Freezing night temps, oh no, what do I do?

[PETSNEGGS]

It is going to get down to about 20 at night the next couple nights. Sassy my PBP just had babies and they are only 5 days old. They are in just a little shelter with hay and the top is tarped. There is no way for me to put a heat lamp in with them. It is too low to the ground and I would be so afraid of fire. Will they be fine with Momma or should I put them in a basket and bring them in at night? If I do that will Momma be okay and also take them back during the day. sorry for all the questions but, so worried and needing advice. Thanks tons everyone.

[susieM]

More straw or hay? Bring Sassy into the house, too?

(if this is how it starts, I can't see you being able to eat those babies)

[PETSNEGGS]

Susie, I would love to bring Sassy in too but, unfornatualy she really has gotten big and she doesn't like the steps. I will pack more hay in there though. Oh and no I wasn't planning on eating them. That is why I use "PETSneggs". I am going to sell the babies. I envy everyone that can raise their own meat but, I can't bring myself to eat it after I name it. Hubby and the boys would have no problem with it though.

[highlands]

Some sort of simple roof if there will be precipitation.
Lots of dry bedding. We use hay because the pigs also eat it.
They do fine in the cold weather - it gets down to -45°F here.
Pigs are tough and do well right though our winters, growing, farrowing, etc.
It is the right around freezing when it is wet that is bad. Mud season. Ick.
Note, we have have farm pigs, not pb pigs. Bigger but otherwise similar.

Cheers

-Walter
Sugar Mountain Farm
in the mountains of Vermont
http://SugarMtnFarm.com/blog/
http://HollyGraphicArt.com/
http://NoNAIS.org

[PETSNEGGS]

Oh, Walter thank you, I was just so worried that they would freeze to death since they are just babies. I did loose one, the other day, she must have laid on it. broke my heart but, so far the rest are doing great. Boy, they are quick too when they want to be! I guess I'll just try to relax alittle (NOT!) and put some more hay in with her and the babies and hope for the best during the cold nights.

[susieM]

Tell the truth...are you gonna go out there with a coupla blankets and sleep with them?

[PETSNEGGS]

Boy, are you sure we haven't meet in person? Or maybe you are one of those that can read minds!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hubby would kill me but, would expect it of me... I did think of an electric blanket and then we would all cuddle up.... shhhhhhhhhh don't tell ....Was out there all night with her in the pouring rain when she had them, running back and forth tot he house to get more dry towels to clean them with... Crazy yeah I know. and then I wonder why I ache all over.

[susieM]

How are all of you this morning?

(I used to go out and sleep with my animals when I was a kid. My mom has a picture of me covered in calf, foal, dogs cats, goats, and chickens. I used to wake up stiff and sore from not wanting to move and disturb a kitty)

[oakspring]

Throw some plywood on the top of a couple of two by fours on your straw bale sides and place a few bales of straw on top of the plywood. Partially close the front with bales to block the draft and add a little more straw inside. They will burrow into the straw and be snug as a bug in their insulated home. Straw bales have an RF value of from 30-50....better than your own home.

[susieM]

Next time...build a sty that butts right up to the house. Maybe with a window, so they can look into the room. That's what they used to do over here.

[Blossomgapfarm]

I can't eat it if I name it either. Gets easier and easier to not name the critters.

[PETSNEGGS]

LOL, you all are too funny. Thanks for all the info and support. I have them packed in with all kinds of bales and wood and tarps. They seem to be doing very well and getting little round bellies. It was so cold and going to be even worse tonight but, I will just run back and forth and check on them. It is so windy too now but, the tarps seem to be holding up. SusieM, I love the idea of right next to the house and a window. Would save me some sleepless nights.

[bonnie in indiana]

They do make heat mats for dogs and small livestock, but I think they are $75ish.
I have a heat lamp wired up on mine and usually just a 100watt bulb. I hate heat lamps. This is the first winter for me and PBP's and I don't know exactly what to expect and I am cringing because I just lost one to faulty casteration. [see another post] I have the hugest pile of hay in the barn and they snuggle right in and the chickens sit on them. The chickens [bantams]figured out that the pigs are body warmers and the light bulbs are back warmers--they get the best of both worlds.

[susieM]

Be careful.

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