Now that life has started to slow down again, we are snapped back to the reality of shorter days, cold temperatures and a lack of sunlight. January is often referred to as the most depressing month of the year, with “Blue Monday” dubbed the saddest day. Fortunately for us pet lovers, our furry companions can significantly help beat the January blues! Here is our list of things you can do with your pets to bring you some joy this winter:
Get Some Sun
It is recommended that humans get 5-30 minutes of sunlight several times per week to remain healthy. Vitamin D is also essential for the health of our pets, and a great way to ensure you’re both getting the amount you need is by getting outside for a mid-day walk each day! With the sunlight hours being so short in the winter, making it a priority to get outside and soak up some sunshine will help boost your mood.
Exercise
When you exercise, your brain releases endorphins responsible for your happiness. Evidence shows that even 10 minutes of light exercise, such as walking or stretching, can help boost energy levels, alertness and mood. Exercise isn’t just great for you; it’s also essential for your pet’s well-being! Going for a walk each day or playing a game of fetch in the yard are great ways for you and your pet to exercise and release those happy endorphins!
Nutrition
We all know that eating healthy, nutritious food is great for our physical health, but did you know that it is also essential for our mental well-being? Some vital mood-boosting nutrients that you can incorporate into your and your pet’s diet are:
Omega 3’s – Healthy fats are vital for helping our brains to function and manage our moods. A great source of omega-3 fatty acids is fish and fish oils. Incorporate this into your pet’s diet with supplements like Thrive herring oil, available at Feeds’n Needs!
Magnesium – Helps support healthy brain growth and development, including our memory and ability to learn and form new connections. Magnesium is found in leafy greens like curly kale and broccoli, and it is an excellent supplement to incorporate into your winter diet.
B Vitamins – These vitamins play an essential role in the production of chemicals that affect our mood and other brain functions. Foods such as beef, chicken and liver are rich in B vitamins. If you’re looking for a supplement incorporating B vitamins, magnesium, and more into your pet’s diet, Omega Alpha’s OptiPet Multi is the perfect supplement. It is available at your local Feeds’n Needs!
Bond With Your Pet
When we bond and connect with others, such as a loved one or pet, the happiness hormone oxytocin is released, boosting our mood. Bonding with our pets is a terrific way to deepen our connection with them and foster feelings of happiness and love. There are many ways you can bond with your pets, but here are some of our favourites:
Teach Them a New Trick – Spend time training your pet a cool new trick!
Play Games – Games like Hide ‘n Treat, where you hide your pet’s favourite treats around the house for them to seek out, provide mental stimulation and is a great opportunity for them to work for their food, nurturing their natural instincts to hunt.
Interactive Toys – These puzzle-style toys offer great mental stimulation. They can help reduce boredom-related habits like chewing and barking.
Cuddles – We saved the best for last! Nothing beats cuddling up with your furry friend on a cold winter day.
Make Homemade Treats
One fun activity we love doing with our pets on a cold, snowy day is making them DIY healthy treats! Check out our recipe for DIY Pumpkin Dog Treats.
Random Acts of Kindness
Studies have shown that performing simple acts of kindness can boost self-esteem, reduce stress, and increase happiness. This time of year can be especially difficult, so spread some happiness wherever you go, whether it be paying a stranger a compliment or helping at your local animal shelter. These gestures can significantly impact the receiver while bringing you some cheer at the same time!
Whether it’s getting outside for a walk, indulging in a snuggle session, or trying out new activities together, spending quality time with your furry friend can lift your spirits and bring a sense of warmth to the season. Embrace the joy your pet brings and use this time to bond, play, and create memories that will help chase away those January blues. Remember: a happy pet often leads to a happier you!
How to Attract Chickadees to Your Backyard
With their playful antics and charming personalities, Chickadees are a favourite among backyard birders. These small, curious birds are year-round residents in the Maritimes, making them a delightful sight no matter the season. With just a few simple steps and basic bird supplies, you can attract Black-Capped Chickadees to your yard all year round!
Offer the Right Food
Chickadees are active birds with big appetites, so having a reliable food source is essential. These feathered friends are particularly fond of black oil sunflower seeds, which offer high energy content. In addition to sunflower seeds, chickadees will gladly munch on peanuts, striped sunflower seeds, and suet.
