Where Do All The Animals Go in the Winter?
- Honey Bee Gardens
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
**A Cozy Tour Behind the Scenes at Honey Bee Gardens Farm
Every winter, as the Midwest turns into a giant snow globe, we get asked the same question:
“Where do all the animals go in the winter?”
The truth is simple and sweet: they’re right here—warm, safe, fed, and thriving. Winter on the farm doesn’t mean the animals disappear. It just means their homes get cozier, their routines shift, and our team layers up (a lot more than they usually do).
Come take a behind-the-scenes look at how each of our animal families stays comfortable all the way until spring.
🐰 The Bunny House
The bunnies might have the coziest winter setup on the farm.
Their little cottage is fully insulated and wrapped to block harsh winds. Inside, we layer thick straw to help create natural warmth. Each bunny has hideaways, hay tunnels, and enrichment toys to keep them active and comfortable when the temperatures dip.
Even on the coldest Chicago morning, the Bunny House stays warm enough for hopping, munching, and exploring. Outside might be snow and silence—but inside? It’s basically a bunny spa day.
The Winter Farm
Coloring Book
Bring the farm to your kitchen table — familiar animals, fun facts, and kid-friendly learning all-in-one free printable below. Enjoy! 💛
🦆 The Quack Shack
Ducks are tougher than they look, but they still appreciate a little luxury.
The Quack Shack is insulated and draft-protected, with proper ventilation so moisture doesn’t freeze inside. We keep their bedding deep and dry, rotate straw regularly, and provide warm water throughout the day.
With a cozy floor and blocked winds, the ducks settle right in. While their pond freezes over, their little chalet becomes the perfect winter retreat.
🐔 The Chicken Coop
Chickens may be hardy, but drafts are their enemy. That’s why their coop is wrapped, insulated, and equipped with safe, low-heat panels—not heat lamps.
Winter chicken care at the farm includes:
Extra-protein feed
Indoor dust baths
Scratch grains to help them generate heat naturally
When the wind is howling, you’ll find the flock huddled together, clucking quietly, living their best cozy cottage life.
🐴 The Barn
Our barn stays warm all winter thanks to a heated floor system that keeps the space cozy from the ground up. Instead of relying on deep bedding for warmth, the animals get a steady, gentle heat that makes the barn one of the warmest places on the farm. On the coldest days, you can feel it the moment you step inside.
But even with that warm barn life, the animals don’t stay indoors 24/7.
They still head outside to stretch their legs, get fresh air, and explore the snow at their own pace.
Our horses go out wearing winter blankets to protect them from the wind and cold, and the pigs? They have their own stash of quilts and comforters they snuggle into when they settle down to nap. It’s equal parts practical… and completely adorable.
Walk into the barn on a freezing morning & you’ll find:
A warm floor radiating heat
Goats lounging without a care in the world
Pigs burrowed in their blankets
It’s winter comfort perfected.
🐝 Where the Bees Go in Winter
People often assume bees leave in the winter—but they don’t. They stay right here on the farm.
Inside a winter hive, thousands of bees form a tight cluster around their queen, vibrating their wings to generate heat. The center of that cluster stays around 90°F, even when the air outside is below zero.
We help the colony through winter by:
Wrapping the hives
Adding wind protection
Providing fondant & protein patties
Reducing the entrance to keep cold gusts out
So while the farm sleeps under snow, the hive hums quietly—alive, warm, and waiting for the first signs of spring.
💛 Winter on the Farm Doesn't Slow Down... it Softens
Winter means earlier mornings, thicker gloves, and constant checks.
Every day we:
Refresh bedding
Break ice & refill warm water
Check temperatures in each structure
Monitor feed levels
Make sure every animal is active, alert & comfortable
The farm might look quiet under a thick layer of snow, but behind every door, there’s life: warm, buzzing, snuggling, and waiting for kids and families to return in the spring.
And that’s the magic we love most. 💜
