Warming up to Winter at HEEFS
/Being in Canada, we are lucky to experience four seasons each year. Each season brings with it a lot of beauty and a lot of challenges. Winter in Canada, in particular, can be challenging with pipes freezing, fields icing and lots of snow falling. So. Much. Snow. Making sure all our residents continue to be warm, safe and well-cared for during the cold winter months takes both preparation and ongoing work. Thanks to our amazing team of caregivers and tireless volunteers, we can take on anything winter throws at us!
Staying warm and snuggly is Priority #1
During the cold winter months we make sure each resident has lots of straw and blankets to snuggle up with even though our pigs, goats and sheep like to snuggle each other when it’s time for bed or a nap! And most of our residents have special heat lamps in their stalls to provide extra warmth and coziness.
Even though our bunnies enjoy their outdoor time, they are brought in from Bunnytown at night to sleep in the barn. Each of our rabbits has a small heat lamp in their crate and they are lovingly covered and tucked in at night with a thick, comfy blanket.
The cold doesn't bother our big heads too much. They have an enclosed barn, at the bottom of their field, that they can use for shelter if they need a break from the weather. And, thanks to a very generous donor, our big heads will soon have an additional barn at the top of their field, too!
Nice and toasty!
Our birds live in heated coops, so they are always warm and comfortable. Our new coop, Dolly’s House, even has a heated floor!
Breaking the wind
Even if the weather isn’t what we would want to run around in, we let our residents decide if they want a little outdoor time in the winter. For those who choose to stay inside, there are wind flaps installed on the barn doors to keep out the blustery breezes.
Hold the ice!
We are often asked how we keep our residents’ water from freezing in the subzero weather. In the main barn, the water system is kept in a small heated box along with the hose, and some of our water lines have heat trace running along them. This ensures that all our residents have access to a reliable, heated water source all winter long. It isn't hot water, but it is warm enough to not freeze.
Now, with winter taken care of…next up, prepping for (and dreaming about) the spring thaw!
Want to help keep all of residents warm through winter You can help with the donation of a bale of straw or two!
