Pigs and cold weather

Pigs and cold weather don’t mix. Pigs and rain don’t usually mix. In Coccolino’s
case, pigs and mud don’t mix. So what goes well with a pet pig? A warm blanket

This winter has been brutal. In our area, February was the coldest month on
record since record keeping was started here. Not only the amount of snow here
has been incredible but the frigid finger numbing cold has been unbearable. Cocco has been hiding under blankets the whole month.

I have not been able to stop thinking of all the poor animals that have no
choice but to confront this cold. My heart breaks for those pets that have not
been appropriately prepared to go out in the cold or that are left out too long
(as in a minute lately!).

Don’t tell my husband but I was seriously thinking of cracking open the door to our snow-laden treehouse for them to find some comfort and reprieve from this weather (no, I didn’t, and I do logically understand that outdoor animals in the northeast are able to adapt to this weather but emotionally I watch the deer make their way through the snow and I just want to feed and warm them).

So, back to my point. Pigs and cold weather just do not mix.

I have received more emails this past month than ever before from pet pig
parents that are beyond frustrated with their pigs. They are having more
accidents than ever. After being potty trained, they are actually reverting to
peeing in a corner or pooping behind the chair.

You know what I tell them? I’m with them. Coccolino has had more intentional
“accidents” this month than I can remember in one period. It is infuriating,
even though I understand why he doesn’t want to go out. And Coccolino is lucky.
He might go outside to potty but his area is completely covered and free of snow. He just has to contend with the cold and he’s a bit too spoiled to be inconvenienced that much. Here is a view of his spot, covered on all sides with snow but nice and snow-free inside:

Breaking a pig of this bad habit is just as hard as finding his puddle of pee. I
almost have to go back to step one, and that’s what I advise those helpless
piggy parents who are emailing me.

Let your pig out to pee or poop often! Like every 30 minutes when you can. Put a
little soiled reminder where they should go to encourage them to go (pigs can’t
resist their own potty smell!).

It is a frustrating process but it’s understandable. So, piggy parents, dress
them for the weather even as they scream, take them out often, and reward them
when they go! Potty basics 101 for pig parents in cold weather.

Hopefully spring is around the corner. We will reach a balmy high of upper 30s
this week. Cocco is salivating thinking of chomping on watery spring grass.
Until then, I will be on Cocco like a pig on a garbage pile (thanks to Pixie’s height and prowess).

Stay warm!

~ Katie and a very chilly and potty stubborn Cocco

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