It hasn’t snowed yet, but it probably won’t be too much longer. Last Winter the first sticking snow came in November and stayed right through the Winter. Very little melting and no thaws at all. Couple that with the extreme cold and it was the worst since moving here. Hopefully that won’t be the case this Winter!
Getting ready for Winter is just as much work as any other season. All the garden beds need to be cleaned an leveled before freezing. The cold frames need to be in place now as Spring it’s too muddy and unpredictable. Before closing the garden completely the chickens get to enjoy the bugs and weeds along with the left over plants before the beds are prepared. Once the snow starts falling, they’ll have to be content with memories of the dirt baths?
Their houses along with the rabbits need a good cleaning and lots of fresh straw to keep the Winter at bay. Tarps will be hung and drop to block the wind and the extra waterers cleaned and ready. The egg he bs will finish molting and lay around until Spring with the occasional egg that if lucky won’t freeze and crack.
The tractor and snow thrower will be greased and gassed to handle moving the snow when a shovel won’t do. The wood shed will get tapped with lots of cut, split, and stacked wood to keep the cabin warm and toasty all Winter.
It’s time to relax and recharge – at least until the seed catalogs start arriving.