Week 43 farm & pets

Week 43 marks a good time for preparing your animals and hobby farm for the colder months. For dogs, ensure their shelters are insulated, and consider adding blankets or heated pads. Horses need proper blanketing, regular hoof checks, and water heaters to prevent freezing. Goats should have draft-free, dry barns with extra bedding, as well as proper feeding to maintain their body heat. Poultry requires a secure, well-ventilated coop and supplemental lighting to encourage egg production. Recent discoveries highlight the importance of checking fences and gates for wear before snow accumulates, ensuring safety and easy access throughout winter on the farm.

Dogs

In Week 43, preparing your dog for colder weather becomes more essential. Adjust walks to the changing daylight and cooler temperatures, using reflective gear or jackets when necessary. Regular grooming is important, especially for dogs with thicker coats, to prevent matting that can reduce insulation. Recent discoveries highlight the benefits of paw balm to protect pads from salt and ice. Additionally, maintaining hydration and adjusting feeding amounts based on activity levels are critical as colder weather often decreases outdoor exercise time.

Heart worm 11/1/2024

Horses

Week 43 signals the need for winter prep in horse care. Ensure horses have access to dry, draft-free shelters and enough hay to maintain body warmth, as digestion helps generate heat. Regularly check and adjust blankets based on temperature fluctuations to prevent overheating or chills. Hoof care is vital—cleaning hooves regularly helps avoid snow compaction and ice buildup. Heated water troughs or buckets ensure horses stay hydrated, as they tend to drink less when water is cold. Recent discoveries emphasize the importance of monitoring horses’ body condition and adjusting feed accordingly to maintain weight and energy levels during colder months.

Fluid Flex
Pick up & put up hay
Farrier last half November.
Worm 12/1/2024

Goats

In Week 43, preparing goats for winter involves ensuring they have warm, dry, and draft-free shelter. Goats are susceptible to cold, so provide plenty of clean bedding, such as straw or wood shavings, and consider adding insulation to barns. Proper nutrition is essential, as goats burn more calories in cold weather, so offer quality hay and adjust grain rations accordingly. Ensure water supplies are accessible and use heated buckets to prevent freezing. Recent discoveries highlight the importance of checking goats’ hooves regularly, as wet, muddy conditions can lead to infections. Vaccinations and deworming are also crucial before winter sets in.

Replace bedding and diatomaceous earth house
Worm 12/1/2024

Chickens & Poultry

Week 43 is the time to winterize your poultry setup for optimal care. Start by ensuring the coop is well-ventilated but draft-free, as proper airflow prevents moisture buildup that can cause frostbite. Add extra bedding, like straw or wood shavings, for insulation. Consider using supplemental lighting to maintain egg production during shorter days. Heated waterers are essential to prevent freezing and keep chickens hydrated. Recent discoveries suggest using deep litter methods for natural warmth in the coop. Regularly inspect your flock for signs of illness, and check fencing to keep predators out, as they become more active in colder months.

Replace bedding and diatomaceous earth nest boxes

Hobby Farm Upkeep

Week 43 is crucial for hobby farm upkeep as winter approaches. Begin by inspecting and repairing fences to keep animals secure, especially as predators become more active. Clear debris and prepare garden beds for winter, adding mulch to protect soil and support beneficial organisms. Ensure shelters for livestock are clean, dry, and insulated, with adequate bedding for warmth. Regularly check and maintain equipment, like tractors and tools, to prevent rust and damage. Recent discoveries emphasize the benefits of crop rotation and cover crops to enrich soil for spring planting. Planning now ensures a productive and efficient farm come spring.