However, Theo Knight-Jones says the level of care that livestock and horses require in the winter depends on the type of animal and where they are kept.
‘Whatever the circumstances, owners need to check their animals at least every day, as even a hardy animal could, for example, develop foot problems which are much more common in wet, muddy conditions,’ Mr Knight-Jones said
‘For example, a hardy Shetland pony or hill-breed sheep would typically cope with living outside in weather much more severe than Jersey has to offer, a thoroughbred racehorse, however, would not.
‘That said even a hardy animal kept outside should still have somewhere to shelter from wind and rain. Again the need for a horse to wear a rug will depend on individual circumstances, hardy breeds with access to adequate shelter may not need one
‘Feeding is also crucial and livestock and horses may need extra feed to cope with more severe weather and also to compensate for a lack of grazing.
‘Those unsure [of what to do] should seek expert advice, and finally members of the public should not give food or titbits to horses and other animals unless they have the owner’s permission.’
Dairy farmer Tom Perchard of La Ferme in St Martin says while milk-producing cows are kept indoors during the winter, the younger stock stay outside all year long until after their first calving.
‘We check them daily to make sure they have plenty of water and we supplement the food they get from grazing throughout the winter with rations of specially formulated pellets for heffers,’ he said.
‘We also check that electric fences and batteries are working as we don’t want them getting loose. Should we get heavy snow, which is rare, then we have to put out raised feeders.
‘Cows actually prefer cooler weather and the Jersey is adaptable to a range of temperatures. As long as they have food, water and hedges to shelter by they are perfectly happy outside.’
