually the problem is the other way around. This is simpler and less stressful on all of us though.

FWIW, I had the thought recently that diplomats should have a required background in working cattle...gives you a little insight into behavior.

Jim

[novatech]

FWIW, I had the thought recently that diplomats should have a required background in working cattle...gives you a little insight into behavior.

Jim

They have been doing it for years. Instead of sweet feed it's your tax dollars their feeding out.