Winter is coming, and on the homestead, that means it’s time to get organized and make sure your animals and home are ready for the cold months ahead. Here’s how we’re prepping my ducks, geese, Nutmeg the rabbit, and the homestead itself, plus a few DIY tips using materials you probably already have.
1. Caring for Ducks and Geese
Cold weather brings unique challenges for our feathered friends, but with a few simple steps, they can stay happy and healthy:
- Insulate Coops and Pens: We add extra straw to bedding and stuff any drafts in walls with straw or old towels. Ventilation is important, so we make sure air still flows freely up high.
- Feeding Strategies: In winter, ducks and geese burn more energy staying warm. We switch to higher-calorie feed and make sure they always have access to unfrozen water. Heated waterers or checking water multiple times a day works wonders.
- DIY Cozy Spaces: Old plastic bins or boxes lined with straw can double as extra sleeping spots or shelter from wind if your flock doesn’t have an “indoors” like ours. Ducks and geese love burrowing into straw, and it’s a cheap, easy way to keep them warm.
2. Nutmeg the Rabbit
Nutmeg is a hearty little Rex, so he doesn’t need much, but a few tweaks make winter cozy:
- Extra Bedding: A thick layer of straw in his hutch keeps him insulated at night.
- Shelter from Wind: We made sure when building his coop that he has a draft-free spot where he can retreat if it gets really cold.
3. Winter Home Prep for the Homestead
Your home and animal areas benefit from winter prep too:
- Insulation Check: Check windows and doors for drafts and cover gaps with old blankets or towels.
- Stock Up: Keep a stash of straw, hay, and dry feed handy as it’s always better to have too much than run short in the middle of winter.
- Light & Warmth: Make sure animal areas have enough light and warmth. Extra bedding, a heat lamp, or even a simple cozy corner can make a huge difference.
DIY Tip: Materials you already have, like straw, old towels, or cardboard, are versatile for insulation and comfort. Straw works for bedding, draft protection, and extra warmth without spending a lot of money.
Winter prep might feel like a lot of work, but taking these steps early means a smoother, happier season for both you and your animals. There’s something really satisfying about a cozy homestead, ready to embrace the cold months.