Use a hopper feeder, tray, or tube feeder to offer these tasty treats. For a natural touch, consider growing sunflowers in your garden to create a feeding station where chickadees can perch and feast. Chickadees are also known to enjoy insects, berries, and nuts. To support this, minimize insecticide use in your garden and plant native berry bushes for natural food sources. You can also offer whole peanuts or peanut halves at your feeders.
For an easy-to-access snack, smear suet or peanut butter directly on tree trunks and watch these tiny birds enjoy the tasty treat!
Provide Clean, Fresh Water
Water is essential to attracting chickadees, especially in winter when they stay in their range and don’t migrate. A shallow bird bath is an excellent way to give chickadees a place to drink and bathe. Consider investing in a heated bird bath or a bird bath de-icer to keep the water from freezing; this will give chickadees a consistent water source, helping them stay hydrated throughout the colder months. If you’re using small dishes, make sure they are shallow enough for chickadees to safely access.
Create Shelter and Nesting Areas
Chickadees are cavity-nesting birds, which means they need safe, sheltered spots to rest and raise their young. One of the best ways to attract chickadees to your yard is by providing nesting boxes. A suitable birdhouse should be 8-10 inches tall with a 4-inch square base and a 1-1/8 inch entrance hole. Adding some wood shavings inside your birdhouses will make them even more attractive, and chickadees are known to use pet fur for their nests (just be sure the fur hasn’t been treated with flea products, as these can be toxic to birds).
Hang the nesting box on a tree trunk for easy access, and consider smearing some peanut butter or soft suet on the tree nearby to lure the birds closer.
For natural shelter, chickadees prefer dense, mature trees—especially evergreens. Chickadees will also use roost boxes or nesting pockets during the winter months to keep warm, often cuddling together in small groups.
Attracting chickadees to your yard is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. With the right food, clean water, shelter, and nesting areas, these delightful birds will become regular visitors. By following these tips and being patient, you’ll create a welcoming environment that encourages chickadees to thrive in your backyard, year-round.
New Year’s Resolutions for Pets
We’re officially into 2025, and many of us are working hard to stick to our New Year’s resolutions. Changing out habits for self-improvement can be for more than just humans. Pets benefit just as much from setting goals for their health, happiness, and well-being.
Why Are Setting Resolutions for Pets Beneficial?
Like us, our pets need focus and attention on their health and wellness. Creating resolutions for them is a great way to monitor and improve their overall well-being, from diet to dental care and physical activity. These resolutions help keep your pets physically healthy and strengthen the emotional connection between you and your furry friend.
Dental Hygiene: Keep Those Teeth Sparkling!
Dental hygiene is a critical part of your pet’s overall health. Just like humans, dogs (and cats!) can develop plaque and tartar on their teeth. Left untreated, it can lead to painful gum disease and even tooth loss. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to help prevent dental issues in pets. Not all pets enjoy getting their teeth brushed, but there are alternatives, such as dental treats, oral care food, and water gels, that help maintain your pet’s oral health.
A dental exam at the vet is the first step in creating a healthy oral care plan. If your pet needs a professional cleaning, your vet will help set that up, and from there, you can establish a home care routine to maintain their pearly whites. Remember, healthy teeth lead to a healthier pet overall!
Exercise: Keep Them Active and Fit
Just like humans, pets can experience joint issues, reduced mobility, and a shorter lifespan due to being overweight. Exercise should be a priority in your pet’s New Year’s resolutions.
Regular walks, playtime, and outdoor adventures are not only fun but essential for your pet’s overall health. Whether it’s chasing a ball in the backyard or going for a daily stroll around the block, exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and supports joint health. Start slowly and gradually increase their activity level, especially if they’ve been less active during winter.
Diet: Nourish Their Bodies the Right Way
It’s easy to spoil our pets with extra snacks and table scraps, but this can lead to unwanted weight gain and long-term health issues. Overweight pets are at a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, and even certain cancers. One of the best ways to combat this is by providing a balanced diet.
Stick to a high-quality pet food, if you are unsure where to start, the Expert at Feeds’n Needs can help you find the right food for your pet.
