Calves need social contact with other calves for healthy development.
Sufficient space for 2 – 3 calves, at the same time less space required than in individual housing.
Rearing calves is even more satisfying when they are happy.
Better two than alone
We increasingly see farms housing two calves in a single hutch. What often started out by necessity in the case of twin births or a shortage of calf hutches has proven to be a successful rearing method and is now a common way of housing young calves for many farmers. And it is not only consumers who are increasingly critical of keeping herd animals individually. Organic farming associations today require its member farms to house calves in groups. And the smallest group is two calves, where disease transmission is kept to a minimum. Holm & Laue has launched the TwinHutch and FlexyFence, the world's only housing solution for mini-groups for up to three calves in an area of 5.8 m².
Better performance
It is not only increasingly stringent statutory requirements that argue in favour of the mini-group. Studies show that calves from mini-groups exhibit better social behaviour, higher feed intake and increased growth even after weaning. This leads to an earlier first calving age and higher milk yields.
Feeding and drinking in pairs
The FlexyFence features two full-sized teat bucket holders, as well as an additional space for a third drinking bucket. Two additional bucket holders for concentrate and water complete the feeding area. A protected hay rack can be added to the back of the TwinHutch as an option. This gives you maximum flexibility when feeding your calves.
Compatible with organic guidelines
Group housing for calves on organic farms is mandatory after a week. However, it is often difficult to form stable groups in periods with few calvings. With its generous space of 3.5 m² in the hutch and 2.3 m² in the run, the TwinHutch meets the guidelines of all organic associations for housing two calves.
The first rule-compliant mini-group hutch
Conventional hutches offer a maximum area of 3 – 4 m². A group pen for calves in Germany must provide at least 4.5 m² of space and offer each calf an area of at least 1.5 m². In combination with the FlexyFence, the TwinHutch offers a total area of 5.8 m². This provides enough space for mini-groups of two to three calves and avoids trouble with inspection authorities.
Less space required
In addition, the space and cost savings are arguments that appeal not just to organic farms. After all, with the same number of calves, the space requirement is halved and you need fewer hutches. Then you also have fewer calf hutches to clean.
Longer service life
Housing in individual pens is limited to a maximum of 8 weeks throughout the EU. Calves can be kept longer in a TwinHutch mini-group, as the limit for individual pens no longer applies. You can wean the calves in peace and do not need to transfer them to the next group pen until they are 10 to 12 weeks old.
Technical specifications
Dimensions
| Outdoor * | 250 x 154 x 151 cm |
|---|---|
| Indoor * | 243 x 146 x 136 cm |
| With FlexyFence and buckets * | 432 x 156 x 105 cm |
| Space requirement | approx. 5.8 m² |
| Weight of the TwinHutch | 43 kg |
