Rancher, poultry growers ready for chill

— The cold weather is giving Arkansas ranchers and poultry producers some extra duties.

When cows are cold, they need more feed so they can produce the heat they need to get through the cold weather. The cattle will also need water that’s not frozen. Temperatures are forecast to dip in to the single digits Thursday and Friday.

Chickens need different types of care, depending on their age.

Baby chicks have to be kept at between 90 and 94 degrees, while larger birds need less warmth. The older birds will also need more feed so they can generate heat while continuing to grow.

The birds create a lot of moisture, through breathing and excreting, so growers have to ensure their chicken houses are properly ventilated.

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