Yesterday after Thanksgiving dinner I rallied the troops and we went out to the barn to practice a storm drill. When a storm comes in, often we do not have a lot of time to get all the animals into the barn. 
And depending on where they are outside and where their designated pens are inside, there is an order that needs to be decided and acted on. They need to be stacked into their pens in that order with gates going this way and that way and people being gates. 
I know that this seems complicated but the barn is small and my needs are great and blizzards are not nice. Do you see that door leaning? That is one of the mobile gates I get my asssistants to hold.
All the animals came in like good boys and girls, came in and looked mystified as we began to close all the doors, checking that all the latches still worked and that their seating pan worked. Except for the two little sheep, Minty and Meadow, who have not been in the barn since they were newborns they proceeded to jump the short fence, on one side of their pen, raced through the bins of feed, out the slowly closing front doors and were away off down the drive. Bleating in a delighted fashion.
So back to the drawing board. They may need to go into one of the back sheep pens, which are so dark, but it would only be for a few days at a time. Do you see that red thing in the water there? That is an heating element. All the waters will need to be heated for the winter or the buckets freeze solid. I have to get these sorted and into the new pens and given a test run too. 
In Ten days you and I are off on my adventures. I need to make sure that everyone can do everything in my absence. In any weather. I am really hoping that the weather is kind to everyone while I am away and that they have no runaways.
I can just stand in the doorway and call the little sheep back but it does not work like that for the others so it is imperative that they have NO escapes and are ready for any emergency while I am gone. 
Look at that lovely Daily View and as I write we are just above freezing with a screaming gale. Cold. I already have my hattie on. 
Have a lovely day.
celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
56 responses to “Storm Drill”
Sorting out the flat battery in the car took all my energy this morning. I can’t believe what you have to do. You must be looking forward to New Zealand. I, on the other hand, am not. Representatives of NZ, known as the All Blacks, are going to be at Twickenham next weekend to show us how to play the game. Oh, shit.
Oh you’re in trouble now! Lock up your cellars! c
Roger – Ha! Ha! Ha! Even tho’ I am supposed to be their avowed enemy!!! Let the hakas begin 😀 !
Hey, I just realised I’m away in 8 days, you in 10. But all I have to herd is a couple of cats. 🙂 Of we go then. You’ll be nice and toasty in NZ I’ll be freezing my chuddies off in Jolly Old. (Just kidding, we have an open fire.)
are you going out to your cabin in the woods! I love that little place.. nothing replaces the warmth of an open fire, burning hot on your front and freezing on your back.. love it! c
No Celi, I’m off to England. Cabin gas to wait till the new year but I love that feeling of freezing back toasty side.
Just like leaving the kids with a babysitter. Not easy the first several times, as I recall.
No .. especially not for the baysitters of my children! c
I always find it a real problem handing over animal care over to smeone else when we go away – and I’ve only got a few beasties! By the way, Big Dog’s still looking good in his jacket!
Christine
He wears it every night and now in the day time too I think.. But still climbs onto his sheeps wool mattresses to be covered in duvets at night! c
I have a 70 gallon Rubbermaid water trough like yours. You can get a heater that screws into the hole at the bottom of the trough. It keeps the water nice and warm. Mine has worked faithfully for years. My horse used to grab my floating heater and throw it onto the ground. Maybe your critters aren’t as naughty as mine! I also have a donkey, dogs, and chickens. My Rhode Island Red is named Scarlett, too! I love learning farmy tips from you. Happy travels!
Melanie thank you for the tip, the other problem with the floating one is when the water gets low and with a milking cow that is OFTEN! What is the screw-in heater called? I shall look for one.. c
Celi, Look at http://www.alliedprecision.com for their Fall and Winter catalog. The red floating heater is on the cover. Then look under De-Icers. I have the Drain Plug De-Icer for Rubbermaid tanks. It has the “butterfly” heating element seen in picture “A” on page 10. Get the one for the hole size of your tank. It’s thermostatically controlled and it shuts off if the water gets too low. They have a lot of heaters to choose from. Look at the piggie picture on page 12! I bought my heater from my local feed store in 2005 and it has survived every winter with 100 inches of snow. If you can’t buy directly from Allied Precision, http://www.valleyvet.com has it – item #20096. I love reading your blog – it warms my heart! Cheers, Melanie
Thank you Melanie that is brilliant, I shall order one today, John can put it in when it arrives if I am gone already! Thank you.. I need something for the pigsty too though they do get at least a gallon of warm milk each day they need water too.. c
Those little stinkers.. I’m looking forward to your grand adventure, c!
Just ten more days? How exciting! I’m really looking forward to the hearing your voice from your home element! Does your accent get stronger? 🙂 I would never have considered the need for storm drills, but of course animal safety would be incredibly precarious in a blizzard. I know all of your advance planning will give you such peace of mind during your grand adventure! oxo
Poor animals – that must really have confused them 🙂
You are indeed Head Mistress of The Farmy – with all the responsibilities that implies. It has been years since we lived on the Prairies, and I forget how cruelly cold it can be. I am packing my valise – ready and eager to begin the journey with you. With great affection Virginia
You are a good Mum to all your little furry and wooly friends C. It’s so good that you teach your folk to take care of them while you are away. We have been spared with the cold for now, today is quite lovely with the beautiful sun shining again. I will be thinking sunny thoughts for your peep on the Farmy while you are gone.
A storm drill! I imagine that was quite a time. But a great idea – it will make you and everyone feel calmer while you are away, in case of a storm!
Now who would have thought,
to hug a pig,
a pig is a big lot love,
so to reach one’s arms around a l pig,
would leave you with way lots more to love!
Happy Hug a Pig Day!!
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com
Fascinating.
Looking forward to your trip to NZ too, lovely and warm today 24c, bring your shorts/shirt sis
Your barn reminds me so much of Charlotte’s Web. They should have made the movie at your place, not outside of Melbourne xx