Feed Pens

[Raleigh]

Need a little advice-
We need to build some feeder pens since our rancher has decided to use our leased acreage in his sheep operation next year. No problem with this since we knew it might happen. Our problem is pounding T-Post into rock. I am looking for alternatives to setting T-Post. We will use 20' 6" hog panels and I need to figure out a way to sure the pen up to withstand sheep and the occasional donkey.

Any advice is welcomed

[TexaswBOWhunter]

We had the same problem on our place in Kerr county... We wound up either using trees as much as possible or we rented a hammer drill and drilled the rock then put post's in... Those are the two options that we used to deal with the rocks, some of the places didn't have trees so thats where the drilling came in... I don't remember the name of the place but we rented the hammer drill from one of the local rental companies there in Kerrville...

[bobo]

we have one pen that is made of some intelocking heavy material like a gate almost.

Anyway they work great, might be expensive though.

[Ranchingaggie]

Raleigh we use 7-8 20' panels that are framed with 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 square tube (could use 1" pipe). Go by school and visit with ag teacher or shop teacher and supply material makes for good beginner projects for kids to build frame check the diagnol for squareness and then tack panel to the frame and tie them together in an octagon etc just to each other. Be sure to put one piece in the middle of frame for support.

[jtempleton]

Use an air drill. That is the only way to get through the rock. Then, knock the ears off of the t-post and they will slide right in. You can rent one from any equipment rental place or check with the ranchers in the surrounding areas. You will find in that country an air drill is more important then a tractor. We rent one from our neighbor for a fraction of the cost and do not have to drive to pick it up or need to have it back by a certain time.

[BrandonA]

Either gates or a air drill. You can probably lease one locally for a couple of hundred. Split between all those on the lease it will be the best money you could spend.

[BrandonA]

Raleigh we use 7-8 20' panels that are framed with 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 square tube (could use 1" pipe). Go by school and visit with ag teacher or shop teacher and supply material makes for good beginner projects for kids to build frame check the diagnol for squareness and then tack panel to the frame and tie them together in an octagon etc just to each other. Be sure to put one piece in the middle of frame for support.

Should have read this. Great Idea.

[Raleigh]

good ideas thanks

[Swampa]

I second framing the panels. It works well.

[Joey~AP]

Raleigh we use 7-8 20' panels that are framed with 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 square tube (could use 1" pipe). Go by school and visit with ag teacher or shop teacher and supply material makes for good beginner projects for kids to build frame check the diagnol for squareness and then tack panel to the frame and tie them together in an octagon etc just to each other. Be sure to put one piece in the middle of frame for support.

Seen this done out in West Texas.

Works well!

[JimN]

Make the pens large enough that no corn goes outside of the pen. Then over lap the panels 1 or 2 sq and you will not need to set posts.

[bdchorn]

Need a little advice-
We need to build some feeder pens since our rancher has decided to use our leased acreage in his sheep operation next year. No problem with this since we knew it might happen. Our problem is pounding T-Post into rock. I am looking for alternatives to setting T-Post. We will use 20' 6" hog panels and I need to figure out a way to sure the pen up to withstand sheep and the occasional donkey.

Any advice is welcomed

Not trying to hijack your thread, but please do yourself a favor and get the details on the number of sheep he will be running. They are direct competitors of deer when it comes to browse and it makes a HUGE difference if the pastures are overgrazed.

[crittergitter]

Raleigh we use 7-8 20' panels that are framed with 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 square tube (could use 1" pipe). Go by school and visit with ag teacher or shop teacher and supply material makes for good beginner projects for kids to build frame check the diagnol for squareness and then tack panel to the frame and tie them together in an octagon etc just to each other. Be sure to put one piece in the middle of frame for support.

if you do this method make sure you weld feet on the bottom.

it makes it a little taller and keeps it level.