Spring is the “big reset” for any hobby farm. Between the shifting weather in the Pacific Northwest and the start of the breeding season, staying ahead of the mud and the microbes is key.
1. Housing & Infrastructure
- Deep Clean: Strip out all winter bedding. Scrub nesting boxes, roosts, and floor mats with a livestock-safe disinfectant (like Virkon S or a diluted bleach solution).
- Ventilation Check: Ensure summer vents are clear of dust and cobwebs. You want airflow without direct drafts on your animals.
- Hardware Inspection: Check for loose hinges or warped doors caused by winter moisture. Ensure all latches are predator-proof (raccoons are especially active in spring).
- The “Mud Audit”: Inspect high-traffic areas. Apply fresh gravel or wood chips to prevent hoof rot in goats and sheep or bumblefoot in poultry.
2. Pasture & Fencing
- Walk the Perimeter: Frost heaves can loosen fence posts. Check for sagging wires or broken boards, especially in areas where pigs or donkeys might lean.
- Soil Testing: Before applying any amendments, test your soil. This ensures you aren’t over-fertilizing, which can lead to runoff into local watersheds.
- Rotational Planning: If your acreage allows, map out your rotation. Avoid letting livestock onto “saturated” spring grass too early to prevent pasture damage and “grass tetany” (magnesium deficiency).
3. Animal Health & Wellness
- Parasite Management: Spring is peak season for worms. Consult your vet about a “fecal egg count” before deworming to ensure you aren’t contributing to parasite resistance.
- Shearing & Hoof Care:
- Sheep/Alpacas: Schedule shearing before the heat and humidity of late spring set in.
- All Livestock: Trim hooves to prevent rot issues in damp spring soil.
- Vaccination Review: Ensure your CD&T boosters (for goats/sheep/pigs) are up to date.
- Poultry Health: Check for mites and lice as temperatures rise. Provide plenty of grit and calcium (oyster shell) as egg production ramps back up.
4. Regulatory & Bio-Security
- Permit Check: Review your local zoning or livestock permits to ensure you are compliant with any recent changes to animal counts or structure setbacks.
- Outbreak Monitoring: Stay tuned to the WSDA (Washington State Department of Agriculture) alerts. Spring often brings increased risks of Avian Influenza (HPAI) due to migratory bird patterns.
- Bio-Security Protocol: If you plan on attending local livestock swaps or fairs, have a “quarantine” pen ready for any new arrivals to spend 21–30 days away from your main herd.
5. Essential Spring Supplies
| Category | Items to Stock |
| Medical | Electrolytes, iodine, antiseptic spray, digital thermometer. |
| Nutrition | High-quality spring mineral blocks (specifically formulated for your species). |
| Pest Control | Fly masks for donkeys, livestock-safe fly traps, and poultry dust. |