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Barnyard Buddies:  Winter Farm Chores  |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 12 2011 : 08:31:04 AM
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This morning it took 1 1/2 hours from start to finish to do all the morning chores. And that's trudging through 8" of snow. Not easy. It makes it more like sand. Plus carrying 5 gallon buckets of water. I have paths to everywhere I have to go now. Pretty packed down. But this morning all the paths were a little icy. So that means I have to be more careful and go slower. So that takes more time. But I am getting lots of good workouts. Which then makes me so hungry. Then all I want to do is eat! Which I have been doing. But I am working it all off so that's ok.
I now have chickens in 5 different places. So that's 5 water runs. The heifers are the farthest away. I haul a 5 gallon bucket of hot water then get the rest at the little house. The hay is there too. Then the goats, pigs, turkeys and some more chickens are in the barn out back. SO that's 4 different waters and feeds. And those selfish pig goats think everytime I go out there it's something for them.
I have had these 2 little pigs since Sat. and they have already grown. They have their own stall. They are trying to dig their way out right now. I am trying to just feed them all twice a day. But only milk once a day. SO that's a little less time in the evenings.
Just wondering how y'all do your farm chores in the winter. How do you save time? Have you got a routine? Have you timed yourself?
I have learned in weather like this to go SLOW. I do not need to fall and break an arm or leg right now. Be careful. Be aware of what's going on. Just be careful.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Jan 12 2011 : 10:32:45 AM
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Oh Kris you sound like me - I agree the first thing is safety especially when this graceful gal is known for doing some silly things.
It takes anywhere between 1 1/2 to 3 hours depending on the amount of snow. Over the years I have a few things that work. First do all the prep chores before the weather changes - we all procrastinate but it is not doable for me - so when the weather is great I move hay to all pens, pastures and barns - tarp and ready. Next turn out to smaller water containers. This makes breaking ice, dumbing and cleaning much easier. I may have to fill more often but it saves my back, arms and the animals drink more. I tape foam around all pump pipes and make a cover for the handles. Then I put a small bucket over the handle followed by a bigger bucket - this means not frozen pumps no matter how low it goes. I also have many 1 gallon milk jugs that at night I set in the kitchen in a row and while I am making my coffee and breakfast I starting filling them with boilding water. By the time I am fed I take the jugs and set them in my sled - I can pull all the jugs around 35 acres and give everyone warm water and melt ice with them too. On the the string handle I have tied a hay twine so I just string the empty jugs on and that way if a gust of wind comes up I am not chacing them all over.
I do keep all vet supplies in each barn so incase there is a problem I an not running thru the snow to get things - besides who can run in snowshoe?? I also keep extra sweatshirts, blankets, towels and heat lamps, and emergency survival gear for me in each barn. Reason - If I do get hurt I need to save myself no matter where I am because it is just me. I even have splints, food and change of clothing in nice labeled boxes in each barn that way everything is clean and no mice are sharing with me. Alot of folks say why don't you carry a cell phone - answer I don't own one but also you can not get a signal on the farm especially if you are away from the house. In big storms we have set up a phone tree for when we go out and we tell someone when to expect me back - If I don't call they call if I dont answer they come a running. It is a system we have put into place with the first blizzard we had here where three folks lost their lives in that one out here.
Sorry for the length but I hope some of these help. Stay safe, warm and prepared.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Jan 12 2011 : 3:33:40 PM
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Grace, sounds like you have it all together there. I do carry my cell phone just in case. I sure could use some snow shoes here right now. It would make it alot easier, I'm sure. In the morning, after it being in the teens, I will need chains on my boots. It's already slippery as heck where I have packed it all down during the day. I finally got brave and went to town this afternoon. Our road was still patchy but the rest of the roads are good. I'll have to go out again Friday.
That's some really good advice. Thanks. I'd love to hear what others do to save time and make things easier for them. I'm always looking for better ways. I can't use my wagon because the snow is too deep. I do try to carry as much as I can so I don't have to make too many trips to the same place. I wish I had more arms!
