It’s finally summertime and the animals have been feeling this heat, especially those few days when the temperatures reached more than 90 degrees.

When the weather is as hot as it has been, it is extremely important to make sure you and all your animals are prepared for those long, calid days ahead. When preparing for the summer weather at the farm, we are sure to have all water buckets filled to the brim with fresh, cool water every morning and night. We tend to leave extra water buckets around in the summer as an additional resource. This will encourage the animals to take breaks, drink water and stay hydrated as much as possible.

Recently, the chickens and ducks were given frozen peas and chilled watermelon to help with the humidity and high temperatures they were experiencing. Sometimes, the birds are given ice cubes filled with peas and/or corn to peck at and enjoy, which are easily made at home.

When it comes to the donkey and goats, refreshing snacks are given such as pineapple, watermelon, cantaloupes and berries, as a special treat. Every now and then, the goats and donkey will allow us to sprinkle them with water to cool off; however, this must be watched carefully in extremely hot temperatures as this could potentially shock their system.

Other ways to keep livestock and poultry cool is by providing them with shaded areas. Not only are there bushes and brush scattered throughout the property that give off shade to the animals, but there is also an overhang that was built off the side of the shed. This can protect the animals against the heat, cold, or other harsh conditions. Installing fans in the shed and coop also contribute to cooling down areas and making sure that these regions do not become unbearable for the animals.

The ducks have a few pools on the property as well to dunk and splash around in whenever they fancy.