Baby, It's Cold Outside

For those who not have experienced Winter Storm Hercules , it's currently -10F at Unity Farm (not wind chill, that's -15F).    We have 10 inches of new fallen snow.As I've written about previously, all the animals have protection from wind and water.  Wall mounted heaters are protecting them from frostbite.      At dawn we gave the alpaca and llama large bowls of alfalfa mixed with molasses.   The chickens and guinea fowl ate hot oatmeal mixed with dried cherries.   The ducks got a warm duck soup of chopped greens and warm water.    The dogs got an extra helping of their favorite dog food.   The rabbit got a very sweet banana.Here are a few photos at -10F from Unity.    Yes, an iPhone 5S works well at that temperature, although fingers using the phone do not last long.I added bricks to the top of the bee hives to prevent the covers from blowing off.   We added sugar feeders to the inside of each hive and replaced the hive opening with a very small "winter" front door.  A capping of snow insulation is keeping them warm.    We refilled every bird feeder, ensuring our juncos, chickadees, bluebirds, wrens, finches, titmice, woodpeckers, cardinals, and nuthatches have maximal nutrition.The cider house is keeping all the apple picking and beekeeping equipment safe from the elements.We shoveled all the paths and gates for easy access to the coops and paddocks.The hoop house is a balmy 28F, keep...
Source: Life as a Healthcare CIO - Category: Technology Consultants Source Type: blogs