When the leaves are down and the mornings start to bite, our crew shifts into winter-prep mode. With more than 130 animals across 14 species, getting ready for a Wisconsin winter is a big job. Some of our animals were practically made for snow. Others, well, didn't exactly evolve with Wisconsin in mind. Here's a peek at what goes into it.
Hay, hay and more hay
Once the pastures go dormant, hay becomes the main course for a lot of our animals. Alpacas, Taz the llama, goats, sheep, cattle and donkeys all depend on good quality hay to get through the winter. Digesting hay actually helps grazing animals stay warm, too, since their digestive systems generate heat as they work. So a full belly really is a warm belly.
Water that stays water
Fresh, drinkable water is just as important in winter as it is in summer, and when temperatures drop below freezing, keeping it from turning into a block of ice takes constant attention. Animals that don't drink enough in winter can get into trouble fast, so this is something our crew watches closely every day.
Built-in winter coats
Lots of our animals come equipped for the cold:
- Alpacas and our llama, Taz, have dense fleece that's grown back since spring shearing. Alpaca fiber is famously warm, which is exactly why it makes such great socks.
- Mini Highland cattle grow a thick, shaggy double coat. They were bred in the Scottish Highlands, so snow doesn't faze them one bit.
- Valais Blacknose sheep come from the Swiss Alps and are no strangers to cold mountain weather.
- English Angora bunnies are basically walking clouds of insulation.
Extra care for the warm-weather crowd
Not everyone on the farm is a snow lover. Our kangaroos and porcupines come from much warmer parts of the world, so they need extra attention and protection when it gets cold. Every animal on the farm has shelter, but our crew pays especially close attention to these guys when the temperatures drop.
Clean, dry and comfy
Being clean and dry is a big part of staying warm. Our crew picks up after the animals multiple times a day, all year long, and in winter that also helps keep bedding drier and shelters healthier. It's one of the reasons people tell us we're the cleanest farm they've ever visited.
Yes, we're open all winter
We're open 10am to 4pm, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and tours run rain, shine or snow. Winter is a magical time to visit. Picture a Highland cow with snow on her bangs. Yeah. Bundle up, wear warm boots, and come see how everyone handles the cold.
Check out our farm tours and plan a winter visit. We'll keep the animals cozy. You just bring your mittens.
