It’s a good idea to walk your property to check for repairs that are needed before the weather changes too drastically. Nobody wants to have an emergency to deal with when the temperatures dip below freezing, or there are several feet of snow on the ground.
Not sure where to start? It’s best to begin with a checklist of things to do, keeping track of your progress and updating as you go along and things change.
The Barn
Complete any repairs that are needed on the exterior of the barn, such as roof leaks and structural damage. Be sure to insulate the attic areas as well as pipes that come inside the barn. For heated areas, cover windows with plastic on the inside, as well as caulk around the windows and doors.
It’s a good idea to have electrical wiring and lighting inspected by a professional. Mice and other rodents love to come inside when the weather gets cold and they can chew right through electrical wires. It’s probably not a bad idea to invest in a barn cat or two to help eliminate the rodent problem.
How is your lighting? Be sure that the lighting is sufficient enough for you to be able to see during the long, dark winter months. If you have livestock you will need to be able to check for wounds or injuries that may occur, and adequate lighting is a must.
The last thing you want is frozen water pipes, so it’s a good idea to let the faucets in your barn drip water throughout the winter.
Out and About the Barn
Walk your property fence line and look for any repairs that may be needed. Check for nails that might need replacing or any other safety hazards that may injure a horse or other livestock. Test your gates to make sure they close properly, oil gate hinges and check for loose gate posts.
Do an inspection of your water trough and be sure it is in proper working order. Check your automatic heaters if you use them; the last thing you want is a short in the wintertime that will cause an electrical shock to the water. Any lines that are not being used should be turned off and any piping that is above ground should be insulated.
Tools and Other Equipment
Now is a good time to lube your tractor’s engine and check the fuel and antifreeze levels. Be sure to have tire chains available if you tend to need them for icy and slippery conditions.
Take stock of your snow shovels, plows and any other snow removal tools. Finding you need them in the middle of a snowstorm is not going to be helpful. Keep a bucket of sand, salt or cat litter close to walkways and other areas that tend to freeze, thaw and refreeze. This way it’s easy to toss on the icy spots as soon as it’s needed.
Be sure your fire extinguishers and smoke alarms are in working order, clean any garbage out of the stable area if necessary, and store flammable containers in a secure area away from the barn.
Don’t Forget the Animals
If you have cats or dogs that live in your barn, be sure to create a warm sleeping area for them. If you have horses or smaller livestock who spend their time outside, it’s a good idea to stock up on warm blankets. If at all possible, keep a supply of veterinary medicine on hand in the event of weather that may keep you from reaching your veterinarian.
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