Winter

Question
I've just gotten two pigs (brother/sister) from a rescue.  I have an appointment to get them neutered/spayed next week.  They've been seen by the vet -- everything is going well.  I'm concerned about how to house them when the weather gets cold.  Living in Minnesota, it can get nasty in the winter.  I have a small shelter (doghouse type for bed) inside a larger 3 sided shelter (like a horse lean-to).  If I keep straw in the small shelter, will they be ok this winter?  We think they are about 11 weeks now.  We are guessing by their weight/size because the rescue didn't get the age informaion.  Any suggestions as to housing would be great.  My husband made me promise not to keep them in the house -- we have a hobby farm, so we have plenty of space outdoors for them.

Thanks for your time and help!

Answer
Hello,
Your new piglets will need a nice cozy place to live.  The rule of thumb is that if you are cold the pigs will be cold.
They need a nice closed in area where they have room to exercise. Lots of straw and a  couple of heat lamps are a must in cold weather.
Make sure you check the area that they will be in in your yard for any poisonous plants.  Don't let them eat the other animals feed as they will become obese very easily.
It is good they have each other to snuggle with too!
Good luck!
Patty