Winter in Wisconsin can be brutal. However, this year we have been blessed with some rather mild weather. Last year we had 57 days straight with below zero temps. So far, we have had less than 5 total.
Herdsmanship is challenging in Winter. Make sure your animals always have a supply of fresh water - check the tank heater. Make sure you have clean, fresh straw or hay daily, not only for feeding, but bedding. I always give extra treats in the cold months - they need the extra calories. Clean stalls everyday - even in below zero temps. Poop is easier to pick up when frozen, but not when it is in a frozen pile.
Obviously, egg production is down during the cold, dark days of Winter. My hens must be content, as they have been laying me 2-6 eggs a day. Thanks girls!
Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.
Linked to: http://mymaplehillfarm.blogspot.com/2016/01/the-maple-hill-hop-115.html
http://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2016/01/our-simple-homestead-blog-hop-34.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+OakHillHomestead+%28Oak+Hill+Homestead%29
Herdsmanship is challenging in Winter. Make sure your animals always have a supply of fresh water - check the tank heater. Make sure you have clean, fresh straw or hay daily, not only for feeding, but bedding. I always give extra treats in the cold months - they need the extra calories. Clean stalls everyday - even in below zero temps. Poop is easier to pick up when frozen, but not when it is in a frozen pile.
Obviously, egg production is down during the cold, dark days of Winter. My hens must be content, as they have been laying me 2-6 eggs a day. Thanks girls!
Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.
Linked to: http://mymaplehillfarm.blogspot.com/2016/01/the-maple-hill-hop-115.html
http://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2016/01/our-simple-homestead-blog-hop-34.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+OakHillHomestead+%28Oak+Hill+Homestead%29
very cute.
ReplyDeleteHow fabulous that you are still getting a decent amount of eggs! Hope winter doesn't stay around too long.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your outdoor post on this week's Maple Hill Hop! Hope to see you again!
I can imagine the cold--or almost--since I grew up outside Chicago. What a blessing that your chooks are doing so well for you in the cold!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice, Jacky! We've had some cold weeks (for us) and some not as cold. My hens have actually started laying more, lately. I think the warmer days have tricked them into thinking it's Spring! I'm getting 5-8 eggs daily! What to do with all these eggs? Wished I could eat eggs! Blessings from Bama! Roll Tide!
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