Bottle calf housing

[Way of the Cross Farm]

Hi everyone,
We are starting a new venture and want some advice on what are the best ways to raise healthy calves. My husband has got the idea to get about 25-30 bottle calves and we were wondering what housing options are the best. We are looking at dairy/beef cross bull calves.
He was told this morning that elevated housing was the best and not in a barn. All opinions are appreciated. Thanks!!!! :help:

 

[dun]

We raised them in 4X8 pen/shelters. The back 4 foot was solid sides, back with a roof. A ventilation strip under the roof. The front 4 foot was slatted so they could see out and interact at a distance from each other. We raised them on a garss area and moved the pen for each calf. after spraying down the pen inside and out with bleach and water.

 

[kickinbull]

We raised them in 4X8 pen/shelters. The back 4 foot was solid sides, back with a roof. A ventilation strip under the roof. The front 4 foot was slatted so they could see out and interact at a distance from each other. We raised them on a garss area and moved the pen for each calf. after spraying down the pen inside and out with bleach and water.

Dun, I assume the pens /shelters you are talking about were for calves up to weaning. What did you do with them after that? Not just for Dun, anyone else please chime in.

 

[dun]

After weaning they went out to pasture or were sold