Polytunnels for calf housing

[coomoo]

As per title. Not got one but wondering as going to keep a lot more calves this backend do they work. Cost/ planning etc? Seem them on a couple of farms. Anyone using them and also thoughts on using a heatwave in them? Tia

 

[Sparkymark]

Once saw one in Holland. It had a strip of concrete down the middle for access, then calf hutches along the sides on gravel. The polytunnel was just to keep the weather off and make calf feeding a more pleasant job i guess.

 

[bigw]

Would they not be liable to blow away during the winter?

 

[Alan88]

We have one for newborn calves maybe 12 years or longer not sure. I was at school when it was put up so can't help on a price either. We keep the calves in pens and use an automatic feeder.

It's not a permanent structure though, we'll have to change the plastic on it this summer and it will also be very hot on a warm day.

 

[sanderzo]

We had on for 7 years, concrete feed passage and back wall of bedded area. It was 70m long. Calves nearer the ends did better as atmosphere was a bit stuffy in the middle. Blew away during storm Doors. Cost nearly as much to replace plastic and broken hoops than rebuild it as a steel lean-to so a no brained. Also NFU refused to insure it if we rebuilt polytunnel

 

[Grazer]

I bought a 20 by 40 ft marquee for calves once for about £600. Thought it was worth a punt instead of the multi hutches that do 4 or 5 at a time. Reared 20 calves well then blew down before mucking out in Jan.

I tried my luck and complained to the selling company (without mentioning calves) and got a replacement for half price.

I've never even bothered to take it out the box.

Built a shed where it was situated.

 

[Clay52]

I don't know much about polytunnel but when building something for calves make sure it has great ventilation. Too many calves are stuck coughing in poorly ventilated sheds.

 

[sanderzo]

You can get polytunnel with open ridges these days so if you are dead set on one get an open ridge

 

[Bald Rick]

Be okay in the winter but too hot in the summer. We used one for years for lambing in Feb-April and then for growing tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers etc in the summer & autumn. Plastic lasts about 5 years before it becomes too brittle and need heat repellent tape on the hoops.
Just another small point if putting calves in - watch they don't chew a hole in the plastic cover because once damaged, it will rip as soon as any wind gets up