Beating the Heat

We're moving into our heavy summer months, and for those in the Midwest and South, we are already experiencing some pretty toasty heat waves! Humidity has spiked, and it's sunscreen season for us out there working. The question comes with how we can best manage our animals who don't often have access to the wonderful technology that is an air conditioning unit.

Once we hit temps in the 90s, it's important to watch your animals. Winter coats should have blown out by now, but for those holding onto some of that soft coat might need a good brushing to get anything impacted out. This will help let that air through the coat more. Besides that, just like us, water is incredibly important. Make sure to keep those bowls, buckets, and troughs full throughout the day! Even better, if you can find a way to chill it they'll love it even more. Frozen water bottles or freezer packs to switch around can be great - even just at the peak of the day when it's most hot. Shade helps a lot as well, be it in ventilated shelters or under trees, getting out of the direct sun will allow a bit more thermoregulation. A tarp and a couple of t posts, or a pop up gazebo shelter can be great in a pinch if your pasture gets a lot of sun.

Fans within a barn can help keep air flowing, which helps cool animals down much faster. Not everyday is incredibly windy to help out, so a bit of artificial wind can be great if you have the power source for it. If not, try adding more ventilation to your shelters during the warmer months to allow air flow through them.

Similarly, if you have access to power, misting systems work really well. Recommended a lot for rabbit breeders and horses, misting systems can benefit our little friends quite a bit! Just watch the area to assure it doesn't end up too wet for them.

Lastly, our goats love a cold treat. Freezing some fruit or veggies in little bite sized pieces can be a great way to help them cool down. They don't make ice cream for goats (that I know of) but some homemade sherbet might end up being a big hit! Keep as cool as you can and remember to take breaks through your routine. Sunscreen and bug spray are your best friends, and take care!