We could be potentially looking at quite a winter storm over the weekend, so I wanted to give some quick tips and reminders for keeping your livestock safe and warm! 

• All livestock species need access to clean, unfrozen water at all times 
• If you rely on a well, have a backup plan for filling water tanks if power is out and well pumps cannot run 
• Use trough heaters/tank deicers when possible 
• KEEP A CHECK ON WATER TROUGHS- you want to make sure they are thawed and animals have access to drinkable water 

• Make sure animals have safe access to feed 
• Ruminants keep warm through extra feed intake. Have extra feed on hand, as intake will increase. 
• Make sure you have extra fuel on hand to put out hay when needed
• If you think you may lose access/be unable to feed animals, make sure extra feed is out and accessible. 
• Keep extra feed on hand for all species 

• Where possible, allow animals access to shelter to get out of the weather 
• If your fences rely on wired electricity, have a backup plan such as solar chargers or moving animals to different pastures

• Keep a check on vulnerable animals including young, old, sick, or pregnant animals. 
• Watch ears, tails, and hooves for signs of frostbite including swelling or discoloration

• Make sure you have blankets on hand for horses that struggle to maintain body heat. 
• Chickens and small ruminants (sheep and goats) need access to clean, dry bedding. A layer of shavings covered with a layer of straw will provide warmth and moisture control. 
• Remember that ruminants maintain body heat by increasing feed intake

Stay safe!