Nutrition: Boost Their Health with Supplements
Ensuring your pet’s diet is nutritionally balanced is key, but you can take their health a step further by adding supplements to their daily routine. Products like Thrive supplements can support various aspects of your pet’s health, from digestive health to joint support, skin and coat issues, and more.
By incorporating the right supplements, you can enhance their diet and make sure they’re getting the nutrients. If you’re unsure where to start, stop by Feeds’n Needs and chat with one of our Experts who can recommend the best supplements for your pet’s specific needs.
When making changes to your pet’s routine, it’s important to start slow. Abrupt changes can be stressful for your pet, so allow them time to adjust. Whether introducing a new food, adding supplements, or starting a new exercise routine, gradual changes will ensure a smooth transition and greater success in maintaining these new habits.
Make 2025 a year of health and wellness for your furry friends, and enjoy the journey together. After all, a healthy pet means a happier, more active life for both of you!
Let’s make this year the best one yet—for you and your pets!
How to Attract Blue Jays
January’s Bird of the Month is the Blue Jay! With their striking blue, black, and white plumage, these vibrant songbirds are a delight to observe. Many Blue Jays are year-round residents of the Maritimes, making them a familiar presence in local backyards. If you’re looking to attract these stunning birds, you’ll need to know their favorite foods, nesting habits, and other key preferences. Follow our expert tips to create an inviting environment for Blue Jays all year long.
Food Preferences
Blue Jays are particularly fond of nuts, especially peanuts—whether whole or shelled. They’re also big fans of common bird feed like suet, cracked corn, and black oil sunflower seeds. Due to Blue Jays being larger birds, they require sturdy, spacious feeders to feel at ease. Hopper feeders, as well as open trays or platform feeders, are ideal for Blue Jays. To make your yard even more attractive, you can offer natural food sources like berries and acorns. The more food sources you offer in your yard, the more Blue Jays will be able to feed. Providing a mix of different food options will not only appeal to Jays, but a wider variety of different birds as well.
Water Source
Water is especially important during the colder winter months as Blue Jays rely on water not only for drinking but also for splashing and bathing. To keep them coming back, consider investing in a heated birdbath, which will ensure a reliable water supply even in freezing temperatures. Due to their larger size, Blue Jays need a broad basin that is about 2-3 inches deep. This setup will provide them with plenty of space for both drinking and bathing.
Shelter & Nesting
Unlike many other bird species, Blue Jays don’t typically use birdhouses. Instead, they prefer to nest in mature, sturdy trees. They especially favor trees that also provide a food source. Evergreen trees are crucial for Blue Jays in the fall and winter, as they offer dense cover once trees have shed their leaves. To encourage nesting, consider leaving out natural materials such as grass clippings, twigs, and small branches. These resources will help Blue Jays create well-constructed nests in your yard.
At Feeds’n Needs, we understand that each bird species has its own unique requirements. That’s why we offer a wide selection of bird feed and feeders designed to attract a variety of birds. Whether you’re new to birdwatching or a seasoned enthusiast, we have everything you need to turn your backyard into a haven for Blue Jays and other feathered friends.
How to Attract Common Winter Birds
While many birds migrate south for the winter, several species remain in Canada year-round. Supporting these resilient birds during the colder months not only supports local ecosystems but also offers you the chance to enjoy watching them right outside your window.
Here are three simple ways to attract winter birds to your backyard:
- Delay Cleanup Until Spring
One of the easiest ways to help birds is by postponing garden cleanup until spring. While it might be tempting to tidy up fallen seeds, nuts, and berries, these natural food sources are vital for migrating and wintering birds. By leaving them in place, you’re providing an abundant, natural buffet for your feathered friends.
- Provide Habitat with Native Trees and Shrubs
Creating a bird-friendly habitat begins with the right plants. Add a variety of native trees and shrubs to your yard, which provide both food and shelter. In winter, the branches of these plants offer birds a safe place from harsh weather.
- Offer Sheltered Resting Places
Birdhouses and nesting boxes are essential for winter survival. These structures give birds a place to rest and seek refuge from the cold. Be sure to clean out any birdhouses after the nesting season to prevent disease buildup and offer a fresh, safe environment for the winter months.
