The HOOP COOPS Are Just TOO COLD!

Winter if finally arriving in southern Missouri and we need to get things ready around the homestead. It's time to prepare!
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Living Traditions Homestead is all about living a simple and sustainable way of life. We believe the world has gotten too “busy” and that people are missing out on many of the true blessings this world has to offer. We started as a small urban homestead in Gilbert, AZ and after the city grew up around us, decided it was time leave corporate America and take a big leap of faith by moving our family to the Missouri Ozarks.
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[@pastorjudysgarden6917]

Loved the “She’s busy decorating.” Gave me a chuckle. 😂

[@sharonyoung8251]

Too funny.

[@laurenf1966]

Great video enjoyed watching....thank you!

[@MagdaRantanplan]

It cracked me up. And then Charlie started eating the decorations. ... Men 🤣

[@camicri4263]

😂😂

[@honestly27]

hahahaha..ME TOO! Laughed out loud at that one!

[@donlussi2424]

We use plexiglass here in NH around the sections that are open on our coop house. This allows light in.

[@phyllisschapiro7894]

That was EXACTLY my first thought!! Maybe they'll get some plexiglass later on, when there is time to get some. It's not a total loss. They can use the plywood pieces for patterns from which to cut the plexiglass. ✌😃

[@strongenoughtobendhomestea3811]

I think plexiglass is a great idea! This is pur 2nd winter using it on our coop!

[@musiclovertje12]

Always did this for my bunnies. So when the sun was shining ther would be some extra warmth

[@Frankie_902]

Excellent idea!!

[@colliecoform4854]

I concur with the Plexiglas or Lean. Will help heat with the sun and block wind and rain/snow. That coop will be way to cold leaving the door open to the elements.

[@laraethompson3248]

For your heat lamps. There’s a device called a Thermocube that is thermostat controlled plug in. It turns the lamp on at 35 degrees and off at 45 degrees. They work great! I have them for my heat lamps and tank heaters. Big energy saver! Especially for the tank heaters!

[@gingerreid8569]

Wow! I had never heard! Thank you! We have to constantly go out and unplug then replug in and hate leaving heat lamps on for long periods of time! Great idea! We are def. checking this out at home depot!!!

[@joannecordone6831]

Oops did not see your comment. I use those also. Best $10 spent.

[@laraethompson3248]

@@gingerreid8569 Yes, they are a game changer! If you don’t find them at Home Depot they have them on Amazon.

[@susannamiscera2401]

Thank you for the tip! I am going to get one of these.

[@elderberryfarmlife4258]

My Husband and I really enjoy the two of you. When I watch you two work together I think of the scripture where the Lord tells Adam, “I will make for you a helpmate”......., Sarah you are a wonderful Helpmate. You guys are a wonderful example of a healthy marriage. God Bless, and thank you for bringing us along.

[@genesisfarmhomestead3031]

Place a piece of plastic with Velcro on the doors and roll them up during the day.

[@kenhart6330]

Great Idea, I was thinking about my Grandfathers way of adding triangular pieces at the sides and staple the plastic to them and make a breather by leaving the bottom open. That way they have light and fresh air. He had them in wooden sheds but it should still work out for you.

[@HomesteadHopefulTara]

I was planning to do that with my greenhouse shelves this spring. I plan to build mini greenhouses by taking metal shelf units and covering the top and sides with plastic and having a rollup door on the front with velcro, just like you described. Will be cheap since I already have the shelves.

[@paulatudor691]

You can also add heat lamps with the big red bulbs. Witt the plastic covering

[@BonnieBlue2A]

@Lynne Dare right. As long as the feet on ducks don’t get frostbite they are good in cold weather. I keep looking at that big barn in the background wondering why they do not just put the ducks in a big stall.

[@dustinpotter8312]

Especially the sticky back stuff and the right type pf plastic!

[@mbmiller1956]

If you have an artist in the family, they could paint whimsical art on the panels! You’d know for sure which piece goes where when bringing them out of storage!

[@NorthnSouthHomestead]

I love that idea! Going to try to remember that for ours. ❤️❤️❤️

[@sfcpower]

Barn quilt patterns?

[@mbmiller1956]

@@sfcpower That would be great!

