Perilous Heat Here

With the perilous heat we’re experiencing here in the Pac NW, I’ve devised ways to keep the goats from perishing.

I’ve ordered cooling blankets for them, plus a misting system. They won’t arrive until tomorrow or Monday, though.

In the meantime, I’m buying block and crushed ice in bags to put inside their shed for them to lay down against.

I’ve  installed a hanging box fan, beneath which I’ve placed a bucket of cold water and frozen  water bottles to keep it cool. Blowing air over the bucket will push cooler air into the enclosed goat shed, keeping it significantly cooler than outdoors.  I also put new straw on the floor and resting platforms so they’re up off the manure-y base during the heat.

I’ll put an outdoor thermometer in the shed to be sure what I’ve done keeps the temperature below 85 degrees.  Dehorned goats are susceptible to heat greater than 85 degrees, so I’m hoping what I’ve done will keep their digs even cooler than that…

It’s a little scary. No, it’s a lot scary!  100 degree temperatures are practically unheard of here in western Washington. But summers are definitely hotter and extreme heat is becoming more frequent due to climate change. So, it’s time to invest in equipment to be sure the goats stay well.

Mr. Tumnus was breathing harder than normal yesterday (I’d call it a pant, but his mouth wasn’t open), so I knew I had to do something more than I was able to do yesterday to keep them comfortable.

The Nigerians have more trouble than the pygmies, but at 100 degrees, I’m sure the pygmies will feel it, too, so my goal is to make sure no one has to be in a shed hotter than 85 degrees. Less will be even better.

I’ll keep you posted.