How to Move Large Farm Animals

The moving of large farm animals is a task that must be accomplished periodically. Whether the farmer needs to move a single animal a short distance or multiple animals over a long distance via trucks or other vehicles, there are preparations to be made. Farm animals are intelligent creatures and can be taught to follow the lead of a human who is well prepared, gentle but firm and educated in animal behavior.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Teach your animals to follow you as their handler (unless you are working with swine), starting with very small trips within the enclosure. Make sure you have a secure halter and a firm lead on the animal and coax it to follow you for intervals that you gradually increase over time.

2. Prepare to lead a large animal by standing on its left, with your right hand close to its shoulder. Your left hand should hold the rope halter or lead line. Pull gently but firmly as you begin to guide your animal to your destination.

3. Anticipate how an animal may react before you attempt to move it. If you are separating it from familiar surroundings or companions, an animal is likely to be reluctant. Prepare for this by wearing protective equipment, such as goggles, a hardhat and steel-toed boots.

4. Enlist the aid of a helper when an animal becomes belligerent. Both of you should approach from the hip area (not behind the animal) when coaxing it to move. Use proper equipment to prod the animal into movement if necessary.

5. Make training sessions comfortable for your animals by incorporating grooming and giving them feed.

6. Accustom your animals to large numbers of people beforehand if they are to be transported to an exhibition or other place with crowds. An animal used to only you or a few others will most likely resist being moved to a heavily populated area.

7. Prepare to move farm animals long distances by employing portable chutes or corrals and loading ramps to get them in the vehicles. These should be sturdy, with gentle inclines that allow for low lighting, and free from sharp edges and protrusions.

8. Pay careful attention to preparing swine for moving, as these large farm animals are generally more difficult to move, even though they are very intelligent. Work with them individually and familiarize them with all the "moving apparatus," such as chutes, alleyways and loading equipment. One helpful trick is to place manure on the chutes and the bottoms of the loading equipment to encourage the pig to move.

9. Use hand-held panels on both sides when moving large farm animals, especially swine, to block the view and help keep animals confined as they are being led. Use a cane to help direct swine and a halter to direct other large farm animals.

Tips & Warnings

• If possible, keep the farm animal separated from other livestock when being moved.
• Work with animals when they are juveniles to ensure success in teaching them to follow your lead.
• Behave confidently when moving a farm animal as it may sense and react to nervousness.
• Do not make the sessions long.
• Never leave an animal tied and in the halter when you are going to be away from it for a period of time.