Keeping your herd warm in these temps can be a challenge. In our old location I had a small shed so I would use an electric space heater during frigid spells, but now that we are in a large barn a heater is impossible. I was concerned that I would have shivering goats this morning but I am happy report that they appear perfectly comfortable. Here is the formula that seems to be working:
1. A draft-free although well-ventilated barn. I open their stall doors on most days depending on the wind direction, but on the crazy cold days like today I keep them closed up.
2. The deep bedding method. I add a new layer of fresh straw each day on top of their bedding "mattress", and I only clean it all out when the weather breaks for a few days. I last changed the bedding about 4 weeks ago so it is really deep right now which is perfect for this frigid weather. The floor is concrete and covered in deep shavings, then loads of straw and the wasted hay build up on top (any goat owner knows that wasted hay is unavoidable - goats are actually very picky about the hay they eat). There is no moisture and no smell whatsoever as it is too cold and the layers of fresh bedding cover it up. When the temps warm up this method is no longer advisable, of course, but in these temps it's the only way to keep your herd warm.
3. Unlimited access to hay. This is true any time of year unless you have enough browse during the growing season, but especially true in the winter.
4. Unlimited warm water. Again, unlimited water is vital 365 days a year, but having warm water available in the winter encourages your goats to drink more and warms them as a hot cup of tea warms us. Heated buckets are a must unless you plan on going out to change the water three times a day. I refill their heated water buckets twice a day with very warm water so they are never without access. I am now lucky enough to have running hot water in my barn, but for years I filled buckets in the kitchen sink and lugged them through the drifts although I have always used a heated bucket. It's worth it for the health of your goats.
A note about coats: I have used them in the past but find them less useful than I thought they would be. First of all I have a goat that likes to pull them off his friends, so I would go to the barn to find goats in various stages of undress! Also, in my experience if the goats are healthy and the above factors are in place, they don't need coats. Of course there are circumstances where coats might become necessary - babies or sick goats - so it's a good idea to have them on hand.
** I am not an expert on goats and I am only writing about my experiences so please do not take my word as gospel. Seek the advice of many, especially your veterinarian.
2.18.15 Update: The brutal cold continues, and my oldest goat Ellie (10 years old) was shivering yesterday. I put a blanket on her - the blanket model with the most velcro so hopefully it will stay in place. She seems much more comfortable now, and I'm guessing her age made he more susceptible to the cold.
Below are some photos from this morning although the cold made things a little out of focus.
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WATCH A VIDEO FROM THIS MORNING'S BARN TIME :)
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| Annabelle, Lilly and Butternut |
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| fuzzy heads |
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| the ignored hay rack |
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| hay on the bench tastes more delicious than that in the rack |
