Just like you and I, cows have basic needs to survive and thrive. Here at Freedom Hill Farm, these needs are our priority. Simply put there are 3 main factors that affect how cows feel: Food/Diet, Comfort and Social environment. We’ve already visited what they like to eat so today we will focus on what makes them comfortable.
Cows like to be comfortable. They don’t like to be too hot. They don’t like to be too cold. They don’t like getting bitten by flies. They like to be clean, and have a cozy place to lay down. Milking is an important part of their day as well. If they don’t get milked, the milk builds up in the udder creating pressure that feels like a giant headache (You mama’s probably know what we mean).
To help keep the cows comfy, we milk twice a day at the same time each day so they have a routine they can count on. We leave doors open and fans on in the summer to make sure there is a nice breeze. During the day they go out into the fields where they can lay in the shade, or take a dip in the pond if they want. We also use fly spray in the barn to keep biting flies away from them as best as we can. In the winter we keep the cows inside out of the cold and the wind. The barn doors stay closed up tight to keep the snow out and the heat in. A cow’s body temperature is 101 degrees, so between all 30 of them they give off enough body heat to stay warm and comfy all winter long.
Rick and Julie do their best to keep the cows clean, by brushing dirt and dust out of their coats while they milk, and laying down fresh bedding at least twice a day to keep them dry and cozy. They’re constantly watching the animals to make sure they’re eating and laying down enough as these are 2 of the best ways to know that your cows are comfortable and happy.
Spa day at the farm. yay