Here in Southeast Texas, cold snaps can come fast and without much warning. Our animals aren’t built for long winters, so those first freezes can be harder on them than steady cold in northern climates. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping everyone comfortable, healthy, and stress-free.
At Tatum Ranch & Gundogs, our animals are part of our daily life, not just livestock. This is the same checklist we walk through before every first freeze on our own property.
🐐 Livestock & Farm Animals
Before temperatures drop, we always do a full walk-through of shelters.
- Check for drafts and add fresh, dry bedding. Straw or shavings help trap warmth and keep animals off cold ground.
- Make sure every animal has access to a dry, wind-blocked shelter overnight.
- Increase hay slightly. The natural heat created during digestion helps animals stay warm.
- Check water sources morning and evening. Cold weather dehydrates animals faster than you might expect.
- Secure tarps, panels, and temporary windbreaks so nothing flaps, collapses, or spooks animals during the night.
🐓 Chickens & Poultry
Poultry generally handle cold better than wind and dampness.
- Close coops at dusk to block wind, but keep ventilation above roost level to prevent moisture buildup.
- Add extra bedding to coop floors for insulation.
- Avoid heat lamps unless absolutely necessary. Fire risk is real.
- Collect eggs early during cold spells. Frozen eggs crack quickly.
🐕 Dogs & Pets
Our dogs work hard and give us everything they’ve got. Cold weather care matters.
- Bring pets indoors when possible or provide insulated, dry shelters out of the wind.
- Add blankets or straw to outdoor dog houses.
- Check paws for dryness or cracking after cold mornings.
- Make sure water bowls stay unfrozen and clean.
🐖 Pigs
Pigs feel the cold more than many people realize.
- Deep bedding is essential. Straw is our go-to.
- Block wind in huts and shelters.
- Check water often. Buckets freeze, tip, and empty fast in cold weather.
🚫 What We Avoid
- We don’t assume Texas winters are “mild.” Sudden freezes are often harder on animals than consistent cold.
- We never leave animals wet going into the night.
🤍 A Little Prep Goes a Long Way
A few intentional steps before the first freeze can prevent stress, illness, and unnecessary loss. Healthy animals now mean a stronger, happier ranch moving into spring.
If you ever have questions or just want to compare notes, we’re always happy to help fellow animal owners.
Tatum Ranch & Gundogs
Liberty, Texas 🐾
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