Wood vs metal buildings

PS: Concrete block and floor would be nice and cool for them to lay on in hot summer.

Make sure you have an overhang on the roof.

Use a 2/3 wood gate, so they can see out and get fresh air.

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It's not good enough that we do our best; sometimes we have to do what's required. - Winston Churchill

Metal is hot in summer and cold in winter. It also has sharp edges. I would go with the wood.

If that's as big as you're going to make them, put them on skids so you can move them around. That way if you find it's a little too windy you can turn them out of the wind, or move them if the ground in that area starts getting too muddy. Most of us with dairy calves around here have big hutches made this way, ours is 10' deep x 16' long with a divider in the middle. We just have two 16' 6x6 (creosoted hardwood, not cheap PT) with 6x6 bolted across them on the ends and under the divider. Stud walls on three sides with the roof sloping up to the open front. I've seen them made of steel too but they don't need to be. We move ours every 4 months or so. Some put roll-up tarps on the top at the front so they can roll them down most of the way if it gets windy but I prefer to just leave them open so the sun can get in.

Dale,
You wouldn't happen to have a picture of that would you?

Thanks

RF, thanks for the links! I've looked through them and they're very helpful!

Thanks to everyone for your help! I'll pass the info along to my dh!

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Paula

homeschooling mom to 2 awesome boys, married to the man who makes all my dreams come true, and lovin' life on our little farm.