Where can I find double clip leads for feeding time?

[glenolam]

Got my double clip hooks at Tractor Supply. They also have an online store.

I practically live at TSC....even considered working there part time just to get a discount!

 

[patandchickens]

If it were me I'd make my own, like others have said. You can use flat nylon and sew it with tack repair (waxed) thread and a sewing awl, or in some cases you can use a fishing line and a very stout needle and pliers. Or you can use rope and any of a variety of ways to attach the hardware, depending on rope type and your personal skills and preferences -- double the rope end back and either whip it on, weave it back in, whip with wire and cover with duct tape, or buy those little clamp things that you crimp onto the rope.

Another option though is to get cheap horse trailer ties (probably you want trailer ties rather than crossties, since you want relatively short). IF you can find an easy source of cheap versions, as opposed to things with all sorts of safety devices and made of snazzy materials in peoples' show colors and such , they are pretty much what you're looking for.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[Shiloh Acres]

What great timing for this thread! I'm so glad you asked.

I used to feed the does at milking time and pull the doelings one at a time for supplemental, etc but ... I stopped milking to let the does build up better with these evil barberpoles and I'm giving extra pellets to the little boys. It's getting ridiculous! Yesterday EVERYONE (except the llamas thankfully) mobbed me at the gate. Geese were getting stepped on, goats were getting nipped and butted. It was utter chaos and I couldn't even safely open the gate to bring the buckets in. Then when I DID get everyone separated and had four goats in a pen with four buckets, i looked up to see all four heads crammed into ONE bucket and the goats rear-ends all spinning madly round the bucket like a merry-go-round. It was hilarious but I think I'm down one bucket because of it.

I'm going to the hardware store TODAY and get stuff to clip them all up. Before I bring another bucket in sight of them!

Oh, and btw, I have gotten a few old belts at thrift stores to use for tying during milking, etc. The good woven nylon or leather ones can be reused with their buckles or with dog-leash type clips. Sounds like rope is maybe cheaper though, and chain more secure. Just thought I'd mention it though. Probably the best use for them is milking hobbles.

 

[jlbpooh]

I use the gate chains that came with my gates from TSC. They even gave me some extras without buying another gate once when I asked. They said that many people don't take the chains so they usually have extras. The are about 18 inches long and come with a snap on one end. I just bought another double ended snap for the other and hook them to an eye hook screwed into the studs in the goat house.

 

[Calliopia]

I'm not sure if you resolved this yet but in case other people were interested I found these http://www.tractorsupply.com/saving...nylon-trailer-tie-for-horses-burgundy-5031404 .

7.00 each and that's pretty much the price of the hardware. Can't beat it once you figure in labor to make them as well.

 

[glenolam]

Thanks for posting that link! I might just give those a try seeing as how I haven't yet started on cutting the chain yet. It's always something.....

 

[ducks4you]

That's what I was going to suggest--best price is at TS. I'd use them for smaller livestock, because you can choose whether to use the panic, or quick-release on the halter or attach to the wall, and if the animal panics you can easily pull and release it. Many people prefer to connect it to the halter, but with horses, that's a little dangerous if they get scared. DON'T buy the bungee cord type. I will not replace mine with them. I have had 4 of those broken by a few of my horses. They just keep pulling until the stretch and break the trailer tie. Then, they look at you and say...."What?!?"

 

[glenolam]

I use the gate chains that came with my gates from TSC. They even gave me some extras without buying another gate once when I asked.

Just wanted to give a big THANKS for this comment! We had to buy another gate a few weekends ago. In my experience, the gates either came with NO chain or the chain was already attached. Well, the employee loaded the gate in the truck, walked over to this 5 gal bucket and handed us a chain. My brain went back to this thread and I said "Gee, honey, this would be PERFECT for the project I'm working on....(now directing this to the employee) Do you sell these here?"

She said "No, but how many are you looking for?"

"I dunno...maybe 7?"

(Walks over to 5 gal bucket) "Here ya go....just remember where you got them from!"

How awesome is that! I confessed to her how much we acutally do spend there and said I was surprised she didn't recognize us.

 

[jlbpooh]

I have 6 or 7 gate chains, and besides the feeding time thing, they have come in handy for all sorts of things. Hubby has even stolen a couple for a project or two. I may have to go ask for some more now that there are all new people at our TSC again. The turnover there is unbelievable.

 

[freemotion]

So, glenolam, have you started clipping everyone at feeding time? I am thinking of doing this. I do have some goats that get a bit too aggressive, and a couple who have to go into a stall to eat. Seems like, at this point, it would be quicker and easier for me to just clip everyone up at feed time and let them eat or wait until I am done with chores and everyone has had a chance to eat.

I'm curious to see how it is working out for you. Do you have any problems when you first start clipping them? Like, are the first goats that get tied up vulnerable to the ones not yet tied up?