Have you ever wondered, what are the chores that incur ultimate attention from Barn attendants? What might be the daily routines or weekly once?
Barn, the place where livestock such as cattle, horses and many other animals inhabit is the place that requires pensive care by the barn attendant. Truth to speak, most of the barn chores are fun when spent more time with your beloved.
Regardless of raising in your home or boarding, close monitoring relieves the mind.
The actual chores vary from the number of horses you raise, and the place where they dwell. Some of the tasks are less explicit than others like dumping poop and scrubbing out algae filled water troughs etc.
Some of the most common barn routine are,
- Cleaning the stall
Clean means free of dirt and organic matter such as manure. This means the removal of all manure and feed, followed by washing, scrubbing and rinsing, or pressure washing, all surfaces with hot water and detergent. Studies have shown that over 90% of bacteria are removed from surfaces that are thoroughly cleaned. - Applying new bedding
Based on the needy area, the new bedding is spread out up to the layer of 5inch, the volume of spreading of their wish, as horses like fluffy under their feet. - Feeding horse hay
Feeding horses is a barn chore that needs to be done every day (multiple times a day). Roughly around 15-20lbs of hay a day. Horses need adequate pasture or hay at all times. It is suggested that for healthier horses, feeding more often or free-fed will do good. - Regular check for clean and fresh drinking water from time to time.
The most vital things for horses are food and water. Horses drink about 5-10 gallons of water a day. Water is also extremely important for gut health and keeping the horses system moving.
A regular change in water is must. In summer, water grow algae due humid temperature, and in winter water turn cold not siutable for drinking. - Feeding supplements (and required medication)
Many horses do not need grain or any supplement to sustain their weight or health. If required, should be prepared ahead of time. - Periodic checking for any injuries, wounds or ill symptoms
Horses are always prone to accidents. Just like, running into fences, rubbing on their paddocks, horses cause themselves many injuries along the runway accidents.
Depending on the severity of injuries, some basic treatment can done, or consulting veterinarian is precautious. - Washing and cleaning of horse
A thorough washing and cleaning will always keep horses fresh and in a good mood. Also alleviate prospect disease caused by buds and worms.
In requirement of horse’s state of being and caretakers convenience, bathing can be done 3-4 days once.
Based on weather and season, horses must be clothed properly. In summer, fly sheet, fly boots and fly mask can be used, while in winter, horses are redeemed to cover up rain sheets or blankets. - Pick hooves and groom your horses
Picking out the hooves is a necessary thing to do. As there may present rock or nail wedge in the horse hoof that will hinders the hoof health.
As grooming means, taking care of skin. By regular check, any unknown injuries, wounds or skin problems can be readily diagnosed and treated faster. - Warm up riding
Horses are the steady fast animals, they require regular muscle movements. Letting out your horses every day is the best idea.
If raised at home, it may be hinderous, while in a stall you can ride around your barn or as much distance suitable.
Taking horses out provides them fresh air, and a robust body. - Setting out feed for next meal
After every early morning chores, it is suggested to set up a next meal schedule based on morning feeds, latter nutrition and adequate supplements. - Checking fencing/ interior damage for repair
Looking for broken fencing or walls and fixing anything that needs to be repaired are laborious. Smoothening of broken or rough areas of fencing prevents cuts on horses. A little maintenance on a regular basis does a lot better. - Keen in hygiene maintenance to prevent potential threats
Check out the surrounding for potential hazards and you yourself. Always clean the barn, disinfect the floor and maintain self hygiene and regularly wash hands while tending each horse. - Maintaining optimal feed supply and supplements (any medication)
Always making sure of supplies in stock, and order for the supplements in need. Have a medication kit prepared for any unseen illness prospect. - Carrying out muck buckets for manure dump
Basically horses produce about 50lbs of manure a day. It is very important to clean up the manure, since it attracts pests and flies so easily. Keep the manure in a trash dumpster, or dump on the manure pile, or spread manure on pastures as it is composted. - Setting aside every tool to original position,
After all work is done, keeping the respective tool in its own place, like setting clean accessories, shavel, broom, muck bucket on one rack while disinfectants, spray can in one and worn out horse cloth aside. - Final reassured view, latch the door- End of the day.
Make sure to latch each and every doors, gates opened early. Seeing everything in their way, it is assured to leave for the day.
Is there any difference with your’s, rather than the above stated routine? Feel free to tell us how your barn life experience is and as always suggestions, comments are welcomed.
