Thursday, December 9, 2010

Just A Reminder To Winter Critter Keeping........


Our dogs go outside to do their business several times a day, We keep it in rather short bursts when the temps outside warrant it. Recently we've had single digit numbers Fahrenheit, so that's cold on their tootsies and there have been more than one occasion when we've had to carry them up the stairs because they've turned themselves over like bugs at the bottom of the stairs because they just couldn't take it anymore as much as they love frolicking in the snow.


Goats have got shelter and bedding within that shelter for winter and they do have their daily grain to start their chilly mornings and of course hay.


The horses have their shelter and winter turn-out blankets on them. I've found a Weaver brand that does it quite well. They are a mid-weight, water proof, fleece lined at the withers blanket with leg straps to hold them in place and the usual criss-cross under belly straps as well. Also a tail flap. They work well in this weather for the girls. And they cannot get them off. And let me tell you they try to remove them from each other.


The shelter is simply a lean-to. These girls will not be stalled, however, I have it set up for stalling if it becomes necessary as it did last year. No more pasture time for these girls as I do not want to risk another injury like last year. They have plenty of room to move around between the paddock and arena as it gradually becomes one area rather than two separate areas as Kola's large bottom has eliminated the gate and post. I'll be pulling more posts this spring. I do still need to spread straw for bedding in their "lay" areas. I'm a bit behind on that right now. But, the straw will go this week. There are about three different areas they lay in and I will make st aw beds for them there.


Plenty of fresh water. I keep a 100 gallon trough with a heater topped off and cleaned weekly for the horses and a 30 gallon heated bucket filled for the goats. I use the outdoor spigot and keep the hose indoors until use. Once I use it, I detach the hose from the spigot which keeps everything from freezing and allows the water to drop back down to the well. I learned that lesson along time ago. Of course the girls generally keep the same feeding regime, however, in the cold, I do up the hay a bit. Anything I forgot? Please feel free to add your winter horse, goat, critter keeping ideas and plans as I'm sure we all have things that we do that works and any ideas I haven't heard , I'd like to.................



18 comments:

Anonymous said...

I add 2 oz salt to each horse's ration to keep them drinking enough to accomodate the extra hay. Adding salt is much better and easier than dealing with an impaction!

Callie said...

Good Idea, Anon, I actually keep a mineral and a salt lick available to mine year round.......but definately a good idea. Thanks!

Mikey said...

Looks like you're all set for winter! Everyone snug as a bug in a rug :)
Even in AZ, I too put down straw in their favorite spots. Actually we mix shavings and straw, and any horses who could possibly slip (like the mare I just had put down that was unstable) they only get the shavings.
Yours all look happy for as cold as it is there. Brrrr!!

Callie said...

Thanks, Mikey, and I just f-ed up, because it just atarted with a fine slippery snow and I haven't gotten that bedding down yet, and sure enough, Misty came into the barn to eat and slipped. Lifted her left rear up in the air, I fussed with it and and rubbed it down, saw that she started putting weight back on only after minutes. Will watch her tonight, think she's fine, but geeze, nothing like a get off your ass and do what you say youre going to do moment, eh? Doh!

The Equestrian Vagabond said...

our horses seem to be GUZZLING water. nice to see.
- The Equestrian Vagabond

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cheyenne jones said...

No probs here, all the troughs are frozen, so its buckets and get the quad out! All rugged up `cept the Welsh pony, he`s got such a thick coat, I put my hands in too keep warm!!
As for the dogs? Well they got there own outside kennels and they do fine, living on fresh straw!

Vaquerogirl said...

I add sea salt or the hymalian salt to my horses diet. Also sometimes I put an extra bucket of water in the stall where it is a little warmer. A heavy warm waterproof blanket for the show pony and he's good to go. Course it is at least 30 degrees out here, but not for very long. Usually the temp will get to the 40-50's. Your place looks real ship shape and tidy. I'd love to live there!

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Dog lover said...

Nice to see that .. For our horses

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Rising Rainbow said...

Our dogs love playing in the snow too but come in complaining about how cold they got. Silly critters.

The girls look all snug as bugs in their rugs out there in the snow. Mine think snow is something to be snorted at. LOL

Anonymous said...

'....winter horse, goat, critter.'
What, pray, will be on your Xmas table? lol.

Midlife Mom said...

Great post Callie. We really need to do all of these things to keep our furry kids warm and safe. I keep a salt lick in each stall. I think it helps them keep drinking more plus they get the minerals. One thing this year at the stable that hasn't always been the case is she keeps the indoor arena door open so they can come in out of the wind if they want to. Nick is the only one with a blanket as he just doesn't get a good coat but the others are like mammoths with all their heavy hair especially the Welsh pony Kipper. He looks as wide as he is tall!

So sorry about your kitty. You gave her four years of love and attention that she wouldn't have had otherwise so you should be proud. We feel that way about our Skippy (Welsh pony) that we had to put down last year, he had seven good years with us being pampered and loved as your kitty was. It's hard though, I think of him so often and always will as you will.

Have a wonderful Christmas Callie with your family!!! xoxox

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Winter Horse Blanket said...

It is very important to have a special care of animal in winters. In winter, you can make sure your horse blankets are ready in the cold weather to protect your horse.

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