2 questions on bringing piggies in and fleece..

[PatchandSilky]

Hi all, my 2 boys normally live outside but have moved into the garage since it's been colder. They have plenty of hay and a snuggle heat pad too. However as it's currently -5 I'm wondering whether they will be ok, or should I move them in? I can't keep them in forever so would it do them more harm to come in then back in the garage (and then obviously back out when it warms up)? They are only 6 months old so this is their first winter.

I've also been reading lots about fleece being better for them than sawdust (which is what they've always had). It's probably a silly question but how does this work wee wise? Does it soak up or does it need changing daily? They seem to do large wee's!

 

[Lucille]

That's pretty cold, I'd bring them in. I use fleece for 4 pigs in a double decker 2grid x 4 grid C&C cage, recently switched over from shavings and I like the fleece. I have a waterproof pad, then an absorbent layer (cotton diapers) and then the fleece on top. You have to launder the fleece after you buy it to get is to wick, the urine passes through the fleece and into the absorbent layer.
I have all the layers clipped onto one piece of coroplast, when the top fleece layer is taut, it is easier to vacuum. I vacuum twice a day with a shopvac, takes about five minutes each time and during that time I give them fresh hay. There is a special 'kitchen' area which is a low coroplast box and it has wood pellets in it, to help catch the hay as hay tends to stick to fleece, so most of the hay that falls out of the hay rack falls onto the pellet bedding and is just dumped when I change it.

 

[Lucille]

That's pretty cold, I'd bring them in. I use fleece for 4 pigs in a double decker 2grid x 4 grid C&C cage, recently switched over from shavings and I like the fleece. I have a waterproof pad, then an absorbent layer (cotton diapers) and then the fleece on top. You have to launder the fleece after you buy it to get is to wick, the urine passes through the fleece and into the absorbent layer.
I have all the layers clipped onto one piece of coroplast, when the top fleece layer is taut, it is easier to vacuum. I vacuum twice a day with a shopvac, takes about five minutes each time and during that time I give them fresh hay. There is a special 'kitchen' area which is a low coroplast box and it has wood pellets in it, to help catch the hay as hay tends to stick to fleece, so most of the hay that falls out of the hay rack falls onto the pellet bedding and is just dumped when I change it.

 

[PatchandSilky]

I know, I feel really bad with them being in there - I should add that I bring them in to play every day so they're not shut away without any interaction.

My main problem is my husband is allergic but I keep moaning on at him about it! Just a thought, but although they are in an 'outside hutch' as opposed to an indoor cage, could I start using fleece with them as I imagine that will add to keeping them warmer?

 

[Lucille]

At -5 I think they should be in, at least for the night, and if necessary in a room away from your husband or even at a friend's house. May I suggest a Dr. visit? They have made great strides in recent decades with allergy shots and medications and in my opinion it is always good to have information about the exact nature and cause of one's allergies, for which tests are available. Of course if the allergy is severe bringing the pig in is out of the question but you know better than I what your situation is. I admire you for putting thought into the situation and trying to make sure your pig is warm enough.