Kris
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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RedHoopWoman
True Blue Farmgirl
513 Posts
Kathryn
Yoder
Colorado
USA
513 Posts |
Posted - Jan 12 2011 : 6:28:08 PM
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Winter chores are such a hassle,I take care of four goats,four horses,a lock of chickens and two ducks and ten rabbits,I start my morning hanging up water bottles for the rabbits that I had brought in the night before to keep from freezing then I trudge out through the snow to my chicken coop with a couple milk jugs full of hot water and a bucket of feed then go out to feed the horses hay and bust ice out of their water tank,bring some hay back for the goats and then swap out thier frozen bucket of water with another one I had in the house.
The one thing I do that helps in the animal pens is to liberally sprinkle the snow and icy areas with alfalfa meal which I buy in fifty pound bags from a garden supply center,it helps to melt the ice,give a little traction and is safe for the animals to ingest,doesn't harm the soil,etc..
When I have milking goats or kids to feed then the routine changes,it's hard work but I wouldn't have it any other way,I like the routine.
"Today's Mighty Oak is just Yesterday's Nut" |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Jan 12 2011 : 6:32:32 PM
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Kris, snowshoes are a must - I get snowdrifts up to much chest so I would not be able to do what needs to be done if I did not have them. Word of warning watch out that a four legged does not step on the back of them or you do a face plant that can be bloody.
Purchase a cheap kids sled for the water and feed movement - works wonders.
Another trick is Pam spray the gates before a huge storm and no ice issues on getting thru them again.
Also a bit of time putting vaselline on waddles, combs and feet on your chickens and no frost bite.
O.K. enough from me how about others...
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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rough start farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3331 Posts
marianne
The Beautiful Pacific NW
Washington State
USA
3331 Posts |
Posted - Jan 12 2011 : 9:24:01 PM
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Grace,
You are really something. I so admire your practical advice and get it done attitude. My daughter is the animal person on our farm, unless she is unavailable. I was very happy to see that she followed alot of your advice already. But, the one thing you brought to my attention is the need for more safety measures for her!
thanks everyone for sharing
marianne |
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amomfly
True Blue Farmgirl
658 Posts
Angie
LaGrange
IN
USA
658 Posts |
Posted - Jan 13 2011 : 5:39:23 PM
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We tag team chores. One scoops feed as one waters. Then the one who was feeding does hay as the one who was watering does chickens feed. It still takes about 30 min. to 45 min. All our waters are heated. So we just dump the water from the small heated bowels into a bucket and fill back up with another bucket. It makes it so fast.
I am so afraid of falling. 6 years ago I feel and broke my tail bone. I still have pain daily!
Everyone be careful!
God Bless
Angie-amomfly
#1038 |
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cajungal
True Blue Farmgirl
2349 Posts
Catherine Farmgirl Sister #76
Houston Area
Texas
2349 Posts |
Posted - Jan 13 2011 : 8:33:57 PM
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You gals are definitely organized and prepared.
I'm not even gonna mention what I think my winter chores are because they wouldn't qualify....South Texas doesn't exactly have the winter y'all are having. Sadly, I've never even seen snow. Anyway....no more complaining for me.
One of the best compliments from one of my daughters: "Moma, you smell good...like dirt." |
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amomfly
True Blue Farmgirl
658 Posts
Angie
LaGrange
IN
USA
658 Posts |
Posted - Jan 14 2011 : 03:20:00 AM
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Grace, You really are an insperation!
You gals all work do hard! I am proud to know a little about you all!
