Self Sufficient Barn

In general critters do not like 'heated' water. Obviously it has to be liquid, but you don't want it 'heated'. Over 45 degrees in winter promotes off-taste, bacterias, and so forth.

A Cobett style energy free waterer works great, save 10-20 bucks a month. Adds up over time.

http://www.cobett.com/

--->Paul

To keep yourselves comfortable there is the being out of the wind---a big help. If you want a warmer place to work or milk hay/straw bales along the walls would help. If it is facing the south then the windows let in light and warm it a might. Make sure you put this thing where it is easy to get to in the rain or snow, it can be a pain to be slipping and sliding up or down hill with your hands full. Vehicles also need to access the building so plan for that.

You might be surprised how resilient animals are. Our goats and steer prefered to sleep out by the hay and only go into the nice goat shed when it's raining. wet and drafty are the things to avoid.

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