Caring For Farmed Animals During Bad Weather
Winter can be a challenging time for everyone, even more so for those working in farming.
Don’t get me wrong, I love being outdoors, but the dark mornings (and evenings), damp weather and chilly winds can make it feel like a slog where all you want to do is stay wrapped up in a warm blanket, on the sofa, with the heating on and a steaming cup of tea. But while we, humans can hide away from the elements, farmed animals can’t; they rely on us to help them cope with the harsh conditions.
In my role at the RSPCA, I give advice on all things farm animal welfare, and one thing farmers always ask at this time of year is what we do to care for livestock during the winter. And it’s an important question to answer because wet, windy, freezing cold weather can have a big impact on animal welfare. But with some planning, proactive care, and a little initiative, farmers can ensure their animals stay warm, dry and healthy.
How to get farmed animals ready for winter
Good winter weather welfare starts early, so be sure to get your preparations in place. Here are a few key steps which will make all the difference.
- Snow, flooding, or icy roads can disrupt supply chains, so make sure you have plenty of
- Feed
- Bedding
- Essential medication
- Be ready to lose power, consider installing a generator to keep vital systems like
- water pumps and
- lighting running
Keeping animals fed and hydrated
Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for farmed animals in winter, so be sure to
- Monitor your supply levels - bad weather can suddenly affect the availability of feed and water.
- Stock up on supplementary feed - it is vital to help animals maintain body heat in bad conditions when grazing might not be possible.
- Check water supplies - check how much animals are drinking and ensure sources haven’t iced over.
Sheltering farm animals from the elements
Farmed animals need protection from the weather just like we do, so always
- Provide dry, well-ventilated (but draught-free) shelters to keep animals safe from wind, rain, and snow. Natural windbreaks like hedges or trees are great for offering extra protection.
- Use plenty of bedding and replace damp or dirty material regularly. Pigs are particularly sensitive to the cold and benefit from deep bedding and insulated shelters.
Keeping an eye on your animals’ health
Cold and damp conditions can cause new health problems or worsen existing ones, that’s why it’s important to spend time with your animals every day. Remember to
- Watch out for respiratory issues, like coughing or nasal discharge
- Check for frostbite, which may show up as pale or darkened ears and tails
- Keep a close eye on hooves as wet, regularly trimming (depending on species) and ensuring they have access to dry ground, muddy conditions can lead to foot rot and other painful issues.
Stick to a routine to keep your animals healthy
- Consistency is key. Sticking to regular feeding times and care routines can help reduce stress.
- Spending time with livestock also gives farmers the chance to notice subtle changes in their animals’ behaviour or condition, which might indicate a problem.
Listen to the weatherman
- Winter weather can change very quickly, so it’s essential to sign up for flood warnings. Be sure to check out:
- The Environment Agency and
- Downloading The Met Office app for live weather alerts
Why preparing your animals for cold weather matters
Winter may be tough, but with the right approach, we can minimise the impact on farmed animals. These steps can help farmers keep their animals healthy and comfortable during even the worst weather. I’m passionate about farmed animal welfare, and I’m proud to support farmers in their vital work.