Winter on a Colorado homestead is a mix of beauty and challenges. While the snow-covered landscape is stunning, the day-to-day realities of managing frozen buckets, stubborn chickens, waddling ducks, and curious horses can quickly take the sparkle out of the season. Let’s be honest: homesteading in winter isn’t always the cozy, picturesque life you see online. It’s hard, frustrating, and often draining.
The Frozen Bucket Fiasco 2024
If you’ve ever wrestled with frozen water buckets, you understand true winter homesteading struggles. Horses, chickens and ducks demand fresh water. They won’t settle for ice chips. Heated waterers help, but on bitter mornings, even those can freeze. Keep a rubber mallet close—it’s great for smashing ice and venting your frustrations – trust me.
Chickens: My Worst Critics
Chickens are funny creatures in the winter. Some refuse to set foot in the snow, glaring at it like it personally insulted them. Others will venture out, only to panic when they sink into a drift. The real fun? Hunting for eggs before they freeze and crack. A warm, dry coop is a must to keep these feathered divas happy (or as happy as chickens get in the cold).
Ducks: Complain Even Though All Demands Have Been Met
With their waterproof feathers, ducks are winter-ready—on paper. In reality, they’ll act as though their lives are over when their favorite kiddie pool freezes solid. Providing them with a shallow pan of warm water can keep them hydrated and occupied, while you curse the endless chore of hauling water.
Horses: The Snow Angels
Horses are majestic in the snow. Any antics are allowed because I adore them.
Winter: Why Is This So F*&CKING Hard?
Let’s face it: winter is just as hard on the humans as it is on the animals. Layers of clothing, frozen fingers, and the constant battle against ice and snow are daily realities. Yet, there’s something magical about it all—the quiet of the season, the sight of your animals thriving despite the cold, and the satisfaction of knowing you’re tougher than the weather.
Winter homesteading in Colorado is no walk in the (snow-covered) park. It requires grit, humor, and a fair amount of stubbornness. But come spring, you might even find yourself missing the chaos. Okay, maybe not the frozen buckets.
What are your winter homesteading hacks? Drop your tips and stories in the comments—we’re all in this together!
