And so it got colder. Cows always do the best in the cold. They carry a belly full of hay that behaves like a compost heap a hot compost heap. A healthy cow is warmed from the inside.
Unlike my white truck that was encased in ice yesterday morning and I could not even open the door. John had to pry the door open for me with a screw driver. In fact every door I encountered yesterday morning was frozen shut, I had to get an axe to bash the brick away from the chook house door, and shake and kick the barn doors until the ice relaeased them. In a blowing glacial wind this is not as much fun as it sounds.
But we got everything open and on the straight and narrow.
Pigs have less ability to regulate their own temperatures than the cows so my pigs have trained me to cover them up on the cold nights. I finished the chores last night and as dark fell I went in to help Sheila with her bed but she was behind schedule and still at the raking UP stage. To do this she paws at the ground like a bull pulling the straw up and up until she has a bed as high as a top bunk.
She told me quite clearly that it was going to be a cold night but she was not quite ready for the covers so I left her to it and went in to the kunekune pen. Earlier I had pulled all their fluffy straw up into one space and they had burrowed straight into the mountain of straw so all I could see was their bottoms. Listening to their little sighs of pleasure I covered their whole bodies up with straw. Tima seldom lets me cover her up whereas Tane literally relaxes down into his bed when he sees me coming at this time of night. Last night both stayed still while I pulled up their covers. When I was finished all you could see were the two little air holes. The straw rose and fell with their breaths.
Once I was done Sheila called me over with a grunt as she lowered her vast tired body into her newly made bed. The twins popped in and out as I covered her up. But she still refuses to let them sleep with her. One day I must record the conversations we have. Sheila mimics the sounds I make. Good night. Good night.
The twins are young – like Poppy they have no interest in a good bed. Though I had made theirs for them earlier – all they needed to do was wriggle down into it.
All the animals, cows and pigs, still have access to the outside. Yesterday they chose to stay inside. I just realised that I have seven cows and seven pigs. Good luck that is, I think!
Ton elected to stay in the house while Boo and I did the chores in the cold yesterday afternoon. I had to carry buckets and buckets of water across to the cows on the West side. (I have a logistical problem with the heating of their water when things freeze – that entire barn has only one power point – on the wrong side – it’s ok – I am thinking of an answer and in the meantime my arms need the exercise of carrying buckets.) But it was taking too long for TonTon. Even when I said they could ride in the cab due to the cold – BooBoo jumped in the truck – TonTon stayed in his pod on the verandah. Later I brought him inside – usually he does not like to be inside.
Boo cannot let me out of his sight though. He is wherever I am.
Last night we dipped down to around 4F (-15) but that’s ok it is winter.
Good morning.
I hope you have a lovely day.
celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
67 responses to “Tucking in the piggies”
I admire you so much… you are so good to know the habits and desires of each of your animals and birds, and how to best care for them. You and Boo are quite dedicated to the ones you love. 🙂
I loved every word and every photo here. Tucking in everyone at night preparing for the cold makes my heart warm.. I would not want to be going out to work at 3:30 a.m. though. We need that deep cold. We haven’t seen it here in way too long and so we have massive bug infestations in the summer. Cold has it’s purpose but I’m happy all the animals are toasty and warm. I can see Boo would freeze his tush off to keep an eye on you. I had a little dog like that. We called her Velcro though it wasn’t her name. 🙂 I hope you have a slightly warmer wonderful day.
I always thought it was the cow’s size that kept them warm – will need to explain the compost idea to the family next time we pass the farm. I’m amazed that the straw can keep the pigs warm. And what a good dog, is Boo!
Yes their size is a big part of it too (and why sheila stays so warm) . When it is due to get very cold we are advised to give the cows extra grass hay that is harder to digest, to extend the warming ruminations. c –
Always knew there was something missing in my life. The new routine and diet begin tomorrow! Hay for breakfast, lunch and dinner and a bale of straw for my bed. 😆 It might thaw out my metal hip. Stay warm Miss C, I look forward to the audio instalment of piggy bedtime story!
have a good warm day- such lucky animals to have you to tuck them in! And Boo is such a good vigilant dog- he does need a bigger coat doesn’t he!
The kunes are wise wee pigs.
Oh that sweet Boo! Looking forward to hearing the conversation between you and Sheila’s “Nighty-nights.”
I love Boo in his coat! We had to get our dog a coat, even though she’s a GERMAN Shorthaired Pointer, you know, I’d figure as a German breed she’d be cold hardy, but nope, she just doesn’t like the cold.
Cold here, starting to snow about a half hour ago. The space heaters are on full blast and it’s still only 50F in the house so wrapped in blankets and heading back to bed to stay warm. I don’t like the cold, don’t handle it well and it makes everything miserably uncomfortable. BRRRRRR!!!!!!!! Stay warm everyone.
Ooh that’s cold! My pups like to sleep with a blanket over them, including their heads 🙂
I wonder if Sheila is missing Poppy and that is why she is not quite on cue/running late recently.
Boo in his Super Dog cape (and Super nose marks on the windows)
I can tell Boo is always with you by the amount of dog-snot on the passenger window! Too funny how a small thing like that speaks volumes 🙂
Dog Snot!! c
You are so good to your four legged friends. I love Boo.
I wonder if a pig would tolerate a horse or a dog blanket / coat? Just for when they’re running around a frozen pasture. I’m guessing they’d scratch it off at night probably. Cute photos of the “pigs in a hay blanket.” Love them!
Tane is covered is quite long hair – like a collie really and i am sure Tima would kick up a fuss if I tried to put her in a coat – they do well in their beds.. Tane was quite sprightly this morning! c
Is anyone watching Downton Abbey? Yesterday’s installment featured pigs that looked like yours, Celi! And you have taught this city girl so much about things un-city. And everything you do makes so much SENSE!!! Much love all ’round, Gayle, who couldn’t write for about two weeks, boo-hoo.