One of the safest and most efficient ways to handle cattle is by using a Bud Box. It is simple but highly effective and handling cattle in a low stress way. Let’s jump into all things about a Bud Box.

What is a Bud Box?

A Bud Box is a rectangular box with two gates. One towards the middle and one at one to the ends. There is another gate to open towards the chute and an optional people gate. It allows the cattle to move from one area to another and eventually move into a chute where you can work them. It is based on the cattle’s natural motion to move in the opposite direction from which there is pressure. If done right, you can easily move cattle without stress on them or yourself, as you look to work them in a chute.

Dimensions

It is very important to get the dimensions of the Bud Box correct. It needs to be 12-14 feet wide and 20-30 feet long. The length and width depends on the amount of cattle that you plan to work at one time.

How Does the Bud Box Work?

The Bud Box capitalizes on cattle’s natural behavior to move away from perceived pressure, often toward the point from which they came. Here's how it works:

1. Cattle are guided into the box from a holding pen or alley.

2. They realize they can't go further, as three sides are solid. 

3. Naturally, cattle will attempt to return the way they came, back toward the entrance.

4. A handler applies pressure from behind, which encourages the cattle to move towards the exit.

5. Upon turning, cattle naturally find the exit and move forward into the chute or other handling area.

By utilizing the Bud Box, you minimize stress and force, as the design works with cattle’s instincts.

While many systems use curved chutes and designs to move cattle, the Bud Box takes a different approach. Curved systems rely on guiding cattle along a predetermined path, while the Bud Box allows cattle to make their own decision to turn back and move towards the exit. While both systems can be effective, the Bud Box tends to require less force and creates a more natural flow for the animals.

The Bud Box is one of the best techniques and infrastructures for moving cattle in a low stress and controlled way. We are currently building our Bud Box right now and will definitely add pictures once it is complete.

Thanks for reading and hope this was helpful.

-James