winter baths

[kelly-m-e]

This is the first winter I have had my long haired pigs. Last year their fur wasn't very long so didn't need washing as often. Is it safe to bath them through the winter? I'm scared to do it in case they catch a chill! I normally bath them every 2 months or so (wonda is very scruffy!)

Does everybody wash their long haired pigs through the winter?
I don't normally put them back into the shed until they are dry anyway, but still I worry!

 

[Joey&Gizmo]

I was wondering this too as I have 2 long haired piggy's and bath them about every 2 months too! Mine live indoors though so I'm guessing that it would be ok to still bath them.
For you as they are outdoors, as long as they are completely dry before going into the hutch (as you are already doing) and they have lots of hay to snuggle into it should be fine to still bath them. Ive not read anywhere that said you shouldn't bath them in the winter but I'm sure someone on here can give a definite answer.

 

[Lisajazz]

I would personally keep them in overnight after bathing them even if blowdried on cool setting. Put back outside in the morning with lots of hay

 

[kelly-m-e]

thanks guys,

i should maybe add that they are in their own shed, and it does have a radiator. its like their own little house (my rabbits hutches are in their also).

i was just abit worried though, maybe if i do it in the morning and make sure they are dry and put the back out later?

would that be okay?

 

[LesaC]

I would keep them very well trimmed and only bath outside piggys if absolutely necessary over winter. If you are going to bath them then would recommend doing it early in the morning and using a hairdryer to ensure they are thoroughly dried. I would be cautious of keeping them in overnight as changes in temp are worse for piggys than the cold of a UK winter (if they are properly catered for in cold weather and yours certainly sound like they are).

 

[Lisajazz]

I would keep them very well trimmed and only bath outside piggys if absolutely necessary over winter. If you are going to bath them then would recommend doing it early in the morning and using a hairdryer to ensure they are thoroughly dried. I would be cautious of keeping them in overnight as changes in temp are worse for piggys than the cold of a UK winter (if they are properly catered for in cold weather and yours certainly sound like they are).

Good point about the temperature difference.