[@rrbb36]

Very clever idea. 👍

[@floridagirl386]

My kids did that with the hurricane plywood for our windows🥰

[@Yosef_Morrison]

I'm from Kentucky and our kitchens never had trouble with the cold in freezing weather. We always had to carry milk jugs of hot water to change their frozen water, but we lost no chickens even in zero weather and we just had plain old nailed together scrap wood drafty hen houses.

[@evierice2230]

Nice! 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 You are loved, so very much!!! Someone loved you so much, that He died for you!! Yes, you!!! Jesus, the Son of God, God the Son, came, died, was buried and rose on the 3rd day, all for you!!!!! All you have to do is BELIEVE that He is who He says He is and that He did what He says He did and you will be Saved!! Salvation is a free gift from God!!! The Cross was a Triumph, not a Tragedy!!! God knew that we would sin and that none of us could do anything to save ourselves!!! So, Jesus said to send Him!! His blood was sinless, so it covered our fine!!! YOUR FINE IS PAID IN FULL!!!! RUN TO JESUS, JUST AS YOU ARE!! DON'T WAIT!!! TIME IS ALMOST UP!!! BELIEVE!!!!

[@dynamite9143]

I love that you take such good care of your animals and worry about their comfort.

[@PineRidgeHomestead]

They really do. I enjoy watching their videos.

[@TheInquisitiveFarmwife]

Oh my goodness that was hilarious when the pig brought over the hay..... “ She’s busy decorating “ 😂🤣

[@faithevrlasting]

From what I've learned from Justin Rhodes, I thought there should always be a small opening at the top of the back also, to allow a bit of cross ventilation. Air wont move in much without a small opening on the top back. For purposes of keeping odor down, etc.

[@hal7ter]

Speaking of odors, take note of 'deep bedding' - lift the major poop off the top for your compost pile and turn what's left then put more bedding on top.

[@heatherk8931]

KEVIN, a thermostat Relay switch would be great in your pump house, then you won't have to babysit it.

[@dustinpotter8312]

My grandad live 100 miles north of me and never had a problem with his pump house freezing. 4' deep well pit outside with a 2 block deep above ground enclosure. The secret is in the sand. Very insulating.

[@petrhoward]

you can get a automatic heat sensing switch for around 20 bucks from amazon to turn that heat lamp off and on

[@heatherk8931]

I was thinking a thermostat relay to turn on and off as well.

[@Papazipper9436]

In the cold -22 Fahrenheit ,or -30 Celsius in an average Manitoba Canadian winter our chickens survive in these types of shelters , just remember to keep some vent so the moisture they produce and drink does not build to much causing frost bite . Venting is needed in all barn structures like those lattice strip boxes with weather vain set ups on old barns .your American chickens will have a great winter .

[@Jomama02]

I thought you'd just use clear heavy duty plastic or plexiglass so they could still get maximum sunshine especially with the high cost of lumber right now!! I love your positive upbeat attitude about just life in general. Such a nice needed break from all the turmoil going on.

[@hal7ter]

Right - I would not want to live in a dark cave.

[@celestejohnson9227]

I have bantam chickens that refuse to go into the coop and it’s 19 degrees now at 5am. The low tonight will be 12. They prefer to roost in a pinyon tree and do very well. I’m always amazed at how resilient chickens are.

[@dailychaos8741]

Be prepared for a cold winter though. Keep warm and keep those beautiful animals comfy. Love your channel and Merry Christmas

[@onedazinn998]

If you find it's too dark for the birds to keep laying, you can use the clear plastic sheeting/roofing for light - it's surprising good at keeping it warm (we face the coop to the south so the sun warms it) & we unscrew the panels it when warm weather comes back. We're SE Ohio and really cold west winds and snow drifts so the birds stay in the coop unless I put straw on the ground to lure them out.

[@darlajohnson2020]

I love how you make everything neat. It's very satisfying!

[@brendahoffer5534]

You could place straw bales around the outside for insulation. You would only need about 2 high and maybe put the coops close together. Love your videos!

[@onedazinn998]

Last winter we had sub zero weeks & put straw bales against prevailing wind sides - it worked great and gave them a nice perch for outside when we had snow drifts. :)

[@Aprilx2]

"She's busy decorating" 🤣 I love it!

