Wisconsin "Cheeseheads"

[Heinzie]

Just got the girls relocated to the garage in preparation for the arctic blast, at times like this I am glad I only have 3. Lol. Next year will be so much easier. Stay warm

 

[bigzio]

Chilly Fish Fry Friday for sure. We really enjoy staying home and cooking up a delicious meal without the cold vehicle coming and going. When I was younger and working, we always went out for fish to our favorite place that was a 30 minute drive through the woods, no matter what the roads were like.... the nice place in the woods had a fire and they never rebuilt.... we just lost interest in going out on Friday's after that....just sayin.

Managed to collect eggs enough times today that I didn't have any frozen ones....now that's a good day for sure!

Stay safe and warm...bigz

 

[belindaschicks]

Getting ready for the deep freeze next week. I have 5 chickens one is a banty. I have never used a heat lamp but am contemplating going to tractor supply and picking one up. Their house is off the ground and currently has 8 inches straw and pine bedding. The west facing side of the coop/run is completely covered in plastic. There house has ventilation holes on top. The rest of the run is covered in plastic with ventilation along the top. Run has fresh straw. What else can i do besides a heat lamp to get them through this cold snap?

 

[bigzio]

I increase the protein in their diet by cooking venison livers and cutting them into corn size pieces...I also give them corn in the late afternoon so they have a full crop on the roost......bread is also given as a treat , as well as boss everyday....a small amount of dry cat food helps with its 30% protein. We use a stainless steel dish for treats and they sure get excited every afternoon when they see that dish...

bigz

 

[babylady4]

Worried about my hive...... this area has not seen such cold in a very long time. I am not sure what I can do for them..... putting straw around the hive invites mice (the last thing I need is to feed mice with my bees)...... ugh.

 

[ParkfieldFarm]

Have you tried putting straw around just as a windblock? Like 2-3ft away? Maybe then you can cover with plywood or something from bale to bale--keeps the wind off? I'm just throwing stuff out there, I've never had bees though we do want some.

 

[babylady4]

We have a tarp for a windbreak right now, and I have a ‘blanket box’ on the top of the hive, but that’s it. With such bitter cold I think they need a little more help. Hoping I am not too late as it was -18 this morning...... I don’t want to open the hive in this weather if I do not have to, even to check if they are alive.

I plan on picking up some foam insulation tomorrow and making a wrap around for them on three sides (bungee cord it on). Fingers crossed!

 

[babylady4]

Well, fingers crossed......

 

[ParkfieldFarm]

Waiting waiting waiting to hear if the kids' school has been closed. It's kinda got to be. This is supposed to be a whopper for us. Milwaukee is already closed, and they're getting about the same amount dumped on them. Trying to figure out what I'm doing about work, too. I highly doubt I will even be able to get out of the driveway.

 

[ParkfieldFarm]

It's been closed! My boss told me not to worry about going in tomorrow, but then I will feel bad because I know my co-worker will be in come hell or high water, so....but then again, there won't be any walk-ins because of the crappy weather and that's mostly my job, so....