Hot Box / Calf Warming Box

[JeffK-MN]

I just bought a Poly Dome calf warmer. The guys I got it from have dairy cows and have built a new calving shed with heated spots for the calves now.
How do you guys with beef cows use yours? We have it set up in a shed but there is no heat at all in the shed, just a wind break.
What happens when you put the calf in it from mom?
How long do you leave them in it?
What else do we need to do when the weather is this cold?
Thanks Jeff

 

[Silver]

We built an elevated plywood box maybe just over 3' cubed. Just have a good electric radiant heater in there. They only go in there if they have been chilled. I stick my finger in their mouth to judge how chilled they are, and how warmed up they are. Also feel their extremities to make sure they are warm. I leave them in until dry and warm then reintroduce.

 

[gcreekrch]

I like my heated shop floor and a heavy blanket over top. Just have to keep stoking the wood boiler.

 

[JeffK-MN]

Thanks for the finger trick sounds good. We used to use blanket to try and warm them up.