Extreme Cold Challenges Whitehorse Chicken Farmer’s Operations

The extreme cold sweeping through Yukon has made recent weeks particularly challenging for chicken farmer Alan Stannard. As co-owner of Mandalay Farms and Little Red Hen Eggs in Whitehorse, he has been on high alert, monitoring his flock of 4,400 chickens amid temperatures plunging to as low as –50°C.

Stannard describes the experience as akin to checking a home for drafts during a cold night. “You’re wondering where the cold air is blowing in or if the water has frozen,” he said. His cellphone is connected to a computer system in the barn, alerting him to any issues such as frozen ventilation or malfunctioning heaters.

The frigid conditions present serious risks to both the health of the chickens and their egg production. Low temperatures can lead to humidity in the barn, increasing the likelihood of respiratory diseases like pneumonia. Stannard’s barn is equipped with automatic heaters and ventilators, but he still must manually adjust the ventilation to maintain a stable environment for the birds. “It’s a dance,” he remarked, emphasizing the necessity of balancing warmth and humidity to keep the hens comfortable.

Cold Snap Complicates Farming

The cold snap that hit Yukon in early December has introduced numerous complications for farmers like Stannard. Typically, he has time to prepare for cold weather, allowing his equipment to acclimate gradually. But this sudden drop in temperature has created unexpected challenges.

“Sudden happenings, the barns don’t like it. You get a buildup of humidity, so you’re burning more propane to keep the barn warm,” Stannard explained. Power outages compound the issue; without electricity, the heating systems fail, and critical operations like egg extraction become impossible. Currently, Stannard has two backup generators in place to mitigate this risk.

Laying conditions can deteriorate when the barn environment is not optimal. According to Stannard, hens are kept indoors unless temperatures reach at least –10°C. “If it’s too cold and they go outside, their crowns will get frozen,” he noted, humorously comparing the situation to a “Fight Club” scenario among the hens. Fortunately, none of his chickens have succumbed to the cold so far.

Health Risks and Support Services

The health of livestock becomes a greater concern during extreme weather conditions. Amber Elliot, a livestock technician with the Yukon Government, stated that while animals typically do not die from cold alone, the stress caused by harsh conditions can exacerbate underlying health issues. “As soon as the body becomes stressed, that’s when you’re going to see that become prevalent,” she said.

Farmers in Yukon face challenges accessing veterinary care, particularly those located in remote areas. The Yukon Government provides a veterinary services program through its animal health unit in Whitehorse, along with a telehealth service called VETson for those farther from urban centers. Elliot emphasized the importance of ensuring that livestock are adequately sheltered, fed, and hydrated, noting that these tasks become increasingly difficult in severe weather.

As Stannard navigates this challenging winter, he remains committed to the welfare of his chickens and the sustainability of his farm. He reflects on the unique demands of farming in such extreme conditions and the resilience required to ensure the health and productivity of his flock.