Common Winter Birds in the Atlantic Provinces:
Several bird species stick around through the winter in the Atlantic provinces. Some of the most common include:
- Black-Capped Chickadee: Prefers Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
- White-Breasted Nuthatch: Prefers Black Oil Sunflower Seeds & Suet
- House & Purple Finches: Prefer Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
- Northern Cardinals: Prefer Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
- Blue Jays: Prefer Black Oil Sunflower Seeds & Cracked Corn
- American Goldfinches: Prefer Nyjer Seeds
- Common Redpolls: Prefer Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
- Brown Creepers: Prefer Suet
Expert Tip: Black Oil Sunflower Seeds and Suet are some of the best options for attracting the widest variety of birds to your winter feeders.
For more backyard birding tips, be sure to check out our other blogs!
Winter Backyard Bird Enthusiasts
Feeding Wild Birds in Winter
Keep Backyard Birds Healthy in Winter
Best Winter Bird Seed
Best Winter Bird Feeders
What Makes a Great Coop
Chickens make a great addition to your backyard or homestead, but deciding how to house them is one of the most crucial decisions you’ll face as a poultry owner. A well-designed chicken coop should include key elements to create a thriving environment for your flock.
- Coop Space
Make sure your coop is spacious enough for the number of chickens you have. Standard laying hens need about 1.5 to 2 square feet of space each, while meat birds and bantam breeds typically require around 4 square feet. Inadequate space can lead to health problems, such as egg-eating and feather plucking. Ensure your flock has enough room to spread their wings and move around to avoid any feature health issues.
- Ventilation
One of the biggest causes of poor air quality inside a chicken coop is ammonia. Ammonia is released from fresh or moist chicken feces and can be bad for the health of your chickens if it reaches high levels. Proper ventilation helps to remove excess ammonia and maintain clean air. Vents should be placed near the top of the coop to allow contaminated air to escape while avoiding drafts that could make the chickens uncomfortable.
- Insulation
Insulation is very important in climates such as the Maritimes that experience cold winters and hot summers. Proper insulation keeps the coop comfortable for your chickens and can also reduce heating costs in winter.
Ensure any gaps or cracks are sealed to prevent rodents like mice and snakes from entering the coop.
- Roosting Perch
Chickens prefer to sleep off the ground, so providing proper roosting perches is crucial. Roosts should be wide enough to allow chickens to comfortably perch and placed about 1.5 feet above the floor. A strong, spacious roost ensures your chickens can rest without crowding, which is vital for their health and comfort.
- Nesting Boxes
Your chicken coop should always have nesting boxes for your laying hens. These boxes provide a quiet, private space for chickens to lay eggs, making it easier for you to collect them. Keep the boxes dark and position them lower than the roosting bars to prevent chickens from roosting or pooping in them. A general rule is one nesting box for every four chickens. Use soft bedding, like wood shavings or chopped straw, and replace it regularly to prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria.
- Lighting
Adequate lighting is important, especially if your chickens spend significant time indoors. Chickens’ reproductive cycles are linked to daylight, and without enough light, egg production may drop. During the winter, when daylight is shorter, supplementing with soft, yellow artificial light can help maintain egg production. However, constant lighting should be avoided, as it can interfere with their natural cycle.
- Predator Proofing
Check your coop regularly for any areas that a predator may easily breach. Inspect all coop structures, including doors, windows, walls, roof, and floor. Predators are often capable of fitting through tiny holes, so use hardware cloth secured by washers and screws to cover up any cracks or holes in your coop structure, as well as any windows.
If your flock free ranges during the day, ensure everyone is back inside before nightfall and that the coop door is latched securely each night with a lock that predators cannot open.
- Food & Water Supply
A reliable system for food and water is vital for your chickens’ health. Keep feeders and waterers clean and stocked, and place them away from roosting areas to prevent contamination. Providing access to fresh water and a consistent food supply helps prevent dehydration and malnutrition, which can make chickens more susceptible to disease and reduce egg production.
- Raised Floor
A raised plywood floor is ideal for a chicken coop, as it helps keep the bedding dry by improving airflow underneath. This can prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to health problems. A raised floor is more effective than concrete or dirt in shedding moisture.
