4 quick water tips when dealing with below-freezing temperatures!
Much of North America experiences periods of severely cold weather and is susceptible to snow and ice storms. These conditions inflict damage to waterlines and impose serious threats to those that are caring for livestock. The weather outside can be frightful, but Cowgirl 911 is here to help! While your water sources are frozen, here are a few ways that you can get water to your animals.
Tip 1: Use fallen ice chunks and snow
If there is snow on the ground and you are without water, put snow in bowls and buckets, wait for it to melt, and use the water. This water can be used to flush toilets, water indoor plants, or give water to pets and barn animals. In desperate situations, the melted snow can be used as drinking water. However, make sure it is harvested from a clean location! As the water freezes, it pulls the dirt and impurities into the snow. Avoid consumption of icicles or snow from roofs or buildings and find a clean source away from traffic zones, toilets, or dish pits.
Tip 2: Use tires to conduct heat
Did you know you can place tires around water barrels to conduct heat? The tires will insulate the barrels and keep the water above freezing temperature. This trick can save the animals depending on drinking water and can also save you from having to chop ice in all pastures. Of course, we recommend checking barrels in extreme weather to ensure everything is working properly.
Tip 3: Use milk jugs in water troughs
If you don’t have extra tires and are responsible for the care of animals and livestock, you can use milk and gallon jugs filled with saltwater in the trough so the water won’t freeze. The water won’t freeze and the jugs will float around, breaking up any ice that may occur. The jugs are also easy for the animals to push around to drink water if it’s in their way.
Tip 4: Fill your largest water tank(s) to the brim
The larger the trough and the more water you have, the slower things will freeze. Think of it this way, a bucket freezes much faster than a hundred-gallon tank. A larger amount of water will insulate itself, making a big difference in how long it will stay thawed. At the first sign of a winter freeze, fill all troughs to the top and keep them filled. This will cut down on how soon and often you’ll have to chop ice. It’s important to remember that your animals will drink more in cold weather, so check them often.
As we move into April, hopefully, we are on the tail-end of winter and soon flowers will bloom, and birds will chirp as we welcome spring into the air. The days get longer and warmer and the possibility of another snowstorm seems to lessen.
However, as ranchers and animal caretakers, we must always be prepared for the unexpected! Take this season to prepare for future storms and research what way will be best suitable for you and your operation.
