[Dexter]

Today was our first snowfall, and the potbellies weren't enjoying it like the dogs were.
Besides a draft free place with dry bedding, can I do anything else? It gets pretty cold here and they aren't coming in the house. Any special feeds to keep them warm?

How about water? I use heated buckets for other critters. But they'll know that over. Any other ideas? They are no more than 40 pounds, about 10 months old.

Thanks!

 

[Farmerwilly2]

Uh oh, now you did it. You didn't post where you are. Now the 'post your location' gestapo will jump down your neck. But to answer your question, the pigs we raise here take the cold just fine. The PB's live in an igloo type dog house with the bottom out of it. They dig a pit inside the thing and snuggle up with frozen ground and snow. We tried straw, they just weren't interested in using it. I use a plastic half barrel for water, break the ice when it freezes over. They're more concerned with getting their corn allotment than about anything else. They're a lot tougher than most folks give them credit for.

 

[farmergirl]

We always give ours plenty of grass hay or straw to nest in. They will bury themselves in the hay if you make the bedding deep enough

 

[Farmerwilly2]

Our pb's are weird that way, they pull the straw out. The other pigs nest right down in it just fine, but not the pb's. I think they aren't quite right in the head.

 

[Dexter]

I'm in central BC Canada, about zone 6.
Yes they love hay. They use it like a cocoon. When ever I call "Piggy's" at feeding time then run out with hay caught up in their back hair. With enough hay I can't imagine there being trouble- but I have read more than once how sensitive they are to cold.
Thanks.