Suzy (named after our friend Suzy Fatzinger) could care less if it is snowing. The only weather that really bothers sheep is hot and direct sun at mid-day. Their thick, lanolin-coated coats keep the wet and cold off of them, they do like shelter in ice storms.

I often see them out in the snow chewing their cuds (sheep have a four-part stomach, the cud is a food bolus that has been regurgitated).  They love grain and will knock us over to get to it if Red isn’t around. We feed the donkeys grain in their own pan and the sheep in their feeder.

In cold weather like this, we warm them in a number of ways: First, they have thick coats. We shear them early so their grows are heavy for winter. Secondly, we keep the water heated, and water will keep them warm. We feed the grain, which gives them extra energy. And we feed them rich second cut hay which also warms their bodies. Finally, they always have access to shelter, to get out of the weather and the wind if they need to. The dirt in their is always dry and soft.

Sheep are sheep, they rarely change their demeanor, and storms are generally just another day for them. This one is cold and icy, but we check on them often, and they rarely lose their cool.