The nights are getting colder and the freezes have changed the outdoors into their usual Fall colors. This morning, on the way in to work, I stopped to let a flock (rafter, brood) of about 30 turkeys slowly cross the road. Not an attractive bird, but very interesting. The crops are coming out, and there are less hiding places for animals so consequently they are on the move. Deer especially are constantly on the go between water and feed sources.
Due to the continuing drought, water for all animals is at a premium. Ponds have all but dried to mud pits and if you have waterers in your lots, animals of all kinds are trying to get to them. It is good sense to always keep water sources clean and in good working order. Before it is time to throw the switch for the water heaters in automatic waterers, open up the waterers to make sure nothing has taken up residence and the wiring is still intact. Scrub out the basins and clear away debris to insure direct access.
If you live in an area where you do not use waterers with built-in heaters, you may still need a de-icer. We carry a great line of water heater products for everything from buckets, bird baths, chicken waterers (I need one too!), small to large ponds, tanks, and more. If you use a fill valve, you may need to have parts replaced due to the heavy volume of use. Keep replacement parts on hand so there isn’t a mad dash to get them.
As you are putting away the water hose for the winter, make sure it is well drained by laying it down a hill or drawing up over a post or tree limb. This will allow water to drain out and not cause the hose to burst as the temps go below freezing. For those that have to fill tanks throughout winter, you may want to consider a heated hose. They have become a real time saver.
The old saying you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink is still true if the water is not worth drinking! Keep warm, stay safe, and be prepared. Helen
Due to the continuing drought, water for all animals is at a premium. Ponds have all but dried to mud pits and if you have waterers in your lots, animals of all kinds are trying to get to them. It is good sense to always keep water sources clean and in good working order. Before it is time to throw the switch for the water heaters in automatic waterers, open up the waterers to make sure nothing has taken up residence and the wiring is still intact. Scrub out the basins and clear away debris to insure direct access.
If you live in an area where you do not use waterers with built-in heaters, you may still need a de-icer. We carry a great line of water heater products for everything from buckets, bird baths, chicken waterers (I need one too!), small to large ponds, tanks, and more. If you use a fill valve, you may need to have parts replaced due to the heavy volume of use. Keep replacement parts on hand so there isn’t a mad dash to get them.
As you are putting away the water hose for the winter, make sure it is well drained by laying it down a hill or drawing up over a post or tree limb. This will allow water to drain out and not cause the hose to burst as the temps go below freezing. For those that have to fill tanks throughout winter, you may want to consider a heated hose. They have become a real time saver.
The old saying you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink is still true if the water is not worth drinking! Keep warm, stay safe, and be prepared. Helen
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