Preparing Livestock for Winter: Get Your Animals Ready for the Cold

Chicken on frosty ground. Learn to take care of your livestock during winter by reading Preparing Livestock for Winter Winter in North Texas can sneak up on us. One day it’s mild, and the next we’re bundling up against a hard freeze. Cold snaps are tough on your animals, so a little prep now keeps them healthy and comfortable all season long.

At Berend Bros., we’ve helped ranchers and families across Windthorst, Wichita Falls, Bowie, and Olney get ready for winter for years. Here’s where to start:

Beef Cattle

  • Boost their energy with quality beef cattle feed and custom feed mixes.
  • Keep plenty of hay on hand to help them stay warm.
  • Break ice on troughs so they always have fresh water.
  • Stock up on animal health products like wormers and wound spray.

Horses

  • Add calories with good horse feed as the temperatures drop.
  • Provide a windbreak or shelter from cold, wet weather.
  • Check water often and keep it from freezing over.
  • Keep wound spray and basic health supplies close by.

Backyard Chickens

  • Switch to quality poultry feed and add supplements for extra support.
  • Block drafts in the coop, but leave room for airflow.
  • Set out fresh water daily and watch for ice.
  • Add dry bedding to keep your flock cozy and warm.

A little planning now goes a long way once the cold sets in. Stop by any Berend Bros. location, and our friendly team will help you get your animals winter-ready. We’d love to see you soon!