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How to Build Livestock Scales

| Updated August 11, 2017

Things You'll Need

  • 3 digital bathroom scales

  • 4-foot-long 2-by-4s, 4

  • 21½ inch long 2-by-4s, 2

  • ½ inch exterior plywood cut to 2-by-4-feet

  • Screws

Tips

  • Note how long the weight value stays displayed on the scales you have chosen. Make sure you can get to them in time to read the display. If your scale has a memory feature, use this to help get an accurate reading.

There are many expensive digital livestock scales available on the market that require time-consuming assembly. Many of these scales are poorly made and can easily break over time. In a few easy steps, you can build yourself an inexpensive and easy alternative using readily accessible items in the home such as 2x4s and screws. This scale can be used for small livestock such as goats and sheep .

Screw two of the 4-foot and both of the 21-½-inch-long 2-by-4s together to create a rectangular frame.

Screw the remaining 4-foot-long pieces horizontally into the frame to create interior supports.

Screw the square frame to the exterior plywood to create a platform. Set aside.

Place the scales on a level, hard surface such as cement, making sure they are evenly distributed.

Overturn the platform and center it on top of the scales.

Remove the platform and quickly check the weight values on each of the three scales. Total these three numbers and make a note of the total.

Place the animal evenly on the platform.

Remove the animal from the scale and add the values of the scales together for a total weight. Subtract the weight of the platform to determine the animal's weight.