Truck Hot Box For Livestock

Truck Hot Box for Livestock LIVESTOCK Handling 16-3-2 If you've got livestock out on pasture during winter months, you'll like this new "hot box". It consists of a wooden box that rides in the bed of a pickup and is heated by hoses running from the heater. "I've been using this idea for 8 years and it works great, even in sub-zero weather. The box is fully insulated and built to last. I tried making a prototype out of plastic but it was too expensive," says farmer-inventor Robin Akin, who's started manufacturing the boxes. The box runs across the full width of the pickup and holds up to 3 calves at once. "I simply adapt a 3-in. flex hose to the heater in the truck and it blows hot air through two hoses into the box. It works well for reviving near-frozen newborns and is ideal for trips to the vet, eliminating the need to put animals in the cab. Can be used for any type of small livestock or any other application around the farm where you need to keep something warm," says Altin. The box rides far enough forward that it doesn't interfere with a fifth wheel hitch. Seams are silicone sealed and the inside is painted so the box can be pressure-washed for clean-out. Sells for $400. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Robin Altin, Port-A-Calf Ltd., Rt. 1, Byemoor, Alberta Canada TOJ OLO (ph 403 364-2150).

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