We have a storm forecast and it’s not going to be fun. So today I decided to be prepared.

I went around the croft with Skippy making sure everyone would be ok if we couldn’t get to them.

The old horses and ponies should be fine. They have grass and unlimited shelter down the bottom of their field.  They won’t be rugged as rugs can fly off (despite leg straps) causing problems.

And they are all well-covered (cough “fat”).

I would rather they found their own safe place rather than me dragging them into a very noisy/scary shed for four days. Fivla would definitely disagree. She loves the shed (cough “fat”).

Duck Shed #1 got a container full of fresh water, and another of grain.  I made fresh beds of straw too, for the hens.

Duck Shed #2 had the same – this is where the latest duck family have decided to live, which means there is less over-crowding and arguments.

I spread the remainder of the straw in the sheep shed, put out fresh water and have their breakfasts ready for the following mornings (somewhere where they won’t be able to easily raid).

Then it was time for the Shetland ponies on their new winter track.

I washed their old water bucket and filled it up with fresh water so there is easy access and everyone will drink – so important.  I also put a spare fresh water container outside the fence (so no nibbling, thank you Albie who wrecks) ready to refill the water bucket when needed.

I was pleased to see Waffle instantly come over to drink.  The others followed too, so that’s good, they know there is fresh water. I refilled the bucket again.

(there is also a stream at the bottom of their track, but I doubt they know that).

What else?  It will come to me, but probably as I am fighting the wind tomorrow.  This storm is for four days.  I am dreading it.