For the last three weeks things have been pretty busy on the farm. Our old mare, Misty, got her new winter turn out blanket. It is lime green so we can see her anywhere. It matters because she is an escape artist and her muddy brown color blends in with every winter landscape until snow arrives. She is warm and dry, eating well and nickering for treats. So far, so good.
I did indeed get all the flowers planted and all the tools put away. The electrical problem in the hen house was an easy fix, a couple of breaker replacements and we were back in business. There is still a ceiling outlet mystery which we will deal with in the spring, but for now it is disconnected.
For the last few weeks several people have posted on the public poultry forums about keeping chickens warm in the winter. I have always run two 150 watt heat lamps in my hen house not so much for warmth, but to keep the waterers thawed. Most of the time it is not an issue, but that –20 we had last January did freeze the water, so I did need the lamps. However, I am thinking of going a different route this year for two reasons: my hens simply will not stay out of their water pans, and I am sick of cleaning them! So, this year I am moving to heated water pans only accessible by simply walking up and drinking. There will be nothing to climb on, roost on, sit on poop on, or otherwise make my job harder. I might be able to tackle this project after the weekend. Hopefully there will be photos.
In addition to waterer issues some folks have asked if the hen house needs to be heated at all. In general, I would say ‘no’ with a caveat: When and if temperatures do get down to subzero make sure your chickens are NOT roosting near any drafty areas. Their combs and feet can be frostbitten by the cold air. So many folks have said they don’t use any heat, and all the chickens are just fine. While circumstances certainly can vary, I found in my world, this is simply not true. My poor rooster lost about half of his comb last January.
After several days of no precipitation it looks like the valley is finally going to get the snow we so badly need. I did get all the debris cleaned up and made clean passage for the snow blower. I use it to make paths from the farmhouse to the shop, barn, and hen house. No, I don’t have to. There is a backhoe which can clean some of this, but it turns out snow blowing for me, is therapeutic. Who knew?!
Apart from a few random toys and possibly a water sippy cup I think I managed to clean up after the grandkid's orchard play area well. I will make another pass through before the coming snowfall arrives.
This is such a wonderful time of year for the farmer/gardener. He/she just sort of HAS to rest. Everything is under a blanket of snow. The ground is frozen. There is just not much more one can do but maintain until.....January! The month of dreaming and planning.
Happy Holidays everyone. Make it a great holiday season for yourself and by extension, for others. Be blessed.