The day I dread every single fall usually arrives during this time. Peeking through the blinds, I'll see a field full crystalline glimmers sparkling in the morning sun. Oh, sure, it'll look very pretty ... pretty frosty! My dramatic groan will awaken my husband, Jae. He'll turn away and pull the covers over his head when he figures out why I've suddenly become upset.
"This happens every year!" he'll grumpily remind me from beneath the blankets.
WINTER WOES
Autumn may be my favorite season. But as a Michigan poultry farmer, I can't say that the subzero temperatures, bone-chilling winds and drifting snow it heralds are favorites of mine.
As much as I'm averse to winter, our chickens dislike it even more. During the winter months, our chickens rarely leave the comfort of their coops - I can't blame them! unless we physically take them out and plunk them down on paths we've snowblown for them.
The ducks will venture out of their house, only to spend the day hunkered down in the snow.
Over the years, I've had to defrost duck wings, treat frostbitten chicken combs, and revive a seemingly frozen-to-death hen. Our family has learned that proper preparation at the first sign of frost paves the way for an easier winter for humans and birds alike.
Recently, the kids joined Jae and me in prepping our poultry farm for the weather to come. If you live in the northern United States and/ or have a small or backyard flock, perhaps the steps we take can help prepare your birds-and you for the months to come.
SET UP THE WINTER BROODER
Our pole barn is home to a large wooden brooder that we use during the spring and summer for broody hens, baby chicks and injured birds. During the winter months, however, it is home to our more delicate breeds, the chickens we feel or know wouldn't survive our severe winters.
Esta historia es de la edición November - December 2024 de Hobby Farms.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición November - December 2024 de Hobby Farms.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
The RISE of Opportunist WEEDS
Be prepared to see increasing changes in weeds we fight, such as poison hemlock and poison ivy, and in the crops we grow.
LIVESTOCK Health
Prepare yourself for how to spot symptoms of illness in your farm animals so that you can get them help before it's too late.
CUT FLOWER Farming
If you're considering growing flowers for sale, brush up on these five key things to know before diving in.
WINTER Survival
Keep your land, animals and yourself in good shape this winter with this helpful advice.
COVERAGE CONCERNS
Avoid common insurance mistakes for rural and hobby farm businesses.
FARMER'S GUIDE Berries
Set the stage for tasty strawberries, blueberries and brambles with these soil-boosting garden tips.
Preconditioning CALVES
Follow our step-by-step guide to get more money for your calves.
Soil Conservation
Often, outside of having a specific problem that needs to be addressed, soil conservation isn't something every farmer readily thinks about. Yet conserving the soil should be at or near the top of every farmer owner or manager's list of concerns because absent the prevention of soil erosion, we have the opportunity for another dust bowl.
Year-Round Lettuce & Salad Mixes
It's easy to think of salad greens as just a spring- or fall-garden crop, but it's possible to enjoy freshly harvested lettuces, mustards and more from your own garden year-round.
Barn Improvements
Days are never long enough for a farmer. From dawn to well into the night, tasks arise that often require immediate action. Having to search for tools or equipment is an enormous time waster and incredibly frustrating when you can't find what you need, especially when you know you have it.