[@terisoto8230]

Just love the hoop coops. Their little homes are so cute. They have it made. I love how you take care of your animals. Thanks, again for sharing your life with us all who enjoy your channel so much. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@singingfrogfarmlouise9693]

Love it that you guys keep it real. All projects and teaching that are doable and practical. Thank you

[@IShallNotBeSilent]

We just closed our coop openings in with greenhouse plastic. We hope to build a hoop coop like yours in spring for our chickens to butcher. Stay warm and be Blessed!

[@missparadise879]

Up here in Massachusetts they do fine with temps below freezing, no heat. We decided not to use heat because of we lose power long enough they won't be acclimated to the cold and will shock them. Love how much you care about them ❤️

[@johnchaffin5494]

I can still remember having to dig our way out the front door when I was younger and lived in Southern MO. We used pots to scoop the snow and set it on the stove then pour in sink till we got far enough out to see daylight.

[@heatherstephen9071]

you guys shoulda used a thick mil poly like your greenhouse to cover those ends. Still get lots of light!

[@GutenGardening]

Nice hoop coops! Great protection for your flock over the winter. It has been a great Gardener's Fall! So grateful for the milder weather which allowed us to a little more growing time outdoors. The Fall garden is still giving us produce and the hoop and plastic row coverings helped a great deal... but winter is coming. Love the pigs! They will be happy with some shelter for winter. We have several of those clip on lamps, so handy. Thanks for sharing.

[@tanapittsford5067]

I'm in Indiana and I use 4mm clear plastic. That way the hens get plenty of light, and the six inches above the door stays uncovered. That way they still get plenty of ventilation.

[@abigailhumes4608]

I love how compassionate you are with all your animals. We were raised with the same values

[@therobertsfamily2011]

I love the chemistry and partnership between you two. That's what marriage is all about.

[@rickboggs4828]

I like your pretty red barn in the background

[@lechatbotte.]

I wrapped mine in tarps, I need to rebuild the one I have is three years old and needs updating lol, this came along just in time

[@margaretbedwell58]

Everyone nice and snug for the winter. Your breeder pigs are so pretty. The chickens will enjoy their new digs too. Y'all have a Blessed day.

[@tinahoward5931]

You two make an amazing team! Together y’all can defeat the world!!❤️ Much love from the coal camps of eastern Kentucky!

[@tinahoward5931]

@Wolf Andrew I guess it’s like many other states but MUCH cheaper to live here. For an extremely nice home with around 100 acres will cost 1/10 of what it would cost in many other states. Our main source of income is the coal mines. It’s also considered one of the poorest areas in the country. It’s not uncommon for someone to not have running water in their homes. I just bought a 3 Br 3 bath + fireplace that had never had a fire in it & 5 other rooms with a wraparound 12 ft deck on 1.6 acres and the closest neighbor is 1/4 mile away. The man that originally bought this home had $250,000 insurance on it not including the contents. If I told you what I paid for it, you’d probably pass out!

[@chris3m98]

@@tinahoward5931 Wondering cheaper or more than $250,000???

[@grammyspieface1]

She can't wait to get busy makng it her own, myrtle..You guys take such good care of your animal..!

[@lizetteroussel8831]

My oh my what an excellent example of the vocation of marriage! How nice to see team work at its best! Thanks for bringing us along!! Home made hot chocolate must be great in front the fire! Happy cuddling!

[@MetaMorphea]

Would think clear plastic would keep the wind out and provide light for them. A thick sturdy type should last all winter.

[@toniahand6251]

Heavy clear plastic sold by the yard with different thickness is only about $3.00 a yard at various stores. You are right - good comment!

[@bjski4557]

I agree. I have a hoop house in Wisconsin. I covered with plastic for the entire unit. After a couple of years when the plastic needed replacing, I used plexiglass on the front so the chickens could have light.

[@marjorielewis645]

Very expensive solution.

[@keralee]

@@bjski4557 ditto. Also in Wisconsin. Regularly adding heaps of dry leaves cozies it up considerably. Only néeded extra heat a few of coldest nights when was below 0F. Insul board on ends with some more plastic and lumber, vents. A second smaller shelter inside the plastic-ed hoop coop is idea, they will huddle up for warmth in smaller area if it gets really cold. Be sure to take plastic off in spring or they will bake.