God Bless
Angie-amomfly
#1038 |
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sherrye
True Blue Farmgirl
3775 Posts
sherry
bend in the high desert
oregon
USA
3775 Posts |
Posted - Jan 14 2011 : 07:11:53 AM
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this is a great post for sure. the part that is hard for me is getting dressed to go out there. geez my clothes weigh more than me. LOL i need a body suit that is down filled. out of all my clothes i wear, my favorite is my down jacket. its yellow and huge and WARM. a donation from a friend who knew i needed a coat. its a mans size and big. i can get all my OTHER clothes on under it and still walk. my chores start in the house for now. i get my milking equipt. loaded on my cart and jars ready. isabella is always first. so we pray on cold days the machine will work. as she milks i feed 4 of the feeding stations. back to belle she gets new scoop of alfalfa pellets. on to water. break the ice with a branding iron i have, fill AGAIN. LOL back to machine strip belle. she goes out then to calf barn. water for sophie and freckles. water is the hardest. the slip sliding away thing, well what can i say i have a sore bum a lot in winter. last few days have been a ballmy 48. washed the milk room out. cleaned belles legs and feet. its all about the cow here in winter. milk comes in then i jump on something and dogs and i go across road to feed calves and cows. its a up down rocky ride when frozen. i still just love all this. my animals are my friends. i have few people friends since i am mostly home bound. i am making friends with sadie right now. anyway when all is done i strain my milk. wash everything and have had 2 hours of healthy exercise, breathing in deep the cold brisk air and been loved by my animal family. some good prayer goes on out there too. appreciating all the beautiful things Jah has given us to enjoy. hard sometimes, scary sometimes, fulfilling every time. so happy days to winter. you east of us and calif. are going to get a nice rest. its been warm and wet here. nice break for us. so it is headed your way. i am going to get ready to plant. yipee happy days sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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gypsy goat
True Blue Farmgirl
673 Posts
mary jo
michigan
673 Posts |
Posted - Jan 14 2011 : 08:21:24 AM
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i agree with sherry it takes me longer to get dressed to go outside to do chores than to actually do my chores! i have not found a way to shorten chore time but i usual sing while i do them and smile it makes me so happy and time seems to go by very quickly if i do that. my piggy goats also always think that everytime i go outside i have something for them-they are so very spoiled
farmgirl#1362 whatever you are be a good one-abe lincoln |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Jan 15 2011 : 09:18:02 AM
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Sherrye, it looks like you have a good plan too. And I am with you on all the clothes. I have a down mens coat too. My SIL gave it to me. I love it. But it is so warm I end up shedding it when I am milking. I have long johns and wool socks and that big coat. I am not too far from the house so I really don't need too much. But the thing I like the most are my Much boots. They are great. In the snow, ice or mud. I have never slipped wearing them. They keep my feet very warm. I have worn them to town in weather ike this. I love them. Both boots have little cracks on the very top though. So when I don;t wear socks I have a little muddy spot on top of my feet. But that's ok. I guess in a few years I'll have to get another pair.
Teh time seems to be getting better now that I am used to all this snow still sticking around. I have my paths all over and I stay on them. I have my routine down. All the animals are patient. Well, yesterday, the pigs weren't. I was going out to do the evening feeding and had the pig's food ready to feed them. I looked out and there of course were the 2 goats and the chickens then I had to do a double take because there were 2 pigs walking behind the goats. Taht was strange. They were out and coming to me. So I fed the chickens to get them out of the way. And the goats. Then walked to the barn to get the pigs back in. They finally went in th=o the food. Patience is a must in dealing with loose pigs. Lots of waiting. Then I had to figure out how they had escaped. I found it. So I had to go get boards to patch it up. They were still in this morning so I guess I fixed it. So here goes already.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22944 Posts
22944 Posts |
Posted - Jan 15 2011 : 09:52:03 AM
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I strongly suggest silk thermal underwear. They are amazing.
And don't forget to sprinkle sand or manure or something on those icy paths so you won't slip so much. (Manure would have to have lots of bedding in it).
When I have my farm I am going to install a super insulated hot water heater or one of those instant ready ones with lots of insulation. That way everyone can get hot water in their buckets. Horses and goats really need to stay hydrated and both don't really like super cold water. I really don't like hauling water because I invariably always get soaked! LOL
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Jan 15 2011 : 11:13:59 AM
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I agree ladies that on and off clothing is a real time waster. I sometimes feel like a little kid who gets all dressed and then has to make a visit to the bathroom. I too agree with the silk long johns.. I found some fleece lined mens pants this year at Walmart for only 20.00 they are so warm and I can move in them. Also they are the right length for this short gal. They also had a fleece lined flannel shirt that I can where with just a turtle neck and it has kept me more then warm - infact a bit too warm or it might have been a hot flash. With Kidding season starting - have three girls who bagged up Friday I then spent the day making kidding jugs, hanging heat lamps, moving staw and scrapping down the whole barn to get ready. I had to laugh because it was 50 degrees and I was working in just a sweat shirt but that is Colorado...
For you gals who milk - I take my hats off to you... We did that for a couple of years - 20 goats and then would take over other friends milking operation when they where gone - tons of work that most folks really do not understand or appreciate. SO you gal's are my hero's.
