safe calving pen size

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DB

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Oct 8, 2008
Messages
122
I might have asked this not too long ago but I searched it and really couldn't find the answer I was looking for.  Hopefully some of the more experienced people on here will give some advice.

I have a calving pen that I use for single cows getting ready to calve and it is no problem.  The size of it is 16 x 24. 

My question is I have  a couple cows that are due on the same day and I was wondering if I split it in two so that each pen which would be be roughly 12 x 16.  would this be enough room to get a calf delivered safely? I don't want the cow to lay then push a calf out and lay on it or try to push it out and it stop because she is right up against a fence.  thanks for any input that you maybe willing to give on this matter. It is suppose to be cold the week these two are due.
 

Limiman12

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Jan 8, 2012
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469
Location
SW. Iowa
We built for 10x12.....  A souix calving pen is 10x10.  In the old shed I know there wre times we had split pens down to 8x10 when we had cycled heifers calving and crappy weather.....    10x12 feels right, I am sure others might say it is too small, but if you have them in the shed it is to keep an eye on them......
 

CAB

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Mar 5, 2007
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5,607
Location
Corning,Iowa
You could easily make 3 pens of 8ft x 16ft. out of the pen you have and get along well if you wanted / needed to.
 

randiliana

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Mar 3, 2009
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282
Location
Canada
Even 8x8 should be fine in a pinch. Our barn is mostly 10x10 stalls and we've never had an issue. We've even had to double up on occasion without problems.
 

edmun2010

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Mar 16, 2013
Messages
45
eight  by eight is too small the last thing you want is for the cow to lay down with her rear end pointed in the corner and be pushing a calf out into the wall. Besides eight by eight doesn't leave enough room to operate a calf jack should a problem arise. We try to stick to 10x12 minimum.
 
J

JTM

Guest
I think the 12x16 pen should be fine. I think our calving pens are about that size exactly. We rarely have problems but there is some risk in them laying next to a gate or wall. I had one this calving season. I seen it and was able to pull the calf around real quick without her getting up. If I didn't the head was getting pushed back over it's back. It's always a risk when calving in doors. You almost need a 40x40 pen to make a difference in my opinion.
 

cowboy_nyk

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Joined
Aug 28, 2013
Messages
658
Location
Manitoba, Canada
I agree with the 10x12 size.  It's enough room for them to safely calve, but it's also small enough that you can reach in to pull the calf away from the mother if needed (treat it, tag it, whatever) without going into the pen.  I prefer to have access on three sides for a calving pen for that reason. (not in a corner of the barn).  Granted I do calve "protective" Angus cows lol.
 
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