Time of Year to Assure Livestock Windbreaks for the South Dakota Blizzards

Wind Chill!

"Our winters aren't so bad.  But those winds can kill ya."  It's that time of year again to check on last year's wind breaks and install new ones for any new pastures or animals.

Water, Too.

Horses and other animals can go longer than they should without drinking if weather is bad enough and water is far enough away.  This isn't just a thirst issue.  It can trigger diseases.

Shelter Design

Snow-drifting can be an issue, so be sure to leave some ventilation (gaps) so that the wind break doesn't just create a drift-generator right where you expect the animals to stand.

Safety, too.  Horses, horned males such as goats, and others can enjoy the challenge of kicking or butting a flimsy shelter.  Use at least 2" thick treated lumber, or metal as thick as highway guard rails.  A 1x10 can be easily broken, creating splinters or a foot-trap.  

If any animals have collars or bridles be sure there is nothing on the shelter to catch on, entrapping the animal.

Location can be important.  If possible, try to design the shelter to both break the prevailing wind, and allow you to visually monitor the animals from afar.

For some animals, they prefer to have all paths of escape unobstructed due to natural fear of potential predators (I have seen goats go nuts over unfamiliar overhead objects in trees.)

But, Not Too Much

Some animals simply carry their shelter on their backs.  Most of us consider a coat of feathers to be ultra warm.  But I know some owners of chicken flocks who wall up their poultry inside a coop well sealed from the wind.  According to field studies by Dr. Prince Woods, chickens are better off with cold/fresh air, than warm/stale air.

So if you have some new animals around this winter, or some of last winter's shelters in need of repair now is the time to get your livestock windbreaks ready for our South Dakota blizzards.

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