Posted in Homestead Barnyard

There has been a heat wave moving through the US recently.  It finally made its way to my homestead here in the Pacific Northwest.  This has made me give more thought to the care of my animals during these hot summer days.

 

All livestock need plenty of fresh water but with hot days they need even more.  We have found that we need to check on water three times a day now instead of just the regular morning and evening watering.  We are giving them a fresh supply midday.  Many animals don’t sweat and this extra water supply helps their bodies stay cooler.

 

If you are going to be gone during the day and can’t give cold fresh water you could always try freezing a bucket of water and setting that out in the morning.  The animals can have fresh water later in the day after it has melted.

 

Adequate shade is important too.  All animals need a place to go that is shady.  This can be a shelter, a tarp hung or a tree to stand under; any place to obtain some relief.

 

If you plan on taking your animals anywhere such as your local fair then try and do this early in the morning before the day heats up to much.

 

During hot and humid weather feed can tend to go mold so it is recommended that you don’t store more than a months supply at one time.

 

Pigs are very sensitive to the heat and they can sun burn easily.  They need a way to get wet.  This can be a sprinkler, a wallow of some sort, or even just being hosed off often will help them.  

 

Rabbits due alright in temps up to around 80 degrees but any hotter and they can have sunstroke.  When we raised rabbits we would freeze empty pop bottles and give them to the rabbits on the hot days. We would rotate with fresh frozen bottles during the day.

 

Horses need to be cooled down especially if they have had a lot exertion on a hot day.  You can hose them off or mix water with rubbing alcohol and wash them down with this to help with evaporation. 

 

Goats and sheep need the basics of lots of fresh water and a shady place to rest.  With these needs met goats can handle the heat but if the humidity levels go up it can cause stress.  Sometimes lower milk production and loss of weight may be a problem. 

 

Before you know it this hot summer season will be over.  But for now, with a little extra care, your livestock and get through this time with little discomfort. 

 

Crystal Miller

 

Crystal and her husband Tobin, along with 6 of their 8 homeschooled children make their home on 18 acres in SW Washington State.   Crystal enjoys caring for her home and family and her farm.  You can visit Crystal’s website: The Family Homestead  or Crystal’s Country Store where she sells her own goat milk soap, ebooks and more!