Caring for farmed animals during bad weather

Winter can be such a challenging time for many of us - particularly for those working in farming.?

I love being outdoors, but the dark, damp days can make the season feel tough.?

Of course, arriving home to a warm, cosy house at the end of a cold day is a welcome comfort.?

While humans can escape the elements, farmed animals rely on us to help them cope with the harsh conditions.

My role at the RSPCA includes providing advice on all-things farm animal welfare - and one of the questions that comes up a lot at this time of year is how farmers can best care for their livestock during the winter months.?

This is because wet, windy and freezing weather can have a big impact on animal welfare - but with some planning and proactive care, farmers can ensure their animals stay warm, dry and healthy.

Getting winter-ready

I always encourage farmers to prepare well before the worst of the weather sets in. A few key steps can make a world of difference:

• Make sure you have a good supply of feed, bedding, and essential medication in case of supply chain disruptions caused by snow, flooding, or icy roads
• Having a plan in place for power cuts - such as installing a generator - ensures vital systems like water pumps and lighting keep running.

Feeding and hydration

I’ve seen how essential proper nutrition and hydration are for animals in winter. Sometimes, bad weather can affect the availability of usual feed and water supplies - so it’s vital these are monitored closely:

• Feed helps animals maintain body heat. Weather conditions may affect pasture quality, so it is important to ensure grazing animals are given supplementary feed if grazing is unavailable
• Checking water supplies multiple times a day and dealing with any that have iced over. Monitoring how much animals drink is just as important in winter as in summer.

Shelter from the elements

Farm animals need protection from the weather just like we do, so I always advise farmers to:

• Provide dry, well-ventilated (but draught-free) shelters that keep animals safe from wind, rain, and snow. Natural windbreaks like hedges or trees can offer extra protection
• Use plenty of bedding and replace damp or dirty material regularly. Pigs, for instance, are particularly sensitive to the cold and benefit from deep bedding and insulated shelters, free from draughts.

Keeping an eye on health

Cold, damp conditions can bring on new health problems or worsen existing ones. I always stress the importance of spending time with animals daily - to monitor their health and behaviour:

• Watch out for respiratory issues, like coughing or nasal discharge
• In freezing temperatures, check for frostbite, which can show up as pale or darkened ears and tails
• Keep a close eye on hooves as wet, muddy conditions can lead to foot rot and other painful issues. Regular trimming, dependent on species, and access to dry ground are essential.

Routine and care

Consistency is so important for animals, especially during the winter. I’ve seen how sticking to regular feeding times and care routines can help reduce stress.?

Spending time with livestock also gives farmers the chance to notice subtle changes in their animals’ behaviour or condition, which might indicate a problem.

Staying informed

The weather can change very quickly in winter, so I always recommend signing up for flood warnings from The Environment Agency and downloading The Met Office app for live weather alerts.?

Being prepared for the unexpected can save a lot of stress for both farmers and their animals.

Why it matters

These steps can help farmers keep their animals healthy and comfortable even during the worst weather.

Winter may be tough, but with the right approach we can minimise the impact on farmed animals.?

It’s something I’m passionate about, and I’m proud to support farmers in this vital work.

Beth

Scientific and policy officer, RSPCA farm animals department