- Litter Trays
Chickens poop while sleeping, so using a litter tray under the chicken roost is a great way to make cleaning the coop easier. Chicken feces should be removed from the coop frequently to help control ammonia levels.
These features should be high on your priority list when thinking about the interior design of your chicken coop. A chicken coop designed with the proper elements will make a significant contribution to the health and well-being of your flock and, in the long run, reduce the cost of raising chickens.
Winter Horse Care Basics
As the cold weather sets in, horse owners face the unique challenge of keeping their equine companions safe, comfortable, and healthy throughout winter. From managing their shelter and nutrition to ensuring proper grooming and exercise, this guide will walk you through the key steps to help your horse thrive during the colder season. With a bit of preparation and attention to detail, you can ensure your horse stays warm, safe, and happy all winter long.
How Do Horses Keep Themselves Warm?
Horses are naturally well-equipped to handle cold weather, as they can regulate their body temperature within a range of 5°C to 25°C. When temperatures drop below 5°C, horses will increase their natural defences against cold by:
- Eating more forage.
- Managing their blood flow, reducing flow to the limbs and pooling most of their blood to their core and vital organs.
- Growing a thick winter hair coat.
- Increasing movement and shivering.
- Seeking shelter.
Several factors may contribute to how well your horse manages the cold, including their age (if they’re very old or young), if they are clipped, whether they have access to shelter, etc. If not properly cared for during the winter, a horse’s body condition may backslide, making for an unhealthy and underweight horse come spring.
Winter Feeding
One of the main ways that horses can keep warm during winter is by eating. The process of microbial fermentation of forage in a horse’s digestive system generates heat in their body. Horses will burn more calories in the winter to stay warm, so compensate for this by feeding them more forage. It is recommended to feed horses 1.5% – 3% of their body weight in forage during the colder months.
Water Intake
One of the challenges of caring for horses in the winter is their disinclination to drink water. This means that dehydration is a great concern in the winter, so finding ways to entice your horse to drink is very important. Most 1000 lb horses require at least 10 -12 gallons of water per day, and the following tips should help you get your horse to drink their daily requirement:
- Install a bucket heater or trough deicer to keep water from freezing
- Increase your horses salt intake by offering a free-choice salt lick in their stall or add a loose mineral supplement to their feed.
- Consider adding electrolytes to your horse’s water to help prevent dehydration
- Keep water clean and fresh for your horse
Provide Shelter
Access to shelter is crucial for helping horses withstand colder temperatures and stay protected during the winter months. A run-in shed provides an important buffer against extreme weather conditions like wind, rain, and snow, which can quickly lower their body temperature and lead to discomfort or health risks. By providing a safe place to retreat from the elements, horses can tolerate lower temperatures and help them stay healthy and comfortable throughout the winter season.
Reducing Ice Buildup
Icy conditions in winter pose slipping risks to not only us but our equine companions as well. It’s essential to be aware of freeze-thaw patterns and stay on top of preventing ice buildup in places your horse frequents, such as stalls, around their water trough, north sides of buildings, paddocks, etc. A few of the ways you can be proactive in preventing and reducing ice buildup are:
- Repair leaky rain gutters on barns or run-ins that drip and form ice.
- Avoid spilling water when filling troughs and repair any leaks that may drip.
- Remove snow from frequently used pathways and paddocks to decrease water buildup and frozen puddles.
- Reduce the amount of manure in the paddock, as it is prone to freezing and will leave you with a muddy mess in the spring!
- Improve your paddock’s grade by building up sunken ground where water may pool and freeze in the winter.
- Create traction in icy areas by putting down shavings, straw, sand or salt. Refrain from feeding horses near where you spread sand or salt, as they may eat it off the ground. Always make sure your horse has an alternative source of salt if you choose to spread pure salt to melt the ice.
Winter Hoof & Health Care
Horse hooves require lots of attention during the winter to ensure potential issues can be addressed quickly. Keep these tasks on your winter horse care to-do list:
- Regularly pick out hooves to remove snow buildup and inspect them to ensure there is no bacteria or infection in the crevices of the frog.
