5 Ways to make barn chores easier

Caring for animals is hard work. The days spent mending broken fences, the harsh outdoor temperatures, the late night “run to the barn in your pajamas” moments: We’ve been there.

With so much uncertainty that comes with raising animals, here are five ways to help simplify farm life so you can focus on the parts you enjoy.

1. Use easy-to-mix nutrition products.

When you have a long list of chores ahead of you, the last thing you want to do is battle with difficult packaging/products that are hard to mix. Animals also dislike the gritty texture of water additions that don’t dissolve properly. All of our products, from supplements to milk replacers, mix quickly and easily so you can spend less time mixing and more time loving on your four- and two-legged friends.

2. Stock up to save time.

If you have a variety of animals under your care, consider keeping a bag of Sav-A-Caf^® Multi-Species Colostrum Supplement and Ultra 24 Multi-Species Milk Replacer on hand. Because mother animals and their natural milk supply are unpredictable, colostrum supplements and milk replacers can be a reliable backup plan to help ensure newborn calves, kids, lambs and other species get a strong, nutritious start.

Hot summer days can also sneak up on animals causing them stress. Our Electrolytes Plus Supplement provides the right balance of electrolytes and amino acids to help keep them hydrated. Be sure to grab a pail or pouch next time you’re at the store, or have it delivered to your door by shopping our website.
3. Plan ahead and automate tasks where you can.

Do you feel you are constantly scooping feed for your animals? The variety of diets, supplements and treats in your feed room can be overwhelming. Try measuring all the meal combinations your animals need for the day at once, including laying out flakes of hay, so you already have everything prepared for afternoon chores.

Waterers can also get dirty fast. Reduce how often you need to clear hay, bedding and debris from them by raising waterers off the ground so your animals are not able to kick shavings or mud into their fresh water.

4. Automate tedious tasks.

Closing the coop door every evening can be a tedious task. Automatic doors are a great solution to keep your flock safe while taking something off your to-do list, whereas automatic waterers can prevent you from having to watch a hose slowly fill a trough or bucket. Timers can also be used for barn lights or outlets when you have a heat lamp plugged in.

5. Have a fix-it kit ready.

Things always break when you least expect it, which can send you running to find the tools or materials you need. Having a kit prepared and stored in your barn or shed ensures you can quickly make a fence adjustment or fix a water spigot without a trip to the store. Here are a few items every farmer should have on hand:

• Zip ties
• Disinfectant wipes
• Duct tape
• WD-40
• Twine or wire
• Buckets
• Hammer and nails
• Tarps
• Scissors
• Vet wrap
• Extra hose
• Rake
• First-aid kit

It’s also smart to post the phone numbers of family members, your veterinarian and other emergency services in your barn so they can be quickly referenced in urgent situations.

Now that you’re a barn chore pro, maybe you’ll have more time to add another species to your farm. Click here to find species-specific tips and resources.