The weather guessers say we are to go to -2 or -3 tonight but with the wind I am thinking it might be colder. I got my toasty buns outside this morning and started the work that will hopefully make this cold snap workable. I filled smaller waters so when it turns to ice I can pick up the ice without throwing my back out. I wrapped all the outside water pumps with extra protection and covered all the handles with cloth and then doubled large buckets over them to keep the windchill out. Everyone got extra feed and a bit of grain for the older folks to keep those tummies running hot tonight. I will be back out during the night several times to check on the youngest and oldest of the groups - they have the hardest time in this kind of weather.
Then there was the fun duty of putting Vaseline on the combs and waddles of the hens and roosters. Now how many of you have chased 32 feathery friends around a small building trying to put sticky stuff on their head and feet? Well, for this gal it is just another day at the Funny Farm. You see - chickens have a habit of stepping into their water or dunking their head too far in the water while drinking. During the warm months this is not an issue but when the temps dip real low this means frostbite... Hence - Vaseline!!! I must admit it was much easier when I only had 10 and no Roosters.. However, I never give up and the job is done. The Chickens will also get tonight warm milk with oatmeal to keep their tummies warm - sounds good to me too..
So then came the task of getting out the emergency candles, flashlights and extra blankets. Sometimes in this cold temp the power lines snap - so I have also put up thermos full of boiling water and have a ham in the oven with all the fixings. I also have lined up several hand projects I can do by candle light because goodness knows I can not sit without something to do...
As I watch the fog and snow come charging into the farm I know that tonight will mean many trips out to the barns to check on four legged loved ones and hopefully it will be a quite one with lights on night. Bundle up, Snuggle up with a furry friend and be safe tonight.
3 comments:
I was thinking about you this morning when I saw the storm coming your way. I hope everyone stays warm and toasty.
Bless you dear Grace, you are such a good Mommy, wonderful job you have done and such hard, hard work to do so much. You are one very prepared woman, I am proud of you, please take care and know you are in my thoughts and in my heart and all the animals at the Funny Farm, Love, Shary Lou
I wish I would have known about the Vaseline for rooster combs a few years back. Great tip. Although, as friendly as my rooster was, I can't imagine how you catch yours and get them to hold still long enough. LOL
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