Hutches are more labor intensive than elevated metal pens, but they allow for complete separation of unweaned calves. Because hutches rest on the ground, calves are better insulated from drafts than in elevated pens. Hutches can be moved and modified to adjust for temperature, sunlight, predominating winds, and direction of inclement weather. Hutches are easy to move or lift for cleaning. Fiberglass and polyethylene hutches are easier to sanitize than wooden hutches or metal pens, but these should be opaque to reduce heat from the sun.
Cold housing is adequate in most California conditions.
Wind barriers, such as plywood or roll-up snow fencing material, can be used during the winter. Closed Housing Closed housing consists of an enclosed barn containing individual pens. The most critical aspect of closed housing is adequate ventilation. Accumulation of moisture and manure gases, such as methane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and ammonia, increase the potential for respiratory disease. Environmentally controlled, closed housing is expensive to construct and operate and is difficult to manage.