Wide-spread power losses have left millions without heat or electricity as extreme winter weather continues to surge throughout the southern part of the country.
As the New York Times reported, days of dealing with the onslaught of a polar vortex have left at least 38 people dead nationwide, including many who attempted to stay warm inside their homes.
Most notably, Texans have been struggling to overcome the historic winter storm, and as they face even more days of severe weather, many are doing whatever they can to keep themselves, and even their beloved animals, safe from the cold.
Indeed, the unexpected disaster isn’t just affecting people — it’s affecting the creatures in the area, too.
Particularly farm animals.
As Insider reported, large-scale farms are typically equipped with adequate heating supplies for their animals, but it’s the smaller farms and independent animal owners who are struggling to keep their livestock warm.
A recent Twitter thread has compelled many such farmers to share the ways in which they’ve been protecting their own animals.
Many have been left with little choice but to bring their animals inside their homes to escape the storm.
After journalist Yashar Ali tweeted about the phenomenon, some Texas farmers have flocked to the comments to post photos proving that yes, they have indeed begun inviting their barnyard pals inside their homes to stay warm.
These chickens have their very own tent.
One user shared what they said was their friend’s impromptu indoor camping site for their chickens, which consists of a simple tent set up inside their home.
“That’s a truly inspired idea,” another user commented. “But I’d double up on the ‘absorbent material’ to keep it from becoming aromatic.”
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Not quite as nice as a personal tent, but still warm.
These fowls were invited inside the house but were restricted exclusively to the bathtub.
It doesn’t look like they mind very much at all, though. They have their dirt, they have their feed, and they’re not out in the cold, so by all accounts they’re doing just fine.
This goat was granted access inside the mudroom where it’s keeping its new roommate company.
Blue Heron Farm, a dairy farm in the Houston area, shared this picture of one of their young goats getting up close and personal with a house cat, who doesn’t seem too pleased to be having a surprise sleepover.
May users in the comments expressed joy at seeing that not only has this goat been invited inside, but it’s also been giving a cozy cable knit sweater for extra warmth.
This cow looks perfectly content beside a roaring fire.
Honestly, I’m not sure this beauty will ever want to go back outside again. Not after it got to live a life of luxury inside its farmer’s house, complete with a cozy rug perfect for napping on and a warm fire perfect for napping in front of.
This is a house cow now.
Feral cats have even been invited inside to escape the cold.
Many users commented on the Twitter thread to share that they’ve given any cats found prowling their properties a shelter from the storm.
This kitty appears quite content with his new status as an indoor cat. Perhaps, much like the cow, it will now prefer being inside to being outside.
Texans aren’t the only ones opening their doors to their farm animals.
This Tennessee farmer shared that they recently brought their livestock inside, as well.
“So far the animals are hanging out in the bathroom and we’re all under extra blankets,” they shared, along with a photo of one happy looking duck.
As the cold snap continues, Insider reports that animal owners are encouraged to bring those creatures indoors if possible, or at least provide them adequate food, shelter, and water.
h/t: Insider , New York Times
