GPs outside over winter - UK?

External Since: Aug 08, 2007 Posts: 13

Hello

Our two GPs came to us in August and have lived outsides happily so, until a
week ago - at that stage we thought we might need to bring them in due to
the cold. Unfortunately, when we did so, the two started fighting one
another. We think it is because of the smaller indoor cage - our two boars
are litter-brothers so we weren't expecting this commotion at all.

An hour ago, I moved them back into their large outdoor pen and supplied
them with a whole bale of straw to burrow into, inside their hutch. I'll
keep an eye on them to see if the fighting stops. The main question please
though is this: will they be warm enough here in the Midlands?

Thanks for any comments/pointers

DDS

External Since: Aug 11, 2006 Posts: 23

"Duncan Di Saudelli" wrote in message

> Hello
>
> Our two GPs came to us in August and have lived outsides happily so, until
> a week ago - at that stage we thought we might need to bring them in due
> to the cold. Unfortunately, when we did so, the two started fighting one
> another. We think it is because of the smaller indoor cage - our two boars
> are litter-brothers so we weren't expecting this commotion at all.
>
> An hour ago, I moved them back into their large outdoor pen and supplied
> them with a whole bale of straw to burrow into, inside their hutch. I'll
> keep an eye on them to see if the fighting stops. The main question please
> though is this: will they be warm enough here in the Midlands?
>
> Thanks for any comments/pointers
>
> DDS
>
>
>

If it's any help we have converted a small shed which we have fully
insulated from any draughts and made into a piggy palace for them! But if
that's not possible for you then at least make sure there are no draughts.
You have done the right thing by giving them lots to burrow in but I would
advise against straw as it can be a bit stiff and sharp and could stick in
the piggies eyes - perhaps you could change to hay as it is a lot softer.

If you want more details on the shed conversion then I'll be happy to email
them to you.

Good luck

Tracie