Alee I agree put something on the ice - I use barn cleanings around someplaces and for a couple of years in the late snow season I have thown down seeds, sometimes wild flowers, sometimes natural wild grasses. Great way to sow seeds and not slip - also feeds some of the birds and can not harm anyone here...
I am a strange bird LOVE SNOW and Really Cold Temps so I thrive in this weather but I admit I am getting a bit slower with each year but a bit smarter too. Kris this is a great resource - thanks for starting this...
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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Tall Holly
True Blue Farmgirl
2305 Posts
Holly
Worcester
Vermont
USA
2305 Posts |
Posted - Jan 15 2011 : 11:25:34 AM
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We are lucky. We live in a barn. The hay loft is converted into a two story house and the downstairs still has some box stalls. I have made some small rooms downstairs. One we can keep the bedding and 8 or a few more square bales for feeding the milk cow and small hamburg jersey bull calves. One of the selling points for this place was the running water int he barn. The water, gravity feeds to a holding tank and then electricity pumps it to the faucet. But, even if we have no electricity we could scoop the water out for household purposes or to feed the animals.
We feed round bales to the beef cows. My daughter gives a round bale with the tractor every other day. We have a barn maybe a football feild or less from the house. It is a drive in barn for the hay storage. I got so tired of throwing bales over my head into a loft so now the over the head throwing is limited to when the square bale stack gets high. (It does help to have sons with strong friends). We keep the round bales there as well. Under the hay barn part is an open space for the beef cows.(pictue an L on its side. part of the stem of the L is filled with dirt underneath) They go in and out at will. In the winter only the west door is open. We live on a relatively wet piece of land. All around us is ledge with forest over it. So, when the ground water hits the fields it bubbles right up. In one corner of the beef cow area we had well tiles put in down 20 feet into the ground. Some of the water fills the tiles and we have a bucket on a rope that we drop into the 'well' and pull up to fill the water buckets for the cows. Our son is responsible for doing that each day. It is a wonderful chest and arm muscle builder exercise for a buff 16 yr old.
It takes me about an hour to do my animal chores in the mornig because I hand milk our cow who just freshened at the end of December. I like to do chores. I have a hard time getting out of a warm bed into a cold room. But, I like doing chores. I sing and talk to the cows. They know alot that no one else knows.
Holly
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Jan 15 2011 : 12:18:49 PM
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Holly that sounds like a magical house. I too had strong sons but now I do all the chores so enjoy them while you have them. My sons did not believe me when I told them their muscles would thank me later. I am with you about bucking hay over your head - I will be doing that Sunday morning after I eat my sourdough pancakes.
I too find it sometimes hard to get up but once where moving we are workhorses. What type of Cow do you have??? I am in always interested in ladies who milk - I think it is something that speak inside of them... Thanks for sharing - way interesting!
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Jan 15 2011 : 12:48:41 PM
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Holly, your house-barn sounds so neat. That would be ideal to have everything so close. Do you even have to go outside? I sure wish I had had some sons. They would really come in handy right about now. A friend of mine has a house in Italy that sounds like yours. Well, the whole thing was a barn and they converted it into a house. That's the way places are over there with the barns underneath the house.
Grace, that's a good idea about the seeds. I need to get some. If the chickens don't eat them all I might have some grass growing in bald spots.
I do enjoy milking my goats most of the time. Sometimes they act up. But mostly they are good. And I have 3 cats and the dogs that are right there waiting for that nice warm milk. Bubba drinks right from the stand. He watched my hands and I can see his eyes go from the udder to the pail. It's so funny. Then I'll squirt some onto the stanchion and he laps it up. The cats have their bowls and Sophie has hers on the floor. Then the chickens get the grain that falls on the floor if they are lucky.
I hope to be milking my heifer Mazie in March when she has her 1st calf. She's a red Angus but I have heard they have good milk. I'll only milk when I need it. I do have the 2 pigs that will love to have some I'm sure.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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child in harmony
True Blue Farmgirl
55 Posts
Marcia
Middleboro
MA
USA
55 Posts |
Posted - Jan 16 2011 : 9:56:38 PM
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It's comforting to read about others who have winter chores in the cold and ice and snow. None of my friends have animals like we do ( horses, ducks, rabbits, hens) and really don't *get* the time and energy it takes. I must admit, I do love taking care of them and doing chores but not on the days that I have a deadline and have to hurry. I worry about falling too and I go so slow it looks ridiculous hahaha. My 12 yr old daughter and I are the *farmers* here :)
~marcia
www.harmonywoodsfarm.com
www.childinharmony.com
"Enriching,nurturing and inspiring Life with nature,animals
and the arts .. for the child and the child within" |
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amomfly
True Blue Farmgirl
658 Posts
Angie
LaGrange
IN
USA
658 Posts |
Posted - Jan 18 2011 : 12:08:51 PM
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Holly- your house sounds like a dream house!
