If you live in a mild climate, you probably don’t need to do anything special to your chicken coop in the winter. But, if you live in a harsher climate, there are a few steps you can take to safeguard the health of your flock, and ensure continued production through the winter months.
Free range chickens are obviously exposed to more weather than those who are kept in controlled housing. Although I feel the benefits of free-ranging your chickens far outweigh the risks, it does generally result in lower production and in extreme weather can be dangerous for your flock. Even free-range chickens need some type of shelter at night — both for warmth in harsh weather, and for protection from predators. By taking a few precautions, you can minimize the dangers and keep your flock healthy and happy through the winter.
The loss of a pet can be a heart-wrenching and emotional experience. When your furry loved one can no longer enjoy a quality life, euthanasia (which means “easy death”) can really be a blessing for your pet. But ending the life of your best friend is difficult.
I see people struggle with knowing when the time is right. Your veterinarian can help you recognize when your pet is suffering and discuss options and whether or not your pet can still enjoy a quality life.  Some pet owners report that “unspoken signs” will pass between them and their pets, signaling that it’s ok to let go. We recently had an owner who wanted to spend a last Christmas season with her dog before saying goodbye. (Her dog ended up passing on it’s own without medical assistance just after Christmas.)
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How Do I Say Good-bye? Coping with the Death of a Cherished Pet
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