How to Make a Goat Tack Box

Goats are inquisitive, sometimes to the detriment of your equipment.

Tack boxes, used to keep small items such as hoof trimmers, medicines and brushes, are usually small affairs. In dealing with goats, however, it is often a good idea to build a strong, large tack box to make sure that your herd doesn't wreak havoc on your equipment. This plan will allow you to build a 2-by-4-by-4-foot box that will discourage even the most curious goats from causing trouble.

Things You'll Need

• 2, 2-by-4-by-8-foot unfinished planks
• 12, 1-by-6-by-8-foot unfinished planks
• 1, 4-by-8-foot plywood sheet, 1 inch thick
• About 150, 1 1/2-inch wood screws
• About 36, 1-inch wood screws
• Tape measure
• Circular, table or chop saw
• Drill with Phillips-head bit
• 4 wheeled casters
• 2 strong hinges, self-lowering
• 1 swivel hasp
• Numeric lock

Instructions

1. Cut the two 2-by-4-by-8-foot boards in half. You'll use them as corner posts. Cut the plywood sheet in half. Secure the posts to each corner of the plywood base with at least three 1 1/2-inch wood screws.

2. Cut 16 of the 1-by-6-by-8-foot boards in half. Secure them to the posts along the 4-foot-long end of the rectangular box with two 1 1/2-inch wood screws at each end. Cut four of the 1-by-6-by-8-foot boards into quarters. Secure them to the posts along the 2-foot-long end of the rectangular box using 1 1/2-inch screws. Be sure not to leave large gaps between the 1-by-6-by-8-foot boards.

3. Turn the box on its side. Attach the caster wheels using 1-inch wood screws. Be sure to position the wheels close to the corners so that the box will roll smoothly. Return the box to its upright position.

4. Attach the hinges to the long side of the box using 1-inch screws. Secure the other end of the hinges to the remaining plywood section using 1-inch screws. Attach the swivel hasp to the other long side of the box and secure with a numeric lock.

5. Move the box to a covered area. Keep an eye on the goats to make sure they don't try to eat the box. If they begin nibbling on it, staple chicken wire to the exterior.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a cordless drill rather than an electric drill to avoid stripping screws.

• Put your tack into plastic boxes before storing inside the box to keep it dry.

• If you stain the box, use a non-toxic finish.

• Leave as little space as possible between the 1-by-6-foot boards.

References

• Do-It-Yourself Network: How to Build a Storage Bench
• Mother Earth News: Keeping Goats on Your Farm (And Out of Trouble)