Embracing Winter's Embrace: A Vermont Farm's Tale of Snow, Chickens, and Cold-Weather Wisdom
"Hey guys, hi! How's it going?" The cheerful greeting, accompanied by the familiar presence of Abby and Toby, marked the beginning of another farm update. A week had elapsed since the last video, a week that had transformed the landscape into a winter wonderland. "I'm pretty sure we've received over a foot," the speaker declared, estimating a snow depth of nearly 18 inches. This was cause for celebration, a return to the quintessential Vermont winter, a landscape the farm was specifically designed to embrace.
The core principle guiding the farm's design was winter resilience, particularly evident in the selection of chicken breeds. "Come on, let's go inside," the speaker beckoned, leading the way into the high tunnel hoop coop greenhouse, the shared living space for ducks, geese, and chickens. A minor hiccup was revealed: the chickens' mobile coop door had been acting up, occasionally getting stuck.
"Rise and grind, chickens!" The speaker's call to action roused the diverse flock. A point of pride was the farm's varied chicken population, a deliberate choice to observe breed-specific traits and, in cases of self-bred chickens, to promote characteristics suited for both free-ranging summers and harsh Vermont winters. Over the years, the farm had hosted an impressive 52 different chicken breeds, providing a wealth of experience in determining cold-weather suitability.
"So for example," the speaker began, highlighting the prevalence of black chickens, primarily Ostrorps or Ostrorp crosses. Rhode Island Red and Bard Rock genetics were also well-represented. A touch of "fancy" was added with Pingu, an Araucana. The Crevecoeur breed, while present in Barbara (a long-time resident since the summer of 2020), was generally not recommended for colder climates. This caveat underscored a crucial point: the speaker's advice was based on general observations, not absolutes. Success could be achieved even with breeds typically considered less hardy.
"Release the quacken!" The call signaled the ducks' eagerness to venture out. The speaker drew attention to the towering snowdrifts accumulating against the hoop coop, some reaching the height of the sidewalls. Toby, meanwhile, diligently re-marked his territory in the fresh inch of powder, a nightly ritual. The birds, however, preferred the warmth of the indoors, anticipating their morning meal.
"Oh, okay, you guys, here's your food!" The ensuing feeding frenzy was a chaotic spectacle, a brief but entertaining interlude. All the birds, chickens, ducks, and geese, shared the same basic chicken layer crumble, a 16% protein mix with added calcium for strong shells. While a perfectly balanced diet tailored to each species would be ideal, the logistical and financial realities of managing three separate flocks outweighed the marginal nutritional benefits. A single, efficient feed for all was the pragmatic solution.
A heartwarming moment highlighted Bean, a blind duck, who navigated her way to the food by sound, a testament to the flock's communal harmony.
A practical matter then took center stage: a leaky hose, finally succumbing to the elements after a prolonged period of "riding it out." The speaker, a proponent of custom-made hoses for both cost-effectiveness and tailored lengths, embarked on the task of creating a replacement. Purchasing 100-foot hoses and cutting them to precise measurements, rather than relying on pre-cut lengths, was the preferred method.
"What do you think, Jenny, is this enough hose?" The speaker, eschewing precise measurements, opted for an eyeball estimate. A specialized tool for cutting poly pipe ensured a clean, straight edge. Hose connectors, both male and female, were essential components. The process of attaching the connectors involved softening the hose end with a torch for easier insertion of the metal fitting. This task, typically straightforward, was made more challenging by the frigid 8-degree Fahrenheit temperature. The connector was secured with a Phillips head screw, ensuring even pressure on both sides to prevent leaks.
"And so there you have it," the speaker announced, presenting a brand new, perfectly sized hose, crafted in under five minutes for less than five dollars. The maiden voyage was a success, with a leak-free connection. The speaker confessed to a personal struggle with seemingly simple, routine-disrupting tasks, a challenge potentially linked to ADHD.
