Prepare for Winter on the Farm Now

As we enjoy a lovely mild fall here on the farm —my favorite time of year— it’s important to start preparing for the colder months ahead. Based on my experience, it’s far better to be ready early than to scramble when a cold front or snow hits. Here are some essential items we rely on to keep our animals comfortable and safe during winter.

Snow in the valley, January 2023

Water For The Animals

Access to water is crucial, no matter the temperature. Here are the methods we use to prevent freezing:

Horse Troughs - We rely on this heater and this heater. Both have been effective in keeping the water from freezing.

Heated Buckets - Last year, we invested in these heated 5-gallon buckets for the horse stalls. They were so handy during the heavy snowstorm we had here in Nashville.

Heated Water Bowls- These heated water bowls are perfect for our dogs, cats, and chickens, ensuring they always have fresh water.

Don’t forget to stock up on outdoor extension cords to connect all of these components! We plug the cords into outdoor smart plugs compatible with Alexa, allowing us to easily control them from our phones or Echo devices. We also use these plugs for our Christmas lights.

Another handy item is extension cord wraps, which help keep cords out of reach of curious animals. Additionally, make sure to have electrical tape on hand to seal cord connections and protect them from moisture.

Everyone tucked into the barn before the snowstorm started in January 2023. We only have four stalls in our barn.  When weather arises, we tear down our horse corral and make temporary stalls in the barn. Everyone had freshwater and hay to keep them busy for the night. 

Keeping Animals Warm

Cats- We provide heated cat shelters for our outdoor cats, keeping them cozy during the cold.

Dogs - Our farm dogs stay warm in Igloo dog houses filled with cedar bedding.

Horses and Donkeys - Each of our horses and donkeys has a waterproof winter blanket. It’s essential to measure each animal for the proper size. We use Tough 1 brand blankets—here’s a link to the horse blanket, the standard donkey blanket, and the mini donkey blanket.

Chickens - We have a waterproof, well-ventilated chicken coop that is filled with cedar bedding.

Miscellaneous Winter Essentials

Here are a few additional items to keep on hand that can be helpful during cold weather:

• Outdoor Faucet Covers: These are essential for protecting your outdoor faucets when temperatures drop below freezing.

• Propane Heater: We use a propane heater in the barn to maintain a comfortable temperature for both the animals and ourselves. We only run the heater when we're present to ensure safety.

• Hay Nets: These are useful when creating temporary stalls, as they keep hay off the ground and minimize waste.

• Electrolytes for Horses: I keep these on hand year-round. Extreme temperature changes can cause some horses to drink less water, increasing the risk of dehydration and colic. Preventing colic is crucial, especially during harsh weather.

• Salt Blocks: Providing salt blocks can encourage animals to drink more water, helping to maintain hydration levels.

By being proactive with these preparations, we can ensure a smoother and more comfortable winter for everyone on the farm. What essential items do you rely on to prepare for winter?

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