Filed under: January 2018 | Tags: cold snap, quilts, winter weather and animals
January 4, 2018
We are in the midst of a cold batch of weather. The weatherman said that we haven’t had two weeks of consecutive cold days such as these, at this time of year, since the 1880’s. All that I know is that it has been cold, both day and night!
The animals are snug in their barns and sheds. They still get to romp and play outside every day, but most are ready to come in at suppertime. The best way to make four legged critters comfortable is to keep them dry and well fed. The cold bothers them much less that way. Their digestive tracks working on extra hay or food, generates heat. I think it also helps with boredom, eating that is. I know I munch more when its cold!
We have been spoiled by several warm winters in a row. That makes this one tougher on us. I like winter. I think it kills the bugs and resets Mother Nature’s clock. I like mittens and it feels good to sleep under a pile of quilts! So hang on folks it’ll be spring in about 70 days….shortly after that, folks will be complaining about the heat!
So, bundle up and enjoy the winter spectacle. Play in the snow, take a walk, sled ride with the kids….but wait a day or two until the temps get above 0 degrees F. In the meantime, drink hot beverages, watch the snow pile up from inside. If you have to go out, dress warm, be safe and look for the good. It’s out there!
Filed under: January 2014 | Tags: cold snap, comfort, refreshment, snug and warm, solar power, wool coats
Knight and Duke sipping water
January 27, 2014
This cold snap makes it a tough job keeping all the animal’s water thawed. I have a tank heater that works overtime to keep things de-iced. I dip water from the tank to water the rest of the animals. I have to swing gates so the cattle can drink from here free choice too, but it all works out.
I also keep a spare tank heater, just in case. It has proven a good thing to do. The one that I am using always breaks during a cold snap or when I’m working my off-farm job. There is peace of mind having a few spare parts!
I have a plan and design for a solar powered chicken water heater. I just need some time to build it and a few solar pieces to make it all work. The hens will be grateful. I carry warm water to them twice a day, but nothing says refreshment like free choice!
We are bracing for another dip below zero. The snow is quite deep and drifts abound. The wind howls and rattles many things. The piggies are all buried in straw, snug and warm. The cows are in their shelter and only peak out to see what I’m up to, but keep chewing their cuds as they lay on a straw bed.
The sheep couldn’t care less about the cold. They simply chew and watch whatever is going on, as they lay warm in their wool coats. The cats sleep snuggled up in a ball, on the hay. I’m thinking full bellies and warm beds are good for everybody…of course a good refreshment now and then doesn’t hurt either. 😮
RicelandMeadows 