Goat with a Coat
With the cooler temps I worry for our little babies who stay outside. Now, I understand that animals and especially those who normally stay out are probably fine. However, I felt compelled to provide a little extra love for my little Nigerian Dwarf Goat Frigg. She seemed extra cold this morning when I went out to water her and feed her and her brother Loki this morning.
Hopefully with some warmer temps coming this Monday we will be able to reduce her wardrobe and avoid having to get a coat for Loki too. He seems fine though. For some reason his coat is much thicker than hers.
How do you help keep your animals warm this time of year with these ridiculously cold temps (short of brining them in the house - and don't think I have not thought of that either)?
also, as goats are new to me - is this maybe not a good idea? If not, what would be some better options to keep her warmer? I have already added extra bedding to their house and make sure they have plenty of alfalfa, grain and water.
thanks for any suggestions.
Happy Homesteading friends!
I know that my cousins use heat lamps for the young calves in their pens, maybe there is something that is safe for you to use with the goats at your local farm center.
I don't have electricity where my goats and chickens are. I would have to run an extension cord out to their pens. I had thought about it - but really would rather find alternative means than using power to keep them warm. Plus, my goats are epic pain in the butts (like most goats I assume) and I fear they would try and eat the heating element or cords. They seem much better today as the sun is out and the winds have died down considerably. The chickens even came out of their coop today too. They have not done that since Wednesday of last week. Temps are supposed to be back up in the 40's this coming week. Very excited about that!!
Thank you for the suggestion though. As a new goat mom I worry about my little babies just as much as I worry about my human children. LOL
I can understand the love for the animals, we do everything for the 3 cats and dog that we have, on top of feeding the wildlife that comes everyday to our house for a meal. I guess it would be hard to take care of goats since they are always climbing and chewing everything. I guess outside of piling bales of hay around the outside of their shed, don't know what you could do with these temps. The jacket was a great idea. Thank goodness we are going to get a break from this deep freeze it has been brutal. Stay warm and safe .... all of you.