Hay and Mice Problems!!!!

[keepitunreal]

Hi all!

Can anyone help us with a couple of problems that we have with our piggies.

We recently bought 2 pigs and after a few days, they had to go to the vets as one had a skin problem either caused by mites or the hay. Do you know of any special hay or is artificial a safer bet to rule out any skin problems?

Since the pigs have been away, we noticed that mice have been getting into to the garage in which they co-habit (so to speak!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!). Will this scare them or cause any upset to them, or shall I send my cat in for protection in their absence!?!

Really appreciate any helpful suggestions.

Many thanks.

Peace out.

[Piglet]

Usually, hay is safe. Where did you get it from? If one has mites, then I'm sure the other one has mites too. I don't think it was from the hay, I think its because you bought them from a petstore. They have pigs that have the worst health.

Yes, its probably good to get the mice out. What temperature is the garage? Do they get much interaction in there?

[keepitunreal]

We got the pigs direct from a local breeder, not a pet store as we were well aware that they aren't the way to go. We got the hay from the same place, is it possible that one of the pigs could react more than the other to the lifeforms or enzymes that live in the hay?

The garage is not heated but is obviously sheltered and we were told was sufficient at this time of year. Do you agree? Should we interact or play with them with them more in our house on their return to us?

Thanks for the response and help, really apprieciated.

[jojomuffin]

heya, i freeze my hay for a day then defrost it before i give it to the piggies, that should kill any mites.

another way is to put the hay in an airtight bag and leave it for 30 hours - that should also kill any mites..

hope that helps

x

[keepitunreal]

Thanks for the advice jojo. Much appreciated. Will give it a whirl.

x x x x x x

[jojomuffin]

let me know how it goes

[mncavylover]

Mites do not reside in hay, they need a living host to survive.

As for the garage, I think you should keep the cavies inside, especially at this time of year. They could freeze. Also, they won't get much interaction at all outside, right? Is there any way you can work this so that they can stay in with you? Thanks!

[Ly&Pigs]

I agree with MN.

There is no artificial hay to my knowledge and even if there was it wouldn't have the same effect for the piggies as real hay. I wouldn't put a cat in the garage with the piggies either unless the cage is enclosed, but the best thing you can do for your piggies is to move them into the house and do a lot of interacting with them.

[Ly&Pigs]

JoJo-hay should be kept where air can get to it, it can go moldy easily if its in airtight containers.