- May 19, 2009
- 126
- 1
- 109
I was wondering what I need to know about caring for my flock over the winter. I have 10 runners, 6 welsh harlequins, 1 african goose & 1 toulouse goose. They have a 10'x20' house with a peaked roof that is about 6' at the peak.
Our winters are usually very icy, cold, snowy & very windy. Can get our first hard frost in September, first snow in October, and the ice doesn't usually melt until May. Can be -20F, or colder, with near hurricane force winds.
Bedding- Right now, I have 1-2" of pine pellets, which have done a great job. Can I keep this up, or do they need something warmer?
Water- Right now, they have 2 plastic tubs for drinking/swimming water. I do have a frost-free hydrant in their pen. What's the best way to provide them with water during the winter? Their house is at least 60ft from electricity.
Food- Right now, they free range during the day and get feed twice a day. Do they need anything else during the winter? Quality, inexpensive produce can be hard to find during the winter.
Is it okay to let them out when its icy? How do they do in snow? We can get 2-3ft from 1 storm. During what temperatures should they be locked in their house?
Anything else?
Our winters are usually very icy, cold, snowy & very windy. Can get our first hard frost in September, first snow in October, and the ice doesn't usually melt until May. Can be -20F, or colder, with near hurricane force winds.
Bedding- Right now, I have 1-2" of pine pellets, which have done a great job. Can I keep this up, or do they need something warmer?
Water- Right now, they have 2 plastic tubs for drinking/swimming water. I do have a frost-free hydrant in their pen. What's the best way to provide them with water during the winter? Their house is at least 60ft from electricity.
Food- Right now, they free range during the day and get feed twice a day. Do they need anything else during the winter? Quality, inexpensive produce can be hard to find during the winter.
Is it okay to let them out when its icy? How do they do in snow? We can get 2-3ft from 1 storm. During what temperatures should they be locked in their house?
Anything else?