Many farmers are to-day building their mangers or racks of concrete.
“Stump suckers” lose the habit when fed in concrete mangers.
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The manger is constructed along the general lines laid down for OUTDOOR
FEEDING TROUGHS, page 48. A form satisfactory for building horse barn
mangers is shown in the photograph. The feed trough can be molded as a
part of the manger by using a box form like an ordinary wooden feeding
trough, but 6 inches wider and without end pieces. Saw out the manger
forms so that the box will fit the opening. When the manger forms have
been filled with concrete to the feed trough level, place 1 inch of
concrete over the bottom of the trough form, lay in a strip of heavy
woven wire fencing, and then place the remaining 2 inches of the 3-inch
bottom. Immediately set upon this concrete a bottomless box with end
pieces, of a size to allow for the 4-inch manger wall and the 3-inch
side walls of the trough. Fill both manger and trough forms and embed
a ½-inch rod in the side walls of the trough 1 inch from the top. Make
holes in the manger wall for the hitching strap by inserting a 2-inch
greased peg in the concrete. Imbed a 1-foot length of ½-inch rod in the
concrete above this hole.
Scientists have found that rats distribute more disease than any other
animal. Recognizing the danger, state and city authorities, the world
over, are spending vast sums of money in exterminating this pest. If
rats have no nesting place, they cannot stay on the farm. Rats and mice
cannot find a home about concrete floors, nor can they climb concrete
barn walls.
In a stable floored with concrete, the horses can rest at noontime
instead of stamping at flies.
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