It’s that time of year again; time to start planning for calving season! Spring is fast approaching and you need to make sure you have the necessary calf warmers and livestock supplies to protect your newborns from the elements when they arrive. To give your calves the best start to a healthy life and provide the necessary weight gains in their early days, make sure you provide the secure shelter of a calf warmer so they don’t struggle on the frozen ground or have to battle the wind!
Health Advantages of Calf Warmers
It’s not always possible to be born on a warm, sunny day. It seems more often than not that the weather is at its worst when your first calf arrives. A warmer provides a secure and comfortable enclosure to foster a nurturing environment and create the quickest possible recovery for what can be a very traumatic birthing process. Leaving its comfortable mother and being thrown directly into the often cold, wet, and windy conditions, a newborn is immediately exposed to a dangerous and life-threatening environment while they’re at its weakest.
It can be such a dramatic shock that your animal may experience long-term health problems or even death from extreme exposure to the elements at such an early point in life. Immediately protecting your animals is never more important than when they are born.
Heating Controls in Calf Warmers:
A calf warmer heater with a circulating fan is used to keep the interior warm, and ventilated, and provide protection from the cold. Most heaters have a thermostat or temperature control switch to keep the inside nice and cozy. The heater itself is powered with 110 volts and a multi-speed fan helps distribute the heat, prevents moisture from building up, and will provide proper ventilation for its occupant. Don’t let your little ones freeze in the pasture, keep them warm for the best and fastest recovery possible.
Construction
Newborn warmers are typically made from durable and sturdy polyethylene. They are of such size that your newborn calf can stand up even with the lid closed. The enclosed (but ventilated) environment allows for the natural scent to remain intact so the mother will still identify with, and re-adopt the calf. It’s an important consideration for joining up.
The lid of the shelter is typically removable to allow for easy access to your animal and make of cleaning. The floors are raised and slotted for ventilation and are usually supported throughout the entire length of the box with stainless steel. The bottom is typically ribbed with thicker material so the entire shelter can be drug around the pasture to where it’s needed.
Ventilation
Circulation is achieved by drawing air in the bottom, passing it over the heater where the fan pushes it up and out of the top vents. The eve vents have adjustable holes that can be opened or closed to help control airflow and will help regulate both temperature and humidity.
Providing the best for the growth of your herd and bottom line
Calf Warmers are a simple and effective way to ensure the best possible start for the newest additions to your herd. Make sure yours have access to a warm, safe and enclosed environment this spring so your bottom line and your animals are as strong as possible.
If you have any questions or would like to provide the best start possible for your newborn calves, please visit or call Barn World today.