[@noahbailey4767]

You all have the most BEAUTIFUL Farm

[@frodrickfronkensteen9241]

When things are sower... roll with it. Ya'll be happy. Bad days make the good one's worth it. Good video. Learned for our next season. Second thought (edit): my folks were born/grew up in the Ozarks, just North of Springfield. Lost Dad in 2019, but I recall him saying (and mom verified)... they experienced a foot+ of snow in winter when they were kids (I actually remember playing at the grands in the mid 70s in a half foot or more). Point being... be prepared for MUCH more harsher MO winters. Ya'll be happy... Be thankful for family and each other. Such great videos!

[@lindalee601]

Everybody's toasty warm now! I loved watching you guys tuck in your animals for the winter cold. I commend you for the great care you provide for them. Great seeing your smiles today. Hope you had a nice Thanksgiving. God bless. 🙏🏻💗😊🌻

[@aleshiasterland460]

Love how you show respect and love for your pigs. Decorating her house... you made me laugh!!!!! All cozy for the wintertime!!!!

[@timothyflanagan3641]

I put cinder blocks all around the base of my hoop coops to keep predators from digging under the coop.Coops look great.!

[@veragamsky1734]

I noticed so many commenting on how your egg production will go down due to the dark coop. I think they forgot that you said they will be out roaming unless it is a nasty day. My parents had a huge chicken coop. Way to big and way to cold. We live not to far from where you lived in Wis. Had to collect eggs more than a couple of times a day and the chickens combs would partially get frost bite but they survived. Winters were much colder back in those days. . Before you were born. Have a wonderful day. I really look forward to your videos.

[@tonimitchell9930]

Kevin, they make a thing called a thermocube. You plug it into your outlet and then plug in your heat lamp, or whatever and it will come on when the temperature gets down close to freezing and then go off when it gets above a certain degree. Really handy so you don't forget to turn on the lamp

[@MarkH10]

My favorite homestead insulator is a stack of bale rectangles. Throw those across the back of the chicken coops, and plastic sheet the door and front panels, and if a warm snap like last week at 70 degrees comes, simply pull off the top 3 layers on the back side and the chickens get good light. Forecast says 10pm cold front dropping 40 degrees, fine, go back and restack them and the birds are toasty. It is fantastic insulation and totally temporary and responsive for you. For heat it is the same. I am searching for land in the desert, and the first thing I want out there is a truckload of straw bales. They stack ans shade the south exposure when the sun is beatng in 111, and they move to the north, and cut the wind when it reaches -20 wind chills, and the southern exposure soaks up what little sun there is.

[@Uncle_B_-Rad]

Just a “Red Neck” idea... drape a garden hose over the coop against the plywood before tracing and that should give oversized edge. This might come in handy if you need to add insulation later on for temperature control. Obviously, remove the garden hose. It’s only to give you an 5/8” width or whatever size garden hose you use. Great video!!

[@katmacie2369]

Here in VT we keep them open in the winter, Birds build up down feathers to stay warm and do great. No reason to close them in as long as they have protection from the wind. Even my friend in Alaska that raises chickens keeps an open air coop with some wind protection. They adapt really well as the weather changes.

[@John_Malloy]

Exactly. Chickens are open air creatures and they are hyper sensitive to air quality. I'm in New England as well and I keep an open front on all my coops.

[@katmacie2369]

@@John_Malloy Its much much healthier for them. Closing them up like this is just asking for respiratory illness and other issues. Just like adding heat to a coop, not recommended at all for standard chickens. 1 power outage and you lose your entire flock as they are not acclimated to the cold.

[@simplyblessedacres6650]

Exactly! I lived in Wisconsin most my life and I never closed up my chickens. And NO heat lamps...you lose power your birds will die! My chickens and ducks were outside all winter with shelters for night. Exception...muskovy...they have to be kept off the snow and ice or their feet will freeze. Just had to make sure they had lots of straw bedding in their pens. I now live in southern Missouri as well and I am doing nothing different from what I did in northern Wisconsin.

[@FLPhotoCatcher]

@@John_Malloy We raise chickens here in TN, and have two chicken coops that they roost in at night, and they are basically totally enclosed overnight until someone lets them out in the morning. We don't seem to get sick chickens. Their coops have more air flow than our coops, so there should be no problem with air quality. It may not be necessary though, and I wonder about reduced light causing the chickens to not lay eggs.

