When Easton's Cows Lie Down, a Storm Is On Its Way

EASTON, Conn. — While Irv Snow's cows were off in the field resting, he was busy preparing for Sunday's hurricane. Snow, whose family owns Snow's Farm in Easton, said it's true that the cows lie down before a storm. "They don't want to move or do anything. ... They know something we don't."

Snow started preparing for the hurricane Thursday morning by cleaning out the barns for the animals. He locks all of the animals inside when the weather gets rough.

"The donkeys are stubborn — hopefully they'll go inside on their own," said Snow. One llama on Thursday was "stocking up on food" before the storm. 

The farm has a generator to make sure all animals are happy and well fed. The grains used to feed the animals, including 22 cows, two llamas, a pony, chickens and donkeys, is provided with an electric switch. Snow has also filled a large bucket with water for the animals in anticipation of losing power.

Snow moved his trucks away from the road because old trees grow there. "With the winds they're talking about, the trees could come right down," he said. In past storms, trees have fallen on the fences in the 50-acre field and the cows have escaped — another reason Snow locks them up. Feeding time is at 4 p.m. sharp, and when the cows don't show up, Snow knows they've gotten away. 

One man bought 40 bags of sand from Snow on Thursday morning to keep water from getting into his basement. Another woman bought three-dozen eggs — but that may not be to prepare for the storm. Snow said he expects more people to stop by for sand within the next couple days. 

The Easton Village Store sold more than five propane tanks Friday — perhaps for people expecting to use their grills if there's a power outage. 

"I know a lot of the tree guys are getting their chainsaws ready," said Snow. 

Do you have to take special measures at your home to prevent damage or to protect your animals before a storm? What do you do? Send your story to shenry@thedailyeaston.com or post it in the comments box below. 

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