- Although hooves grow slower in the winter, they should still be trimmed every 6-8 weeks.
- Consider removing metal shoes and allowing your horse to go barefoot in the winter. Going barefoot gives your horse more traction on icy winter terrain.
- If you do keep your horse shod in the winter, consider adding metal studs or snow pads to their shoes.
- Ensure horses have access to a dry place to stand and dry their hooves. Hooves that are wet for extended periods of time can lead to rot and infection.
Along with regular hoof care, there are a few other health maintenance tasks to be aware of in the winter to ensure your horse is in the best health:
- Deep mud and snow make it near impossible for your horses’ legs to fully dry off, leading to skin conditions like mud fever. While providing a place for your horse to stand and dry off can help prevent this, we still recommend that you check over your horse’s legs and hooves daily for signs of disease or infection.
- Heavy hair coats and blankets can sometimes hide weight loss, so we recommend regular body condition scoring to check your horse’s weight and assess their health.
Blanketing
Not every horse needs to be blanketed in the winter. Some horses are well-equipped to handle the cold without a blanket. However, blanketing may be necessary for a horse for the following reasons:
- No shelter is available to protect from the elements during turnout when the weather drops below -15 C.
- The horse is clipped.
- The horse is very young or old.
- The horse has a body condition score of 3 or less.
- The horse isn’t acclimated to the cold.
- If there is a chance the horse will become wet due to rain, freezing rain, or calm, warm snowfall.
If you are trying to decide whether to blanket your horse in the winter, we recommend speaking to your equine veterinarian about the best decision for your horse.
If you blanket your horse, make sure that it fits them well to prevent rubbing and sores, and remove and reposition the blanket daily. Always ensure the blanket stays dry, and never put a blanket on a wet horse, as this can lead to infection or fungal diseases such as rain rot.
Exercise
Horses need regular exercise in the winter to get their blood flowing, reduce boredom, raise body temperature, and, of course, stay fit, happy and healthy. Provide lots of turnout time for exercise, and if possible, enjoy a wintertime ride when the weather is nice! One thing to consider when exercising your horse in the winter is cooling them out. Leaving a hot, wet horse to stand in the cold without properly being cooled out can lead to illness.
How to Cool Out Your Horse
Following your ride, walk your horse for 10-15 minutes to allow heat in their muscles to dissipate. Once you’ve dismounted, loosen the girth or cinch, but don’t remove the saddle yet, as cold air can cause warm muscles to cramp. Cover your horse with a cooler to help wick the moisture away while you walk them for a few more minutes. Remove the saddle, but put the cooler back on while you continue to walk your horse for a bit longer until they are cooled down.
Proper winter care is essential to keeping your horse healthy and comfortable throughout the colder months. From adjusting their diet to reducing slipping hazards, every detail matters. For more advice and top-quality products to meet your horse’s winter needs, visit us in-store – our experts are here to help you every step of the way!
For more expert advice and horse care tips, check out our blog!
Horses Hoof and Skin Health
Deworming Your Horse
Importance of Fiber in a Horses Diet
Dog Grooming Tips for Winter
While most dogs love playing in the snow, the cold and ice can be harsh on their fur and skin. Winter dog grooming is just as important as any other time of the year, possibly even more important. Here are some simple tips to help keep your dog comfortable and safe throughout the colder season.
Protect Paws
Ice and salt can irritate your dog’s paw pads. After outdoor walks, rinse their paws with warm water to remove any debris and prevent irritation. If your dog does not mind, you can put on dog socks or boots to protect their paws from the cold.
If their paw pads become cracked or chapped, apply a paw balm for added protection. You can even apply balm before walks for an extra layer of defense. Just remember to wash it off when you return inside to remove any buildup embedded in the balm.
Trim Nails Often
Cold temperatures, snow, and low humidity can make your dog’s nails more brittle, increasing the likelihood of breaks. Broken nails can be painful, even if they don’t bleed. Keeping your dog’s nails short all winter is the best way to keep them from breaking.
Protect Your Pups Nose
Your dog’s nose may need some extra attention during the winter months. Cold air can dry out their noses, causing cracks or discomfort and even impact their sense of smell. Use a special nose balm (or a combined paw-and-nose balm) to keep your dog’s nose soft and moist throughout the colder season.
