How We Prep the Coop and Barn for Christmas Week

Christmas week tends to be busy, cold, and a little chaotic. Animals still need care right in the middle of all of it. The more we prep ahead, the easier it is to keep everyone fed and watered without being out there freezing twice as long as necessary.

Our goal is simple: clean enough, stocked enough, and set up so chores are quick and doable, even on the craziest days.

Deepen Bedding and Get Things Dry

Right before the coldest stretch, we add fresh, dry bedding in the coop and barn—especially around doors, roosts, and high-traffic areas. Wet spots get cleaned out instead of buried.

Dry bedding keeps animals warmer and cuts down on smell. It also makes chores feel less miserable when you’re not kneeling in damp mess.

Set Up Winter Watering Systems

We check every waterer for cracks and leaks, then decide how we’re handling freezing temps: heated bases, rubber tubs we can knock ice out of, or rotating buckets.

We try to position water where it’s easy to reach with as little wind as possible. If we need extension cords for heated waterers, we run them safely ahead of time instead of in the dark with cold hands.

Stock Up on Feed and Basic Supplies

Christmas week is not when I want to realize we’re almost out of feed. We make sure we have at least a week or two of feed, bedding, and basic meds or supplements on hand.

Feed bins get checked for holes and moisture, and we move bags up off the ground so they don’t wick in dampness.

Tighten Up Drafty Spots

We walk the coop and barn and look for cracks where wind whips in right at roost level or where animals bed down. We’re not trying to make structures airtight, just blocking strong drafts.

Scrap plywood, tarps, or extra boards can make a big difference when placed in the right spots, as long as there’s still general airflow.

Double-Check Latches and Predator Protection

Cold weather and holiday noise can bring predators closer. We check latches, locks, and any gaps around doors or walls where something could squeeze in.

If a door sticks or a latch feels weak, we fix it now. The last thing anyone needs is a raccoon discovering a loose corner while you’re distracted with company.

Simplify the Chore Routine

We try to set things up so chores are as streamlined as possible: feed and bedding stored close to where they’re used, tools hung where we can see them, lights working.

If we know someone might be helping or filling in, we write down the basics: who gets what, where the feed is, what “normal” looks like. That way, things stay consistent even if our schedule is a little off.