Tips for the Winter, even if its almost over

Posted by Kaz on 25th Feb 2023

Winter can be a tough time for hobby farms, but with a little preparation, you can keep your animals and property safe and secure without breaking the bank. Here are a few tips for winterizing your hobby farm on a budget:

  1. Insulate your barn: Insulating your barn can help to keep your animals warm and dry during the winter months. You can use old blankets, straw, or even bubble wrap to insulate the walls and roof of your barn.
  2. Provide extra bedding: Providing extra bedding for your animals can help to keep them warm and comfortable during the cold winter months. Straw or wood shavings are great options, and they are relatively cheap. 
  3. Keep your animals fed: During the winter, animals need more food to stay warm. Make sure to have enough feed on hand, and consider adding extra protein to their diet to help them maintain their weight. Whole grains take more to digest helping keep your chickens warm at night!
  4. Check your fencing: Strong winds and heavy snowfall can take a toll on your fencing. Before winter hits, walk your property and make sure that your fencing is in good condition, and repair or replace any damaged sections.
  5. Clear snow and ice: Keep your humans safe by keeping the paths and walkways around your barn and pasture clear of snow and ice. This can be done by using a shovel or a snow plow, and it will also help to prevent slips and falls.
  6. Keep an eye on water supply: Make sure that your animals have access to fresh, unfrozen water at all times. Insulating your water tanks and using water heaters can help to keep the water from freezing.

By following these simple tips, you can winterize your hobby farm without breaking the bank. With a little preparation, you can keep your animals safe and comfortable throughout the winter months