What is cold stress?
Cold stress happens when an animal must burn more energy to stay warm than it takes in. Wind, wetness, mud, poor body condition and low feed all worsen it. Young animals, thin animals and animals that are sick or old suffer first. Different species and breeds vary in how well they tolerate cold.
Your veterinarian and extension livestock specialist can tell you what is typical for your animals and region.
Wet cold is often harder on animals than dry cold, and a winter coat that is soaked loses much of its insulating power.
What are the warning signs?
Look for shivering, hunched posture, tucked-in tail, huddling, standing on three legs, reluctance to move, lethargy and frost damage on ears, tails, teats and feet. Newborns are particularly at risk and may be weak or slow to stand. Poultry may show fluffed feathers or frostbitten combs and toes.
If you see these signs, act at once and call your veterinarian for advice. This is general education and not veterinary advice.
Check animals more often during the worst of the cold, even if only for a quick look. Problems found early are easier to fix, and a short walk around the pens is worth the cold.
- Shivering or huddling
- Hunched posture and lethargy
- Frost damage on ears, teats, combs or feet
- Weak or slow newborns
How do shelter and wind protection help?
The most helpful change is usually a windbreak and dry bedding. A three-sided shed, a tightly built windbreak fence or a stand of evergreens can reduce wind chill dramatically. Keep bedding deep and dry, and clean out wet areas often because wet bedding loses its insulation. Closed barns still need ventilation to prevent moisture and respiratory problems.
Do not seal buildings so tight that moist air stays trapped. Ask your extension office about ventilation suited to your animals.
Check shelters after every storm for blown-in snow, wet corners and damage, and fix what you find before the next one.
How should feeding change in the cold?
Animals need more energy to stay warm, so feed more of it. Good-quality hay or other feed raises body heat as it is digested. Increase rations as weather turns colder, following guidance from your veterinarian or extension nutrition specialist rather than a number from memory. Thin animals and young stock may need extra attention.
Make sure every animal can reach feed, not only the dominant ones.
Keep a simple chart so you can tell whether feed has been increased and by how much, especially if several people share chores.
Why does water matter so much?
Animals that cannot find unfrozen water eat less and become dehydrated, which makes cold stress worse. Check water daily, break or remove ice, and consider heated waterers or tank heaters installed safely with proper outdoor-rated wiring. Faulty heaters can electrocute animals and start fires, so have a qualified electrician check the setup.
Warm water is better than ice-cold water for many animals, and some will drink more of it.
- Check water at least daily
- Use properly wired heaters only
- Keep tanks clear of ice
- Watch for animals that avoid icy tanks
What about newborns and poultry?
Newborn lambs, kids and calves lose heat fast. Plan births so they happen in sheltered, dry places if you can, and have warming supplies ready as advised by your veterinarian. Poultry usually do well in cold if coops are dry and draft-free but not airtight. Avoid heat lamps where fire risk is high, and follow safe practices from your extension service.
Call your vet immediately when a newborn is chilled, because incorrect warming can cause harm.
Keep a small supply kit for newborns, such as clean towels and a thermometer, and ask your vet what else is wise for your species before birthing season begins.
When should you call for help?
Call your veterinarian if an animal is down, not eating, struggling to stand, or showing signs of frostbite or illness. Keep emergency numbers handy and make sure you can reach animals during storms. Rural vets can be far away and busy in bad weather, so call early.
Prepare for the season before it arrives. Good shelter, feed and water are far easier to set up in October than in a blizzard.
Key takeaways
- Dry, fed and out of the wind is the formula for cold-hardy animals.
- Watch for shivering, huddling, hunching and frost damage, and act quickly.
- Provide windbreaks, deep dry bedding and constant access to unfrozen water.
- Call your veterinarian early, especially for newborns and animals that are down.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.