Frosty Feeds and a Farmer’s Folly

A big snowstorm rolled in overnight, leaving a soft blanket of white over the ranch. Badger and Yote had been up since dawn, bundled in their thickest coats, making sure their livestock were fed and warm. The work was constant but necessary. Winter on the ranch is around the corner and never forgiving. Their animals depended on them.

Badger heaved a bale of hay into the troughs, his breath visible in the icy air. “That should keep them busy for a while,” he said, brushing snow off his gloves.

Yote was at the cisterns, breaking the ice and making sure the water flowed freely. He tipped his hat back, surveying the herd. “The snow sure makes everything look pretty, but it sure doesn’t make things easier,” he said with a grin.

The two friends worked steadily, moving between the barn and the pens. Inside the barn, the animals huddled together for warmth, the scent of hay and the soft murmur of contented creatures filling the space. The barn’s woodstove crackled in the corner, offering some reprieve from the frigid wind outside.

As Yote returned from the cisterns, he leaned on the pitchfork and smirked at Badger. “Say, Badger, got any riddles to keep our minds off this cold?”

Badger paused, leaning against the barn door to think for a moment. Then, his face lit up.

“Alright, here’s one for you: A farmer has 30 cows and 28 chickens. How many didn’t?”

Yote furrowed his brow, repeating the words aloud. “Thirty cows… twenty ate chickens…” He scratched his head, deep in thought. “Hmm… I’m not sure, Badger. That one might take me a while.”

Badger chuckled. “Take all the time you need, partner. I’ll let you puzzle it out while I finish with the hay.”

The riddle lingered in the air as they continued their work, their laughter and conversation carrying on against the backdrop of the snowy landscape. Even in the cold, the warmth of their friendship made the day’s work lighter.

Can you help Yote crack this one?

🧠 This riddle is a playful reminder that phrasing and context can make all the difference in problem-solving. Badger and Yote’s winter chores highlight the importance of thinking critically, even when the work is tough. Whether it’s deciphering a tricky puzzle or ensuring the animals are cared for, paying attention to the little details always pays off.