What is the Purpose of a Calf Hutch?

Calf hutches, for calf shelter, are a common choice in regions of the United States where winters often bring extended periods of freezing and sub-freezing temperatures. Calf hutches protect calves from inclement winter weather and provide shelter from other elements such as sun, rain, wind, and hail. Calf hutches are primarily used in raising dairy calves as a form of isolation from other calves, for the calf raiser to monitor and provide individualized care. Calves are born with an immature immune system, which makes them vulnerable to disease and other health issues. Isolating newborns in a clean environment for 7 to 10 days allows the calf to start building its immune system while milk intake, feed consumption, and manure are closely monitored.   

For additional information regarding calf care from birth-to-weaning view the University of Minnesota’s article, Basic Care Practices for Healthy Calves.

A Guide to Finding the Best Calf Hutch

What is a Calf Hutch?

A calf hutch is an individual pen with an outside space to safely secure a calf. It provides a comfortable space to protect young calves from weather elements and a safe place to rest. Some hutches include an inside feeding system to protect the feed from elements and provide flexibility for producers. Hutches are generally composed of high-density plastic to withstand frequent cleaning, constant exposure to outdoor elements, and accidental run-ins with farm equipment. Typically, lighter in color to reflect sun and designed with a front opening, windows/vents, or bedding door. Hutches provide shelter with enough room to move about within the hutch and an outdoor enclosed area to enjoy when the weather is fair.

Are All Calf Hutches Warm?

On a cold winter day, the warmest place for a calf is in a hutch! To create an even more comfortable environment for your calves, keep sufficient, dry bedding on the ground for the calf to create a ‘nest’ and add a calf blanket to help them maintain core body temp. Hutches are sized to ‘hold in’ body heat and absorb warmth from the sun, keeping the calf warm.  

Calf hutches aren’t just for winter months! During the summer, the hutch provides shade from the sun’s rays. Adequate air flow is especially important to ensure proper ventilation and prevent heat stress during hot weather. Open the windows / vents, and if your hutch is equipped with a rear bedding door, prop it open. Another trick to increase air flow is to prop the back of the hutch off the ground. Always provide fresh, clean water and electrolytes on hot days.  

What Size is the Right Calf Hutch?

There are multiple calf hutch manufacturers, and all typically design the hutch to provide the most useable space for a calf. The inside dimensions can range from about 6-1/2 to 8 feet in length to 4 to 5 feet in width, depending on the size you choose, plus the outside fenced area that is roughly the same, doubling the total area. 

Features to Look for in a Calf Hutch: 

Other Calf Housing Options

Group Housing for Calves

As calves get a little older and they’ve had the opportunity to strengthen their immune systems, they can be moved into small groupings (3 to 5 calves) of similar size and age. Group housing calf hutches are available and should have some of the same features as the single calf huts regarding ventilation, durability, and biosecurity.  

Indoor Calf Pens

Indoor calf pens are also a good calf shelter option for individual calf housing. Designed for configuration inside barns, greenhouses, and other facilities out of direct weather elements.   

Dairy calves are the future of the milking herd. When given a healthy start, it allows them to achieve their full potential as they reach maturity to become healthy and successful, high-producing dairy cows.  

Find all calf hutches here. Watch for volume pricing!