[@John_Malloy]

@@FLPhotoCatcher Chickens seem to get by no matter what you do with them but they are not rabbits so it makes sense to me that they should not be housed like rabbits. I think if you built an open air coop to compare with your other coop you might see a difference. There has always been some controversy over this because it seems counter intuitive especially in extreme weather. I would refer you to a book called "Fresh-Air Poultry Houses." It was published in 1924 and is sold now as a reprint. It has some nice examples of open air coop designs and some discussion of chicken biology. Many of the large scale chicken breeders from that time believed these designs worked best.

[@heatherk8931]

Sarah, I was thinking about when I was younger (30s), I would bundle up and work outside, it was invigorating. Thinking to do that again 30 yrs later to get the energy flowing!

[@lynnclark4208]

I LOVE that the pigs looove being scratched and petted. They seem to enjoy being talked to. Don't forget to update us on Hope and the babies! You have treated your animals so sweet and they in turn seem so sweet.

[@sandybarnes8355]

Kevin They have a plug that you plug into that turns turns on automaticaly at a certain temperature. They are not expensive. around $15.00. I used them in my pump house with a little cermic heater. Just place heater in house and set temperatureon heater and the heater will come on when the termperature drops. I believe it is around 34. As long as heater is working you never have to worry about it again. I have had one in my pump house for 15 years and it is still working fine. Also the plug saves on electric. The only thing remember that plug won't work until it drops to the set temperature. I let my 90 year father and mother move into the house . I told him about the plug. I told him if he needed to use that outlet that he had to remove the plug from the outlet.. Winter passed and he needed to plug weedeater in that plug. He threw plug away because he said it didn't work. He forgot it was a thermostate plug and wouldn't work until temperature dropped to 34. This happened two times. The thermostat plug adapter was the best thing I had ever purchased. It is a good investment. Thanks for posting. You and Sarah are amazing. Hope your mother and father are back for the winter. I hope this helps you. Sandy

[@gingerreid8569]

Saw someone else mention - thermo cube...we are def. buying at home depot!

[@wayneburks5872]

I have always just used a 100 watt bulb in my well house and never froze up . We are in sw mo. But I leave in on all the time in winter. And I put the bulb down near the pipes.

[@MagdaRantanplan]

I love to see Sarah being so comfortable with the pigs. Those Idaho Pasture Pigs sure made the difference for you guys.

[@laurierich5161]

I so enjoy your videos and look to see if there is a new one posted everyday. Your personalities and zest for life draw people. At age 71 I can only be a want a be homesteader but love canning gardening , and quilting. Blessings to your family. You are encouraging and just fun!

[@mermaidasuna4640]

Why didn't I think of this before? I know the hoop coop videos are a couple years but wow. I live in a tiny home on my 5 acre homestead. Trying to cram brood boxes of chick's and vegetable starts in my tiny home has been madness. I've been wracking my brain for weeks trying to think of a building that's cost effective that I can raise chickens in and grow my veggie starts. Not to mention possibly store my garden tools in. It's perfect it's the best idea I've seen so far. It's multi purpose I love it thank you for the wonderful idea

[@Emeraldwitch30]

I'm fascinated that those pigs are so gentle. All the pig my uncle had were vicious bitey things. And with the wellhouse wouldn't a heat tape with a thermostat work better for you? Here in michigan my kitchen was build over the old cement porch slab and if it goes below -10°F my pipes froze on us. My daughter got us a heat tape and my wonderful hubster crawled around and under the sink and house and basement and wrapped all the water pipes. Now on cold nights I just have to peek in and see if the light blinked on to show its working. We haven't had a frozen pipe in 10 years. And as long as that was I bet winding it around the tank and pipes in there would work just fine. No worries on "did I remember to turn the heat lamp on? " Before the tape I put a small bedside lamp in the sink cupboard to help. But it didn't always do the trick.

[@lyndabuchholz1216]

I use the heat lamps for my battery bank and have them plugged into a thermo cube so they turn on at 35 degrees and off at 45. I love those thermo cubes.

[@przlsc]

Wow, so glad your back! Feels like videoing with family and this has been the LONGEST week 😜 nice to see your smiling faces again!

