Warming huts for kids

Hi all,

This was my first winter kidding 2 weeks ago and I was super nervous about freezing kids so I built a warming hut for them. I found a great blog that had very specific instructions and I modified it a bit using what I had.

I had a 30 gallon rainbarrel so it was a bit smaller than the instructions said. Instead of using a full size heat lamp (which I thought would be too warm in there) I used 100w heat lamp from the pet store (used for reptile heat lamps). It is screwed into the top. The kids went in there right after they were born and quickly learned to go back in there for naps where it's always warm. Mom sleeps next to it. They still sleep in there every night and take naps in there in the day although they've started napping with the big girls now too.

Here's a link to the instructions if you want to make one too. I was so sorry to read of the babies that died this week from the cold. I hope this helps someone to not have this tragedy.

http://onpasture.com/2014/03/03/dont-burn-down-your-barn/

Btw, I also had a regular heat lamp on my laboring doe and turn it on during the very cold nights.

Replies

Patty Meyer February 17, 2015 at 12:45pm

That's an awesome DIY link, Julia. :)
Myra Isaac February 17, 2015 at 1:00am

This is a great post! Love those adorable kids!!! :) I don't think our temps should be a problem with new babies but I may have to see if hubby can help me dog up something like this in case the dip too low. Thanks for sharing!
Julia @Woody Glen Farm February 16, 2015 at 8:39pm

Because the 30 gallon barrel is shorter than the 55 gallon drum, I had to make a "false" top for it so the goats wouldn't try to jump up on top of it. The wire is very secured in the top but a goat chewing on it would be bad. Here's a better pic of the barrel showing the false top. To keep it from being tipped over I used a tension strap to attach it to the wall and the cattle panel.

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