I am excited to start back to milking. This year it will be three does to milk! WOOHOO!
Winter chores are nice to do once you get out there. But I agree, sometimes I just want to stay in!
I cleaned up a little today, since we are having a little bit of a warmer day. It wont last we are suppose to have an ice storm and dropping temps for the next week.
I am still excited for spring, after all the mud!
Spring is so new, and fresh!
God Bless
Angie-amomfly
#1038 |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Jan 18 2011 : 12:24:24 PM
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I think I will be wearing my muck boots for a long time. We are getting rain now. So it's a muddy mess out there with all that snow melting then the rain. And it's very slippery. So I have to go slower.
Angie, I hope you don't get too much ice. That's scary. And when are all your does due? Mine are wanting to dry up right now so I am just milking every other day now. I am going to miss that milk. But my friend's cow just calved so she has plenty. I just hate having to buy milk.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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Miss Giddyup
Farmgirl in Training
33 Posts
Linda
Sheridan
IN
USA
33 Posts |
Posted - Jan 22 2011 : 06:50:08 AM
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| Good Morning Farmgirls!!! Wanna know the best way to stay warm when doing our farm chores? Have your husband do them! Just kiddin.....I do MY share of them, too!!! I just thought I would mention what we have done to keep our bunnies water from freezing. We bought a heated dog bowl. It was the smallest we could find...and it is kinda big...but they figured it out and use it! Otherwise, those water bottles that hang on the cage freeze and you have to keep changing them. |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Jan 22 2011 : 07:52:42 AM
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I sure wish I had heated water troughs and buckets. It would help alot. But I just haul hot water when I have to. That sure gets me hot too. I usually start out with my big heavy coat on and have to shed that before I'm done. This morning wasn't so bad. But now I have an extra chore. I had to move 2 tom turkeys and put them up front. They were beating up on the one I am keeping. Poor guy was all bloody. He's good now though. Just him and his 4 ladies. I need to butcher those 2 turkeys and 5 roosters now. I just need to get motivated and get some help out here. A friend made a contraption that goes on a drill to take the feathers off. Really handy thing to have. It cuts the work in half.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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sherrye
True Blue Farmgirl
3775 Posts
sherry
bend in the high desert
oregon
USA
3775 Posts |
Posted - Jan 22 2011 : 08:12:16 AM
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i am soo enjoying our break in weather. i can just break the ice on the water tanks. papa made a water tank to haul water to the stock. it sits on the bucket to the tractor. it makes it easier for us. we haul water to 6 different feeding stations. it sure does get old fast. i bet you are sweating like crazy kris. i am happy i have help this yr. last year he was working in Wy. i know your hubby is gone a LOT. linda i am with you on the heated dog bowl. we do have 2 crock pots for the coop on really cold days. on regular cold the coop and chickens keep the water thawed. when are you going to butcher kris. i have a lot to do. some of the fryer/broilers i am going to gring and make chicken burger. mine are obviously chickens. i bet those turkeys are getting big now. gotta milk and do my chores. out my window i see 4 of the cascade mountains white in the blue clear sky today. i must plant something. happy days sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22944 Posts
22944 Posts |
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sherrye
True Blue Farmgirl
3775 Posts
sherry
bend in the high desert
oregon
USA
3775 Posts |
Posted - Jan 22 2011 : 6:32:00 PM
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that is a clever idea alee, thanks sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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rough start farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3331 Posts
marianne
The Beautiful Pacific NW
Washington State
USA
3331 Posts |
Posted - Jan 23 2011 : 01:27:31 AM
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Yak Traks have saved my behind many times. The best price I have seen is on QVC for two sets, plus they are delivered. A plus during this weather! They fit just fine over my muck boots.
Marianne |
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Barnyard Buddies: Winter Farm Chores |
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Winter Farm Chores