The conversation then returned to chicken breeds and cold-weather suitability. The size of a chicken's comb, the fleshy red skin on its head, was a key factor. Smaller combs minimized the risk of frostbite, a common concern in cold climates. Breeds with rose or bud combs, characterized by large, prominent skin, were generally avoided. Hens with smaller combs were relatively easy to find, but roosters posed a greater challenge. Even Beetlejuice, the farm's new rooster, sported a touch of frostbite on his comb.
With the water troughs refilled, the hose was disconnected and drained, a preventative measure against freezing. Kitchen scraps, a favorite treat for the birds, were distributed.
"At a time when eggs are the most expensive they have ever been in the history of the United States of America," the speaker noted with wry humor, the farm's egg strike had finally ended. The birds were laying again, albeit in small numbers. Four eggs had been collected that morning, a welcome sight after a five-week drought. A ceramic egg served as a visual guide for first-time layers, one of whom had recently deposited a still-warm egg. Plans were underway to upgrade the chicken coop with a new rollaway nesting box.
For those struggling with egg production, the speaker offered a two-pronged approach. Daylight, the primary driver of egg laying, was increasing by approximately 75 minutes in February, naturally stimulating activity after the winter lull. Supplementing the birds' diet with insect proteins, such as soldier fly larvae or mealworms, was another potentially effective strategy, though its scientific validity remained unproven. This protein boost was particularly beneficial during the bug-scarce winter months.
"Come here, chickens, got some feed for you!" The insect protein was a hit, particularly with the ducks, though the chickens often outcompeted them. Abby, caught with a guilty look, had apparently indulged in some leftover spicy mayo from the scrap bowl, a minor transgression easily forgiven. The dogs were typically kept separate during scrap feeding to prevent theft.
The "weird chicken" area, housing a mixed flock, presented its own set of challenges. The snow accumulation made door operation difficult, and the birds were reluctant to venture outside in the cold. The speaker highlighted the contrasting cold-weather performance of different breeds within this group. Black Cochins, like Carmen, with their small combs and abundant feathering, thrived in the cold but were prone to broodiness. New Hampshire Reds, like Captain Janeway, were also excellent cold-weather layers. Silkies, however, with their hair-like plumage, were fragile and susceptible to the cold, requiring extra care and protection.
"Okay, back with your family, good job, girl!" The speaker gently guided a wandering Silkie back to her flock.
The majestic Pablo Barn Cat, perched atop a mountain of goat food, received a friendly greeting, albeit with a playful warning about his occasional nipping tendencies. The goats, meanwhile, were being fed indoors.
"Good morning, boys! How's it going?" The goats eagerly awaited their hay, accompanied by the usual warning to Abby to maintain a respectful distance from the headbutting Lauren. The dogs' sudden alertness was attributed to passing neighbors, a reminder of their dual roles as both playful companions and vigilant protectors.
The importance of security, particularly against predators like weasels, foxes, and coyotes, was emphasized. The farm relied on its two Maremma Sheepdogs, Toby and Abby, for this crucial task. The speaker cautioned against both over- and under-researching breeds when starting with animals, advocating for those suited to the specific climate and setting. In their cold Vermont environment, breeds like Maremma Sheepdogs for dogs and Scottish Highlands and Charolais for cattle were ideal. The Charolais, sourced from a local farm with 30 years of experience in raising them outdoors year-round, were particularly well-adapted.
"Out of the way, Astred!" The speaker moved to clear the cattle's water trough. Investing in hardy breeds, the speaker concluded, minimized the challenges of raising livestock in a harsh climate.
The pregnant Annabelle was admired, her impending calving a source of excitement. The speaker's growing confidence in recognizing the signs of pregnancy in cattle was noted. Belinda Carlile, the farm's first-ever calf, was a potential candidate for the first birth of the season, along with Bonnie McMurray.
"And I really appreciate you guys stopping by today," the speaker concluded, expressing hope that the advice shared had been helpful. Viewers were directed to another video for further viewing.