Maintain Their Coat
It’s a common misconception that dogs should avoid haircuts in the winter. In reality, dogs can maintain their regular grooming routine year-round. Whether you do it yourself or visit a professional groomer, regular trims help keep your dog’s coat in top shape.
To help combat shedding and matting, brush your dog at least once a week (or daily for some breeds). Brushing is just as important. Make it a habit to brush your dog at least weekly (or daily for some breeds) to prevent mats and tangles. Brushing also helps distribute natural oils, which moisturize and protect the skin and coat. A well-maintained coat will help keep your dog warm and insulated during chilly walks.
Use Conditioner
Winter air can dry out your dog’s skin and coat, leading to dandruff, irritation, and discomfort. Regular baths help remove dirt and irritants, but follow up with a conditioner to replenish lost oils. This will soothe dry, itchy skin and help keep their fur soft and healthy.
Use a Dog Sweater or Jacket
A dog sweater or jacket can be a great investment if your dog will be outside for extended periods and has a thin or short coat. They will help keep your dog cozy during walks or outside playtime.
Following these grooming tips can help ensure your dog stays comfortable, healthy, and happy all winter!
How to Care for Chickens in Winter
As temperatures drop and snow blankets the ground, it’s essential to ensure your feathered friends remain healthy and comfortable all winter long. From preparing the coop to keeping waterers from freezing, this blog will guide you through the best practices for keeping your chickens happy and healthy throughout winter.
Manage Drafts & Insulate the Coop
Give your coop a thorough inspection, checking for any cracks or holes allowing air to flow through the coop. Straw or newspaper can be stuffed into cracks or holes to seal them and prevent drafts. Ensure your coop is well insulated before the temperature drops to keep your flock warm on those chilly winter nights. Insulating can be as easy as covering your coop with old carpets, blankets, burlap, or cardboard.
Ensure Adequate Ventilation
High moisture combined with cold temperatures can cause condensation within a coop, potentially leading to frostbite. To prevent moisture and condensation buildup in your coop, you must ensure that your coop is well-ventilated. Besides regularly cleaning up manure to remove excess moisture, there are several ways to ventilate a coop in the winter:
- Install roof vents to allow moisture to escape.
- Cover partially opened windows with burlap to allow for air movement while keeping the coop insulated.
- Open a door or window on warmer days.
Bedding Maintenance
As we discussed, keeping moisture at bay is vital when caring for chickens in the winter. Did you know that chicken manure is made up of 70% water? Because of this, cleaning up manure buildup in your coop regularly during the cold months is essential. Remove soiled bedding and replace it with fresh, dry bedding frequently. Alternatively, the deep bedding method, which involves adding 4-6 inches of bedding to the coop and regularly stirring the top layer to allow manure to move to the bottom, can provide some natural heat as the manure decomposes.
Prepare Roosts & Small, Warm Spaces in The Coop
Roosts provide a place for chickens to sleep up off the cold floor of the coop. When perched on a roost, chickens can lay on their feet and fluff their feathers out to keep themselves warm. Ensure your coop has enough roosting space for each chicken to sleep comfortably. A good rule of thumb is to have 9 inches of roosting space per chicken.
If you have a large coop, consider creating smaller areas inside where your chickens can huddle together and conserve their body heat more easily. Something as simple as a cardboard box or plastic tote turned on their side can provide a warm area for your hens while in their coop at night.
Supplemental Heat & Light
When temperatures begin to fall below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit, 0 degrees Celsius), consider adding a supplemental heat source to your coop. Things like heat lamps, brooder plates, etc., can keep your flock warm on cold winter days; just be sure to only use products approved for use around livestock and always follow safety instructions. In addition to adding a heat source, adding a source of light to your coop can help encourage egg production as the days get shorter in the winter. Supplemental lighting can often be hooked up to a timer to ensure your hens receive 14 hours of light each day, starting in the morning hours before the sun rises. As the days gradually get longer, adjust your timer as needed.
