And it looks like that’s going to be warm, compared to tonight. The high tomorrow is supposed to be about that. Brr! We’re definitely hauling in more firewood, including some long-burning ash for overnight. We are mostly burning poplar now as it’s the most abundant. The beavers love cutting it down! They trim off all the small branches and that leaves the trunk and any large branches for us. We appreciate that.
I’ve been winterizing our little chicken coop. No, we don’t heat it. First off, we’re off grid and any heat lamp is out. Second, it’s unsafe as the birds can easily knock over any propane heater. And finally, the chickens don’t need it. If all drafts have been stopped up and there are plenty of dry pine shavings for bedding, they don’t need it. Hey, some of our chickens are more than seven years old, still laying, and very happy. Just listen to them sing!
But, over the years, there are a few cracks around the windows where the wood has shrunk that I’m stopping up by stuffing them with insulation (where they can’t reach) and adding more shavings to the nest boxes where some hens roost at night. Yeah, I know they’re not “supposed” to do that. But, hey, they’re old and love the extra comfort. I clean them out, come spring laying and everyone is happy. The others snuggle up next to the turkeys and do just fine.
We’re feeding the deer now. And so far, we’ve got six coming. That bad winter a couple of years back killed a lot of deer around here. A mix of very deep snow, lasting way into spring was so hard on them. So we’re happy to help out the neighboring herd.
All that heavy, wet snow has turned the woods into a Christmas card. It’s so beautiful! Even if we do have to burn lots of wood to keep warm. I toss more logs on the fire and settle down with my garden planning notebook and think spring. — Jackie
We have six here too – twins and solo fawn, moms, and I think grandma. Saw a couple of bucks but it is rare to see them. They eat their favorites first and oats last. Thankfully we get ear corn for nothing (we pick) but we give the farmer a gift certificate to a local restaurant as a thank you. A couple of the adults were here after dark, I make sure to fill up the water come sunset. I’ll be replenishing their supplies next week.
Cold has hit here too but not quite as low as you have. Better half worked outside three days this week (wood). Errands on the docket for tomorrow.
Nothing wrong with working with nature. Better half took down a dead oak, we’ll share with our elderly neighbors. They don’t burn for heat per se but enjoy a fire.
Not looking like a white Xmas here however (but you never know these days). Looks like we’ll get some rain (moisture is moisture). And I had to laugh when the weather guy said “liquid rain”. Guess there are other types of rain but in my book, that means sleet, ice, wintry mix, or snow.