A calf warmer can be an important piece of equipment during calving season, particularly when a newborn calf needs a warm, dry place to recover after birth. Like any livestock equipment, a calf warmer works best when it is cleaned regularly and checked before it is needed.

Cleaning a calf warmer is not complicated, but there are several areas worth checking each time the unit is used. The floor, interior surfaces, ventilation openings, lid, and heater should all be kept in good condition. A few minutes of maintenance between calves can also make the warmer easier to prepare for the next use.

Clean the Calf Warmer After Each Use

Newborn calves can bring moisture, dirt, bedding, and manure into the warmer. Cleaning the unit after each use helps keep the interior ready for the next calf and prevents material from building up around the floor and ventilation areas.

Start by removing the calf warmer's top section and taking out the raised floor. The Barn World Calf Warmer and Heater has a hinged, removable top and a raised, slotted floor that can be lifted out for cleaning. The polyethylene construction can be washed and cleaned without the rust concerns associated with some metal equipment.

Remove loose bedding and debris before washing the surfaces. Pay particular attention to the floor, corners, and areas where moisture or dirt can collect.

Use a livestock-safe cleaning product appropriate for the type of contamination present, and follow the product's directions for dilution, contact time, and rinsing. Allow the warmer to dry thoroughly before putting it back into service.

Pay Attention to the Raised Floor

The floor is one of the most important parts of the calf warmer to keep clean. The Barn World model uses a raised, slotted floor supported by stainless steel. The design allows warm air to circulate beneath the calf, while the removable floor makes cleaning easier.

Check the slots for bedding, manure, or other material that could restrict airflow. Inspect the floor and its supports for damage while it is removed.

If a rubber floor mat is being used, remove and clean it separately. Barn World offers an optional rubber mat designed to provide additional traction while still allowing heat to pass through the flooring.

Keep the Ventilation Openings Clear

A calf warmer needs adequate airflow as well as heat. The Barn World warmer has a vent and peephole that allow ventilation and let you check on the calf without opening the entire unit.

Check the ventilation opening each time the warmer is cleaned. Remove dirt, bedding, or other material that could restrict the opening.

The peephole is also useful for checking the calf without repeatedly removing the lid and allowing heated air to escape.

Check the Calf Warmer Heater

The heater deserves particular attention because it is the component responsible for circulating warm air through the warmer. The Barn World Calf Warmer Heater uses a 110-volt heater with three heat settings and two fan settings. The heater slides underneath the raised floor and is housed separately from the calf compartment.

Before calving season begins, plug in the heater and make sure it operates normally. Check that the fan is running and that the controls work as expected.

Do not operate the heater if the cord, plug, housing, or other electrical components appear damaged. The product instructions also specify using a properly grounded, ground-fault-protected outlet.

Because the heater is located underneath the floor, inspect the area around the heater for dirt, moisture, or debris whenever the floor is removed.

 

Inspect the Lid and Calf Warmer Body

The polyethylene body of the calf warmer is designed for durability and easy cleaning, but it should still be inspected regularly. Look for cracks, damage, or anything that could interfere with the lid fitting properly.

Check the hinges and make sure the removable top section opens and closes normally. A properly fitting top helps maintain the enclosed environment while allowing easy access when the calf needs to be placed inside or removed.

Also inspect the bottom of the warmer if it is frequently moved around the barn, calving area, or pasture. The Barn World model has a ribbed bottom and rounded front for easier transportation and can be fitted with an optional steel hitch for towing.

Keep the Heater and Electrical Components Dry

The calf compartment can be cleaned as needed, but the electrical components require a different approach. Avoid directing water into the heater, electrical connections, controls, or other areas that are not intended to be washed.

If the heater or electrical components need more than routine cleaning, follow the manufacturer's instructions rather than disassembling electrical parts yourself.

After cleaning the warmer, make sure the unit and the areas around the heater are dry before reconnecting it to power.

Check the Calf Warmer Before Calving Season

The best time to discover a problem with a calf warmer is before a newborn calf needs it.

Before calving season, assemble the warmer and check the major components:

• Inspect the polyethylene body for cracks or damage.
• Remove and clean the raised floor.
• Check the stainless steel floor supports.
• Make sure the ventilation opening is clear.
• Check the lid, hinges, and access points.
• Inspect the heater and electrical cord for visible damage.
• Test the heater and fan before the first calf arrives.
• Make sure the warmer is clean and completely dry.
• Keep any replacement parts needed for the upcoming calving season available.

This preseason check is particularly worthwhile if the warmer has been stored since the previous calving season.

 

Replacing a Calf Warmer Heater

A problem with the heater does not necessarily mean the entire calf warmer needs to be replaced. Barn World offers replacement calf warmer heaters and other replacement components for the warmer.

If your existing warmer is otherwise in good condition, replacing a worn or failed component may be a practical way to keep the equipment in service.

Check the replacement part carefully to make sure it is appropriate for your calf warmer before ordering.

How Often Should You Clean a Calf Warmer?

A calf warmer should be cleaned after each calf when there is dirt, manure, bedding, or other contamination inside the unit. A more thorough inspection and cleaning should also be done before and after the calving season.

The amount of cleaning required will depend on how often the warmer is used and the condition of the calves placed inside it. A warmer used repeatedly during a busy calving season will naturally need more frequent attention than one used only occasionally.

Store the Calf Warmer Clean and Ready to Use

When calving season is over, clean the warmer thoroughly and allow all components to dry before putting it into storage. Remove dirt and debris from the floor and ventilation openings, and inspect the heater and electrical components before storing the unit.

Storing the warmer clean and dry means there is less work to do when the next calving season approaches. It also gives you an opportunity to identify worn or damaged parts while there is still time to replace them.

Keep Your Calf Warmer Ready for Calving Season

A calf warmer is equipment that may sit unused for months and then become important very quickly. Keeping it clean, checking the heater, and inspecting the floor, ventilation, and body before calving season can help ensure it is ready when a newborn calf needs a warm, dry environment.

Barn World carries calf warmers and replacement calf warmer heaters and other calf warmer components.

If you already have a calf warmer, regular cleaning and preseason maintenance can help keep it ready for the next newborn calf. If you are preparing for calving season and need a calf warmer, see the complete Barn World Livestock Equipment Section.