Scientific studies show calves reared in hutches are as happy and healthier than those reared in groups. Any calf housing should meet four design requirements – manage moisture, control air speed, provide fresh air and regulate temperature – calf hutches tick all these boxes. Used correctly calf hutches are intrinsically safer and healthier than calves housed in groups in barns. Individual pens help limit the spread of disease, such as pneumonia. Calves kept together in mixed-aged groups, even penned separately, have a higher risk of catching respiratory diseases. Additionally, housing in hutches is more work for the farmers, they would just shove all the calves together if they didn't care about them being as healthy and happy as possible, but they don't because they care.