As you’ve noticed, it keeps on snowing. It’s like we’re in a fairytale with an evil King who won’t allow the seasons to change. We’re New Englanders. We’re used to challenging winter weather. But this is record-breaking snowfall and although we like to think of ourselves as stoic – we pride ourselves on our fortitude in the face of adversity – this is a bit much, even for us.
Here I am heading out to check on the animals. It is 2 pm. Steve snapped this photo from inside of the mudroom door. Just so you know, although he often, very kindly, does the barn chores first thing in the morning, I also do them in this weather!
There’s a reason that I had a barn built – not a little prefab coop the size and height of a rabbit hutch (that I’ve railed against in numerous posts.) On a day like this I’m oh so grateful for an indoor area that has storage for tools and the chicken feed.
The hens are grateful for the light and the space. It’s a winter like this that confirms that my criteria for chicken coop design of a minimum of 4 square feed per hen of inside space is not excessive. My chickens are active and despite the lack of outside time, there aren’t any pecking order issues.
In fact, the Girls are content enough to be laying.
The biggest challenge so far has been what to do with the manure.
The manure pile is out back, beyond those two trees.
I am not about to trudge out through snow up past my waist. I have an alternate manure pile in the goats’ paddock, and a short path will be shoveled out to that tomorrow.
My family doesn’t ski, and the snow is too deep to take the dogs for walks in the woods, so none of us are particularly enjoying this bounty of snow. For now we are all staying safe and cozy indoors. Even Tonka is dry and well-cared for at his stable a half-hour away. There is, however, one amongst us who is having the best winter, ever.
I love all of the pictures! We have the opposite of snow here in the PNW..56+ degrees and steady rain, day after day, I did prune one apple tree yesterday and the sun was out for awhile….but we have had mud season for 3 months, I don’t know which is better….for now we all just deal with it….take care,
I would take snow over mud, but, unfortunately, we will have the latter when this melts.
Do you have snowshoes? I’ve been forced to fill my birdfeeders using them, the snow is too deep!
I have snowshoes, but breaking trail is too difficult for my hips. I’ll have to wait for others to pack it down before I get out.
Is it irksome to hear “It looks beautiful” ?
Sorry. We would love some bit of winter to come our way in Southern California.
Courage~
It is beautiful, and despite the grumping, I do appreciate it! Snow changes in the light hourly.
I have to honestly say I’m speechless every time I see more photos. I cannot even imagine.
I like you would not be enjoying it either. Here no snow at all this winter and that is absolutely fine by me.
Terry keep railing on those prefab coops. They are god awful.
I did see you “pooper scooping.” Love the pic of Phoebe!
Winter in New England can be very challenging. But it is very beautiful. Thank you for sharing these wonderful pictures.
Terry, did you see my last message on previous blog, wondered if they would be any good ??
Although for Vermont, living in the mountain areas the snow is not unusual, these constant below zero temps are exhausting. And, I have run out of places to put the soiled coop bedding. I’ve filled a wheel barrow, and two large garbage cans – with no way to pull/walk them down to the manure pile in the woods. I have to say to myself every morning – my last winter here… my last winter here. It’s been in the 50s and 60s in the North Carolina mountains. I can’t move soon enough!!!
Mother Nature is giving you quite a send-off!
Phoebe is so adorable, I just want to hug her fluffy little self.
Phoebe would tell you to look and not touch :)
I just love her!
Terry, the amount of snow your area is receiving is truly amazing. It’s hibernation weather for scooter ;) Question, somewhere under all that snow is your Little Pond. Is it frozen solid? Is the Beast and her minions alive under there?
The snow is actually a good insulator. The pump is still working and the water is still flowing under there!
Oh how I wish I had that much snow- well, on second thought, maybe half of it! It’s so beautiful. At least you can sit by the fireplace and read, even if you don’t get out much. Good thing for your spacious chicken coop :)
Terry, Phoebe is the size of a small pony!
How are the chickens doing at the Senior Center with all this snow? Phoebe looks likes she would like to break out!! What could she be thinking?
Your hens look very cosy in their barn. I really hope spring come soon for you.
Think in 6 months time we will be complaining its far to hot and dry!!! On a serious note do you have mains gas as well as electric and do you use generator and wood burners for backup ??? Mind your backs with all that shovelling :)
I know where our winter went! Do be careful keeping your paths clear to the buildings.
I think it’s hilarious Phoebe is enjoying the snowy trails :)
Yes, that’s it… winter is lost and needs to go back to Kansas. I’ll have a word with Old Man Winter :)
Yes your Phoebe sure is loving the weather. I have been watching on the cam. Stay safe up there. I hope it lets up soon!
I don’t know how you keep going in these conditions (although you have to of course), it’s so good that you have the type of barns that you do. I hope things get better for you soon.
Pip and Caper enjoying their branches in the sunshine. Boston is in the news in uk, hope the weather doe’s not come in as bad again as they are saying. Have put a card in post today, hope it gets to you ( probably at least a week or two ). As always keep safe and warm. :)