My Cold Weather Friends
Even though I know animals are created to survive the cold, I still wake up at night and worry about them. I listen intently hoping that our Great Pyrenees, Gandolf, will bark on cold nights letting me know he's doing fine.
We've had a cold snap here in Virginia which had everyone scurrying to prepare for it. In spite of all my rules about being prepared, I was also scurrying. The roosters had to be caught and have their combs and wattles covered with Bag Balm to prevent frost bite. More straw was added everywhere. Gandolf's house needed additional bales of straw placed around the outside. Honestly, that big, white dog is made for this weather. He's happy as a clam. (Why do we say 'happy as a clam?') But even in this cold weather, I don't hear him barking much which tells me he's curled up in his den. I've climbed in there with him and it is toasty warm...surrounded by straw to block out the cold and the wind. It's a big, straw nest inside.
The geese also don't seem to notice the cold weather. This morning, they came running out like it was any other day, honking with their big wings flapping. The only difference between today and any other day is that their pool is frozen and they have to bathe in a small bowl.
Here are some scenes of our farm animals this morning. They are smarter than we think!
I wondered about my turkeys. If chickens can get frostbite, could Cherokee? His head is actually hot to my touch.
The chickens are smart enough to stay inside out of the wind and sit in a sunny spot.
A goose washing her face.
The piglets do the same thing as the chickens: stay inside and find a sunny spot to cuddle up with their friends.
Our animals, including our dog Gandolf, live outside year round. They have shelters with straw inside available to protect them from the rain, snow, heat and cold. You can not put a house dog or house cat outside and think they will be ok in cold weather. They have not had time for their coats to grow thicker and although this is a somewhat innate skill, they may not understand the need to seek shelter. Please bring your domestic pets inside when it is cold. :)
Stay warm everyone!
xoxo,
Farm Girl!
