I was getting something out of the basement for a brooder yesterday. While I was down there, I checked the oil tank and saw that it was almost empty. Like, really honestly empty. I ordered the tank to be filled thinking it was only about 200 gallons, and would take 175. So far, I've always been told that a tank is about 175 -250 gallons.
My bill was just shy of $400, and I only paid a dollar 50 a gallon. The guy was as shocked as I was. I was shocked, because I didn't understand how it cost so much. I thought he was gypping me! He couldn't believe that I had let my tank get so low.
I asked him about the size of the tank, and he said that tanks start at about 250 gallons. That they say that they are 275, but aren't once you account for how level they are... And I think he said something else factored in.
I must be honest, that is scary. I can cover the check I had to write, but barely. That is a lot more than I expected!
266 gallons should see you through the end of this winter, and into the start of the next, even if you use some to supplement hot water, like here... the furnace dumps hot water into the hot water heater so it doesn't use as much electricity, which costs a lot more than fuel oil, this year anyway... glad you checked, if you're worried, they have a minimum usually... but you don't have to fill it. I'm outside the village, so I have to get 150 gallons min, in the village, it's 100... I get nervous when it hits a quarter tank, sometimes I don't get their "minimum" but it's not like they suck it back out... lol
Minimum used to be 100 gallons, but now is 125. I understand that I was not making much sense earlier, and I apologize for that. When I called to have my tank completely filled, I thought it was only going to take 175 gallons. When it took almost 250 I was obviously unprepared.
The gibberish earlier was due to the fact that the joint account is a little messed up thanks to my husband and I both having cards. He's not bothering to tell me what he spends for a week or two at-a-time. Have I ever told you guys that whenever I change the bedding, he ends up coming home? I didn't think about it until I was making up the bed last evening. He might be showing up soon. Not that he will necessarily let me know that he's even in town. I find out through the relatives telling me. Anyway, he might give me amounts then if he is coming. Meanwhile, another auto withdraw didn't go through because I didn't know he'd been spending so much. It obviously had me stressed when I was posting earlier.
Wow. The whole oil thing is different to me. We use natural gas or wood for heat.
I got 4 eggs yesterday and 2 today. I am surprised that Rump has not gone broody yet. This time, last year, she was given chicks.
It was sunny, but cold today. I had to work, but DH let the girls out for some free range.
I knew when I switched the heated waterer to the normal one, it would get below freezing. Oh well.
I have been considering switching to the hanging water too. Despite below freezing nights still, I think it will stay defrosted since the bowls seem to.
Cheeka is right about straw keeping the coops warmer.
my girls stopped laying in November!! this week I've also been teased by the egg song too!!! they had better hurry up and deliver or they will be in the freezer before long!