Preparing for an Ice Storm

The Craig Farm is located in north Georgia. Usually we have fairly mild winters with no more than a couple of days in a row where temperatures are below freezing. Currently we are in the path of an expected ice storm that's projected to hit this weekend. We've been actively preparing the farm.

The first task was building a shelter for the Miniature Herefords. Most of the time, the cattle don't require more than a wind break in winter. With the current forecast showing up to 1 inch of ice and prolonged power outages, we wanted to make sure the cows had protection. This structure is made of hay bales with a 2x6 frame roof covered in the thickest mil tarp we could get. 

We keep a Freeze Miser on the cow trough all winter. Unless pipes freeze, they should have drinkable water. Although sweet feed is usually reserved as a treat, we bought some extra sweet feed and cattle cubes particularly for our nursing cows and calves.

The next project was stuffing a bunch of hay in the chicken coop. The hay is about 4 inches deep in the coop. It will not only serve as insulating bedding but will give the birds something to do in the event they have to be closed inside for an extended period of time.

The rabbits and quail are in the basement so we aren't as worried about the cold for them. I am deep cleaning cages today in case it's too icy to clean them later. I'll also be filling every bucket we own with water for the animals. Just in case. 


Are you expecting anything from this winter storm? What are you doing to prepare?