WINTERS COMING!!! What should i do?

[Sara Ranch]

Temps are in the teens here.

In the morning, I fill the waterers with HOT water from the tap. (I use a gallon plastic waterer for some flocks and rubber or plastic containers for other groups.) That goes out and is placed in the sun.

I also add extra water to the fermented feed, so I know the animals are getting some water that way too.

I bring in the waters every night.

Anyone know how chickens do with vodka in the water? How about cows with vodka in the water? For the cows, I have to break the ice every morning and check it through out the day.

I don't have power to the animal houses or to the water trough for the cows. It is what it is and I do what I can to make sure the animals have access to water.

 

[DwayneNLiz]

Temps are in the teens here.

In the morning, I fill the waterers with HOT water from the tap. (I use a gallon plastic waterer for some flocks and rubber or plastic containers for other groups.) That goes out and is placed in the sun.

I also add extra water to the fermented feed, so I know the animals are getting some water that way too.

I bring in the waters every night.

Anyone know how chickens do with vodka in the water? How about cows with vodka in the water? For the cows, I have to break the ice every morning and check it through out the day.

I don't have power to the animal houses or to the water trough for the cows. It is what it is and I do what I can to make sure the animals have access to water.

click this link
https://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/WaterHeating/SolarHorseTank/SolarHorseTank.htm

 

[DwayneNLiz]

this is interesting too
https://wrongdirectionfarm.com/2014/09/30/cattle-proof-water-trough/

 

[Sara Ranch]

@DwayneNLiz - thank you for the link! That is a great idea.

I've been so busy winterizing/insulating the animal houses for the winter. The water issue was on the back of my mind - but warm, safe, well ventilated housing was a top priority. I didn't even think about insulating the water trough....thinking I can probably do something similar for the other animals too...

Does that mean I should drink the vodka? (I'd rather use it for cleaning...)

 

[DwayneNLiz]

@DwayneNLiz - thank you for the link! That is a great idea.

I've been so busy winterizing/insulating the animal houses for the winter. The water issue was on the back of my mind - but warm, safe, well ventilated housing was a top priority. I didn't even think about insulating the water trough....thinking I can probably do something similar for the other animals too...

Does that mean I should drink the vodka? (I'd rather use it for cleaning...)

LOL

 

[ChickenCanoe]

@DwayneNLiz - thank you for the link! That is a great idea.

I've been so busy winterizing/insulating the animal houses for the winter. The water issue was on the back of my mind - but warm, safe, well ventilated housing was a top priority. I didn't even think about insulating the water trough....thinking I can probably do something similar for the other animals too...

Does that mean I should drink the vodka? (I'd rather use it for cleaning...)

I think most of your animals won't need the heat that you think they will.
We've never provided heat for winter or even insulated buildings for all sorts of animals over the years and most people didn't for thousands of years - yet the animals are still with us.
Most don't go to bed wearing pajamas. They are still wearing their winter coats.

 

[chickens really]

Hello..
I use rubber livestock bowls..I run heat although it never too warm..Water does ice up...I'm in Alberta, Canada so It gets extremely cold at times..-28C with wind chills of -35C...I don't care how thick people say their feathers are...I heat...