Fresh Water & Food
Chickens need access to fresh water year-round, but wintertime is challenging when keeping waterers from freezing! Thankfully, there are several products available to prevent this from happening:
- Heated waterers that plug into an outlet
- Heated bases that you can place metal waterers on
- Chicken waterer deicers that can be placed inside certain styles of waterers
- Heated dishes or buckets
Get in the habit of checking your chicken’s water throughout the day to ensure it has not frozen. It’s a good idea to keep a spare waterer on hand in the winter so that if one freezes or breaks, you have another one ready to go. As for feeding chickens in the winter, they can remain on their regular diet; keep in mind that their feed intake may increase by up to 25% in the colder months, so don’t be afraid to keep their feeders full. Additionally, store feed in moisture-proof containers like a metal garbage can to prevent spoilage.
Egg Collection
Because eggs contain a high percentage of water, make sure to collect them quickly in the winter so they don’t freeze. Typically, hens will finish laying before noon. As you collect each egg, check for any cracks or hairline fractures, and discard any damaged eggs you find to prevent foodborne illness.
Frostbite
Frostbite typically affects the areas of a chicken that are not protected by feathers, like their comb, wattles, and feet. Frostbite can cause affected areas to appear black or gray and feel brittle. For minor cases of frostbite, you can remove the chicken from the rest of the flock and soak the affected area in room temperature water to slowly warm the area. Apply a layer of Vaseline or petroleum jelly to these at-risk areas in the winter to provide a layer of insulation and prevent frostbite damage. Severe cases of frostbite can lead to infection or worse, and veterinarian treatment is highly recommended.
How Will I Know if my Chickens Are Cold?
When a chicken’s body temperature drops below average (106 degrees Fahrenheit, 41 degrees Celsius), they may experience cold stress, leading to reduced egg production and, in severe cases, death. When chickens are cold, they may exhibit the following behaviors:
- Huddling together for warmth
- Holding a foot up to their breast
- Puffing out their feathers
Winter is coming, so it’s time to prepare by following our guide! Stop by your local Feeds’n Needs, where you can find all the winter essentials from heat lamps, light bulbs, heated waterers, bedding and more! Chat with our Experts today to ensure your flock thrives this winter.
For more poultry care content, check out our other blog posts!
Livestock Bedding Options
How to Care for Molting Chickens
Hens Health Throughout the Seasons
Why Keep Cows Inside in Winter
Keeping your cattle outside in the Maritimes during winter is viable but requires careful thought and good management. For many producers, indoor wintering is preferable. Many dairy breeds do not do well in the cold as their bodies don’t grow the coat and have the extra pounds like beef breeds. Keeping your cows inside in the winter helps keep them out of the elements and ensures they always have water. It also prevents any falling ice or calves from being born outside. Our blog will guide you with some important practices on why to keep cows inside throughout the winter season.
Slower Winter Growth Rates:
Slower growth rates in winter mean less plant coverage on the soil to protect it. The same cattle hooves that benefited the soil through trampling of pasture in summer now become damaging as they expose bare patches of soil that are vulnerable to erosion. Waterlogged soils quickly turn to mud with cattle roaming above. This makes it very difficult for plant species to grow, and the pasture will take a very long time to recover.
On top of this, there isn’t enough forage to sustain the cattle through the whole winter. During the autumn season, hay is often taken to the cows on the pasture so they can stay outside despite being unable to forage the field. However, moving cows inside in late autumn is a good idea to give the pasture time to recover through the winter and prevent overgrazing.
Overwintering Inside:
Cattle need a constant supply of fresh air to minimize disease, predominantly pneumonia. Stale air increases the spread of the infection and the number of vulnerable animals. The age of the cattle, stage of production, and health and body condition of the cattle all need to be considered and will have challenges coping with severe weather.
Shelter:
Keeping your cows inside during the winter ensures they will be warm and will not require you to provide extra bedding to help dry them out if they get muddy or extra outdoor shelter to protect them from harsh weather conditions.
Feeding:
If you decide to overwinter your cattle, you will likely have to invest in more feed and better quality forage to help provide them with additional energy. Housing them inside will help keep your costs down in the winter.
For more information on keeping cows inside in winter, visit your local Feeds’n Needs and chat with one of our Experts!
Disclaimer: This is general information, it is important to do what works best for you and your cattle.
