Preparing for the Storm

I'm not worried about preparing for this:

ACCUMULATIONS...SNOW ACCUMULATION OF 6 TO 10 INCHES.

But, it's the rest of the weather forecast that has me worried:

WEST WINDS 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 35 MPH

TEMPERATURES WILL DROP TO 12 TO 18 BELOW MONDAY NIGHT.

WIND CHILL READINGS WILL BE 10 TO 25 BELOW MONDAY MORNING AND THEN FALL TO TO 35 TO 50 BELOW MONDAY NIGHT AND TUESDAY MORNING.

I haven't experienced temperatures this low since we've lived on the farm.

The sheep, horses, llama and chickens usually handle winter just fine if they have shelter, food and water.

I usually don't keep the sheep, chickens or horses confined during the winter months. Animals -- like humans -- are happier if they have room to move around.

On most nights, the sheep sleep outside, under the lean-to. Only when the north wind blows do they decide to come into the barn.

Unless it's feeding time, the Haflingers usually choose to stay outside. They don't seem to mind being covered in snow and icicles.

When the wind blows, the chickens usually go inside. For a few hours each day though, they, too, like to venture outside in the snow.

But when the winds start blowing tonight, I'll move the sheep inside the barn. I'll close up the chicken house so the chickens too will be confined. As for the horses, I'll continue to let them come and go into their stalls.

The sheep, llama and horses will get extra hay -- they'll need the extra calories to stay warm, and I'm hoping it will keep them busy so they don't go too stir-crazy. I'll be kept busy making sure they have fresh water throughout the storm.

I'll bring the old barn cat inside tonight and offer her a place in the basement.

As for the Border collies -- we're taking a long walk today. I'm hoping they won't go too stir-crazy during the storm... But I have bully sticks for them to chew just in case.