[@csnanny1882]

You guys win first place at the best camera picture. The picture is really clear and the color is just wonderful. What can be done to keep the cows warm ? I’ve never seen pigs so calm and sweet. It’s 44 here in S.Florida this morning, I have my heat on and I am sure others do to. There’s no laying on the beach today. God bless,stay warm.

[@annetteallynaguilar-gomez2082]

Very impressed. Glad to meet you. Annette Allyn Allyn Aguilar-Gomez here in Maruetta, GA AM moving very slowly toward homesteading by studying and gardening. Currently, I am working on spinach and peas.

[@annelefevre9457]

I look forward to every up and coming video. It is so interesting following you folks around on your homestead, and accomplishing every needful thing for your animals. They are taken care of.

[@rebeccaplumlee9601]

Seriously u have lived in some warm winters. I've known there to b many below 0° days in MO. Bad ice. The weather overall has seemed warmer the past few years since I retired, but our Ava property had snow up to back windows several days each winter, Jan & Feb the worst, but march 78 was crazy. So blessings & I hope u stay warm & toasty

[@mhintrepid]

Your wife is a trooper. She is there at your side through thick and thin. You are a lucky man.

[@lisamoyer-moran199]

I bet the girls would love painting the hoop coops! Have fun being creative! God Bless!

[@lavernebufmack5091]

Once again, loved spending time with distant friends! God keep you safe and healthy!

[@mariatavares6405]

You’re both so great to your animals/pets!!!! There’s so lucky to have you!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@robynrosenau5986]

The pigs are adorable! She wanted to help!

[@Sunshine-nr6qe]

Love watching you 2 working together! Haven’t found that other half, but brings back great memories of endless enjoyable times and projects with my Dad growing up.

[@ms.royahrens8777]

Getting the critters winterized-I miss doing those things! However with the windchill here-it’s 6 degrees!! I used to tend cattle and they’d get bedded about 2-3 times a week in the winter. 80-100 head of beef cattle. In the spring summer and early fall I’d irrigate 300 acres of cattle pasture. Lots of hard work-but so satisfying to see everything turning green and the tiny calves high tailing it across the pasture lands...early summer was vaccinating and branding-late Fall was culling and sale times to reduce the herd and keep the strongest for the winter...

[@lynnseiber9216]

Use a thermo cube for your heat lamp in the well house. Allows power at 35 degrees and turns off power at 45 degrees.

[@hazelbrungard1623]

What about the rabbits and Hope, Henry and Hudson? Have been on withdraw from Living Trad. Homestead so I went back to the beginning and watched 732 videos that I missed

[@jackiemcgregor7460]

I was wondering about the bunnies too!

[@hazelbrungard1623]

No word about the 10 beef cows and where they stay and who feeds them.

[@kimberlyhoward8195]

Hope and the calves have the lean-to side of the barn. The beef cattle will go into the woods. The bunnies were on another side of the barn in an enclosed or partially enclosed area. They are all good and designed to survive in the cold. They will all have a winter coat growing to help.

[@kriscutler8078]

Love the way you both care for your animals! It was so cute to see the chickens check out what you were doing to their coop! The pigs are adorable! So sweet watching them help and get lovin's!

[@timcave8374]

I use the (Easy Heat) thermostatically controlled plug. They work great saves on power, time and bulbs last longer. I even plug my tractor heater into one.

[@sydneykasmar]

Nice to hear someone anticipating the colder weather and the goodness it brings.

[@paulinegarcia1225]

I'm glad you're putting up your chickens in your ducts when your farm for weatherproof and Sarah and Kevin God bless you and your daughters

[@FallofftheMap]

I love this design. I plan on copying what you’ve built more or less. I’m in a super mild climate near the equator but way up at around 8000’ in the Andes Mountains. This design is so much better than what is typically built here and using local materials (eucalyptus posts rough cut artesanal boards) will cost less than $100.

[@1456Sassy]

My dad built a well house out of concrete blocks on a concrete pad. He used steel rebar for strength and of course cemented everything. The way he did it, it doesn't need any heat. It's built big enough to store canning in it too. Mom never had any issues with jars getting too cold or too hot in the summer. Oh, we are in the Ozarks, not far from the Buffalo river.

[@ronniepate4315]

Grandpa always said , you don't go in the house at night till all your animals are taking care of . You guys took care of that for sure . Lots of good info as always . God Bless .

