keeping my pigs warm this winter

[linz]

my 2 pigs are outside in a hutch. i cant bring them in as it seems my partner and son are allergic. i will be ordering a hutch cover that fits snuggly around today. i will also get those heat pad things when it gets really frosty.

in the sleeping area, would you think it best to put igloos in (would have to have 2 as they seem to want to be seperate or just pile in a load of hay? i have one igloo already, cookie goes in there and biscuit is always just outside of it in the corner of the sleeping area.

its a two tier hutch, but i have closed of the bottom bit as it seems draftier. i cant decide whether they are better with the space or the warmth!

do you have any other ideas for keeping them happy this winter?

[lisajaneh]

Hi Linz
Personally, I would go with warmth before space. As long as they get a go in the run often enough, I;m sure they will be fine.
The pigloos are a good idea, stuffed with hay, and placed on the heat pads, they should be toasty warm. We used put in soft toys that they could snuggle up to as well. (taking off all choke-able bits, and checking regularly in case they have chewed through them
The rain cover is also a great idea.
Alternatively, if you have the space, you could consider a little shed to put the hutch in. Then you can keep all their supplies in there, its easier to clean them out (especially if its raining), and they can have both levels to run around it. Just an idea.
Hope this helps.

[lisa]

Originally I had my pigs outside and my hubby bought one of those green house things made with like bubble wrap, it was the best it kept them warm and snug there was just enough room for me to squeeze in too when it was cold and windy and it meant they could still use the bottom run. Also you can use extra blankets to keep them warm over the hutch (under the cover obviously). Fleece tunnels and blankets are great for them just ot snuggle into. Cuddle cups in their bedroom areas.

Be careful using the heat pads as once the pad has cooled down the piggy's will be left in the cold again and don't take kindly to drops in temperature same with warming a shed up then letting it go cold if you are going to have the heating on it needs to stay at a reasonable temperature

[pigmadsarah]

its a huge worry of mine too !

I fill the sleeping compartment with hay and they have igloos or houses in each hutch and i think aw they can snuggle in and then every morning they have trampled all the hay and are sat on top ..... ummmmm silly piggies but im guessing the must not be cold or surley they would bury under it ?? very worrying now the weather dropping.

xxxx

[PigPog]

During the winter I recommend using Vetbed instead of the usual bedding you have. It can be expensive so it's not always practical, and your usual bedding will work okay with lots of extra hay, places to hide (igloos and fiddlesticks are fine too), something to cover the hutch, and placing your hutch against a wall in a sheltered part of the garden.

Have a look at my seasonal care guide too. ;D