Are you enjoying the cooler days and longer nights? Is your 4-H project animal enjoying the weather?
If you are currently raising a 4-H animal, you need to pay attention to the weather and your animal’s reaction to it. At this time of year, temperatures can fluctuate drastically during the day, even in South Florida. Temperatures can fluctuate rapidly from hot to cool/cold and back again in a very short period of time.
Things to think about as you start your day:
- What is the current temperature?
- What is the temperature going to be mid-day?
- What is the temperature going to be overnight?
- Is there going to be any wind?
Oftentimes, our animals do not necessarily need heat lights, but may need the wind blocked for a portion of the day. Part of your everyday feeding program should be to pay attention to your animal’s surroundings. Factors such as wind direction and the layout of your pens are crucial in determining when to tarp or provide extra protection for your animals.
Another thing to pay attention to as you feed your animal each day is how wet their stall is. Sometimes, even the smallest rains can cause pens to flood or become muddy. Animals that stand in water and muck all day will not be as comfortable or eat as much as animals in clean, dry stalls.
As you enjoy the cooler weather and shorter days, be sure to pay attention to your animal and its surroundings. This will enable you to keep them comfortable and healthy.
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