[@toniahand6251]

Thermo cubes come in three different features. On at o degrees, off at 10 degrees-on at 20degrees, off at 30degrees, and on at 35degrees and off at 45 degrees. They really work! Use them in chicken coop with radiant heat panels for my chickens -Safer than heat lamps.

[@normawood2969]

We found that you can buy a little temperature box from hardware stores. You plug it into your electrical socket, then plug you lamp light cord into that. It kicks on when the temp gets down to about 36 degrees and then shuts off when it reaches a certain temp. Saves a ton in electricity. Also we found that a 100 watt bulb works just as good and cost less to run.

[@emasbury]

One inch of snow in the last four years,,,,,, heck I live in Alaska and I got 6 inches of snow in the last three hours..

[@lararabb8888]

Yesterday I replaced my dark tarps with clear plastic because I couldn't stand them living in the dark. But mine are not free to roam.

[@laurasteinhauer5536]

I love when you guys talk to the animals.

[@leynaabbey]

Sipping tea, watching y'all, and enjoying the 1ft of snow outside...for now. After Christmas the snow can go.

[@herbhouston5378]

You guys are a breath of fresh air... You complement each other so well... God bless you and your family...

[@jenniferdumbris2306]

Thermostatic plugs come in different temperature ranges, I use two different ranges in a well house or chicken house so if one burns out a second lamp will come on.

[@kevinmullen8522]

Kevin, we use a “Thermo Cube” switch that turns our heat lamp on when the temperature drops below 40. About $15 at Tractor Supply and less at a few other places. Been using this for years without any problem Enjoy our “visits” with you all!

[@sharonanspach2734]

love how you care and do everything together

[@dianehall5345]

Good you have " buttoned up" for winter ❄❄❄ With two farms the work has gone smoothly. A real blessing! We got a dusting of snow in New Hampshire last night and more may be on the way on Saturday. We are ready! All our cattle & calves for sale have found new homes. We decreased our winter herd to 30 to make life a little easier. Fire wood is stored in dry buildings. Despite the severe drought, we managed to cut just enough extra hay for our customers, even though we were 1,500 bales short! Our farming neighbors all support one another with whatever extra harvest they realized. Wishing you and your family a safe and Happy Holiday Season. ~ Diane

[@lindazummo6293]

The two of you work so well together. I love vicariously thru the two of you. I love in a city in Calif and I have a small garden. So I love watching you work to provide for your family.

[@marilynbaldwin2934]

I to am glad for some cooler weather it was to hot and humid now all your animal and yourself can stay warm!

[@beatacrochets]

Such pretty pigs! The black and white ones are stunning ❤️

[@christopherscallio2539]

Sarah's finally geting that 'Southern Bell' accent.....Bless her Heart.

[@williamcrane8236]

Guys, I use coroplast, it's plastic cardboard and readily available, especially now and last month. You'll see it in lovely 4x8 campaign signs on the side of the highway. You can attach it with screws OR pop a couple holes through it and zip tie it to the structure. In the spring, cut the ties and store in the barn/shed. It's 4 millimeter so it's thinner, lighter and, you know, free'er. And you can always give it a quick coat of paint if you don't like advertising.

[@JackieGreen71]

It is always a great feeling to know all the animals are safe, warm, and healthy :)

[@robertschroeder1978]

Good to see you both again. Thanks for letting us travel along on the chores and needed items to be finished before the winter cold settles in. Blessings to you all from Michigan

[@nicoletumblin8427]

If it gets really nasty, you could make flaps for the doors that you can roll up or down as needed if a storm or high winds come through....great work! ❤❤

[@pamelatorres2219]

Don't you wish they made that well house just a little taller? Lol. It was good that you have all your animals that will supervise your work. Now you can rest easy knowing it was done right.😂😂😂

[@TheSlowens]

As I have watched over the years guys....you have ALWAYS put these animals care and concern first and foremost....THANK YOU....YOU GUYS DO IT THE RIGHT WAY... You make sure they live their best lifes....Sarah..still waiting for a final canning jar total? Would soooo love to know....

[@jymokaris8498]

Just love how you work together 🥰🥰,goals...

[@kittybeard5379]

So kind and caring to your critters !!! God bless ! Stay warm. !!