Calf Dehorning Crate Advice

Neewollah

Looking for some advice regarding purchasing a dehorning crate. Bought in 20 FR Bull calves this week and will probably take 10 more in a few weeks. Ranging between 3-5 weeks old. I'm happy to pay a good price for the most efficient crate. Plan it to potentially get to 80 to 100 calves by year 3 so it will get the use for sure. I just want to make life as easy as possible for myself.

Thanks in advance

blue5000

Saw one on another forum that doubled up as a safety cage for a front loader. Gate on one side and head gate on the other side. Could be used to transport a few calves around a yard too.

French Toast

We've a Condon one https://www.glanbiaconnect.com/shop/product/Condon-Calf-Dehorning-Crate-Deluxe/9091056

Positives - really heavy duty, makes a comfortable one man job of even strong calves. Seems well built, no flimsy components, galvanized so should last well. TAMS helped pay for it.

Negatives - can be heavy/awkward to move around, relatively expensive but not bad if you can draw TAMS.

ABitofsense

I've a Condons one too. Great for strong LM suckler calves & delighted I got it. Only annoying thing is the nose strap. One it came with just doesn't work right. Ive tried a few variations of ropes & even belts for something more secure but no luck yet

Neewollah

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118860341#Comment_118860341

Appreciate that. Didn't think it would come under TAMS. Just after starting partnership and getting my name on herd number so I'll be talking to advisor in next few weeks regarding a TAMS application. I might try and borrow from a neighbour to get these lads done and purchase my own from next year.

Lime Tree Farm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118860797#Comment_118860797

Successfully using a safety belt from a scrap car here.

patsy_mccabe

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118860797#Comment_118860797

I use one of these lifting straps on my old style crate here and it works ok. Put the end loop over the snout of the calf and keep the calf pulled to one side. I have a very small strap for the job.

Cargo Webbing Sling 3m x 60mm | Ratchet Straps & Lashing | Screwfix.ie